New barrel/ What cartridge?

[RangerRob]

Ok, here is the deal.
I have a 1903 that was "sporterized" many moons ago.
It is currently .223 with a shot out Douglas barrel.
The bolt was modified obviously and is heading South as is the tube.
I have a stock '03 bolt so it seems simplest to keep that head size.
I plan to use this as a walking varmint/predator rig.
243
6.5-47
6.5-284
Maybe stay small and go 22-250?
What are YOUR thoughts?

 

[5spd]

.243 would be my choice for a light varminter, good to 800 yards with ease, handloading easy as apple pie, selection of bullets is great. 2nd choice would go to the 6x45( not listed though) based off the .223 case & still be .243 cal. I built my varmint rigs on those 2 calibers on Savage actions. Both will do 500 yards all the time from coyote to deer.

 

[357Mag]

RB- Howdy !

Say... a .250 Savage would make a nice one. Could be triple-threat: varmint, target, hunting.

A 6mm Remington, would also make for a dandy choice. Better barrel life than a .243, plus a tad more "oomph".

With regards,
57Mag

 

[.260 james]

A sporterized springfield in .257 Roberts would be the classical yet effective route. A .22-250 is never a bad choice for a varmit rifle though.

 

[Sully2]

Ok, here is the deal.
I have a 1903 that was "sporterized" many moons ago.
It is currently .223 with a shot out Douglas barrel.
The bolt was modified obviously and is heading South as is the tube.
I have a stock '03 bolt so it seems simplest to keep that head size.
I plan to use this as a walking varmint/predator rig.
243
6.5-47
6.5-284
Maybe stay small and go 22-250?
What are YOUR thoughts?

22-250 is all you need for varmints / predators. Im carrying a Stiller with a 24" Brux on it in 22-250 for those critters. Stock by Stocky's

 

[K22]

A "walking around" rifle implies something light, highly portable, and shots within 200 yards or so. If that's that case, the 223 would be my choice in a 22 inch sporter barrel. This is an economical, low recoil, easy to shoot and reload cartridge.

In fact, my all my "walking around" varmint rifles are 223 and are an extreme joy to hunt with. (2 ea. - Model 7 Rem's and a Browning X bolt compositve stalker)

With that said, the 243 and 22 250 are excellent cartridges for long range varmint hunting so it's hard to imagine going wrong with any of these.

 

[therifler]

a walking rifle for var/pred hunting leeves me with little choice out of the cartridges listed . i want a light rifle that is easy to carry and will not have alot of recoil. it should have long range ability if needed and have a great selection of bullets both hand loaded or store bought . it should be proven on the game you hunt . i would go with the .223 however you mention the bolt face is going to be for large rifle then 22-250 would be my choice . T.R.