New Varmint Rigs

[NebrVandal]

Looking to get 2 factory varminters for PDs: 22-250 & 243.

For the 22-250 leaning towards the Savage VLP [single shot].

For the 243 trying to decide between the old stand-by [Rem 700 VLS], the new X-Bolt Varmint Stalker and the new Winchester M 70 Coyote Light.

Suggestions, comments?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[alf]

I wouldn't even think of going dogging without a 223.

I would go with a 223 and a 22-250. A 223 is cheaper to run, and longer barrel life to boot. Plus, with both being 22 caliber, you only have to stock 22 cal. bullets. With a 243, 6mm bullets go up in price, burns more powder, barrel life goes down,and it gets to be a bit much in the recoil department in a good town. Although when the wind kicks up, it does have it's place.

So, because I'm a Remington slut, I'd do a pair of VLS's, one in 223, the other in 22-250. With having matching twins, it makes switching back and forth in the bags less of a hassle than two totally different rigs.

 

[mikeincool]

I would buy the savage 12 fv. You can order the 223 or 22-250 or even a 204 from Wal-mart for $500.00 each. The savage comes out of the box with a 2 lb. trigger and a pillar bedded stock. If you have to have laminate and stainless, savage has that too. I was a Remington slut until I shot my first stainless fluted savage BVSS 22-250 last year. Now I have 4 savages and only 2 Remingtons. I wish I only had 1 rem. I am in over my head on a 700 custom with a 308 shilling barrel. One more thing, If you ever get tired of the half inch groups, you can change the barrel yourself and save to 300 that a good smith charges to work on a rem.

 

[Vermin]

With a little inside info I'm wondering why 22-250 in a single shot and 243 for a walking varminter??
That old J action 243 was/is a good shooter and when loaded with 55 grainers the 243 will do everything the 22-250 will do and more? Now load the 105 Amax in the 243 and its a whole different critter getter!

 

[sdneil]

Alf is right on target,as usual. Its all about seeing the HITS ! And the MISSES! To much recoil aint much good when it comes to seeing a hit or miss. A .223 is perfect,22-250 right behind,both will be a lot cheaper to shoot,more rounds, more FUN. Buy a couple Remingtons a dont look back. Neil

 

[kkeene]

A Savage VLP or BVSS in 204 and a 22-250 for your longer shots and you are good to go. Typically excellent accuracy and a 1.5 TO 2 lb trigger pull out of the box. Note that it takes a 100 rounds or so for the best accuracy to show up from the typical Savage factory barrel. I have not shot out a factory Savage barrel yet, but you can swap out barrels without paying a gunsmith if you ever do. You will not like the flimsy plastic stock of the cheaper Savages, but they are just as accurate if you are careful how you rest them. I have not used one of the new accustocks. Note that I recommend the 204 over the 223. Use 39 gr Blitz Kings over a max load of H4895, good for an extra 100 yards over a 223. I currently take a 223, 2 204's and a 6BR when I go out for a weekend. My current favorite is the 204. My three factory barreled Savage varmint rifles all shoot under 1/2 inch, a couple of them are pushing 1/4 inch with handloads loaded on my Hornady Lock-n-Load progressive. I am considering re-barreling the 6BR to a 22/250AI. Shooting P-dogs I prefer a repeater over a single shot. If you go single shot look at the more expensive F-class in a dual port or right bolt left port. All things being equal these more expensive LRPV's don't shoot any better than a VLP or BVSS. BVSS has a more upright pistol grip and a flatter fore end. Use the Burris offset rings as many Savage barrels are not lined up with the receiver scope mount holes. Check out SavageShooters.com for more info. Have fun!

 

[12man]

I am a Remington guy, any of todays varmint guns are pretty good shooters out of the box with a trigger job & handloads. Get a 223 & 22-250, and shoot em, after you wear out the 22-250 barrel rebarrel to 6BR worked awesome for me. Now I went & bought another 22-250 don't know what I'll do after I burn this barrel out. Rebarrel to 22-250 or?

 

[RJinTexas]

I own four trued 700 all shoot better then I can, all work was done by highly regarded smiths. Buy the time you pay to have them trued, the bolt firing pin hole bushed, install a speed lock firing pin assembly, a Jewell trigger and a after market barrel and stock they'll all shoot a little better then a Savage. I also own several Savages and they've all shot very well right out of the box without all the extra expense. Starting out I believe you'd would be hard pressed to beat a Savage BVSS .243 as I don't believe the .243 Win is available in their LRPV series. I'd look hard at a .204 Ruger LRPV for the second rifle. Good luck with whatever you choose.