OK..... what caliber is next?

[22vartarg]

I’m looking for my next project and I prefer a 20 or 22 caliber. Main purpose will be punching paper and occasionally varmint. Being accurate is the most important. I shoot at a range that goes out to 500 yards. I already have 20 VarTarg, 22 hornet, 224 Valkyrie, 22-250 REM, and 22 Creedmoor. Had a 204 Ruger, but turned it into the 20 VarTarg which I would say is my favorite. Prefer light recoiling. I was thinking about a 221 Fireball, but not sure.
Ok, what would you recommend I should look at?

 

[steve123]

Buying a better scope.

 

[B23]

You appear to have most of the 22 caliber bases pretty well covered so I'd go 20-222 or 20-223 AKA 20 Practical and use at least an 11 twist barrel. You could also go fast twist 20BR or 20-250 to shoot the 55gr Berger's but if you go that route you'll want to get your hands on a bunch of 55gr Berger's first because they only make them on a limited run basis now. Also, barrel life will be quite a bit shorter in a 20BR and 20-250.

No pun intended but for practicality the 20 Practical and 20-222 are hard to beat but I also don't see a 222 or 223 in your list and 22 cals definitely have a MUCH better bullet selection to choose from than does the 20's.

The 222 Rem is an amazing shooting cartridge so something chambered in that would certainly serve you well.

 

[TAJ45]

^^^^^ The gift/purchase that keeps on giving.

 

[Sniper338]

Better buy fireball brass now if your going to do that. Lapua quite making it.


20-223AI or 20PPC

 

[22vartarg]

Sitting on 700 pieces of Lapua brass.... use it for the 20 VarTarg.

 

[mike a]

If you don’t have a 6BR you haven’t lived yet.

 

[Hotshot]

If you don’t have a 6BR you haven’t lived yet.

?????What???????????????

 

[JSH]

222 or a 22BR. I waited to way to long in having one of the other, now I have both. My only regrets were not having them sooner.

 

[varmintshooter]

222 would be a good choice if you don't like recoil. I put one together and use it for nite hunting. I don't think it is much quieter than a 223 but I shoot suppressed so it's not bad. Known for accuracy and a good selection of bullets over the 20 cal, whats not to like.

 

[B23]

Just about any mid 50's bullet, H322 or H335, and the 222 go together like peas & carrots. It'll feed like butter through just about any short action action and as varmintshooter already mentioned, what's not to like about the 222?!

 

[acloco]

223 AI or 222 Magnum AI

When looking for "THE next caliber", I always price components and dies first.

223 AI - parent case of 223 - NOT expensive. Fireform and go!

222 Magnum AI - also easy - use 204 Ruger brass - neck up and fireform.

 

[Evan]

My fast twist 22BR is the most accurate rifle I have ever shot. 0.375 inches at 300 yards. 1 inch is a "meh" day. I'd go 8 twist, 0.100" freebore, and shoot everything from the 85.5 berger on down.

 

[mike a]

?????What???????????????

Ok, Ok. He didn’t say he has a 22BR.

 

[snowpro440]

.223A.I. or .22 Cheatah

 

[SmokinJoe]

I think you would seriously enjoy the 221 Fireball. I have 2 of them and they are about the most reliable mid-range varmint rifles I own. Make sure that your 221FB is chambered to use Lapua brass if that is what you have.

 

[std7mag]

There's a 22-06 for sale in the classified section.

 

[CharlieNC]

Everyone should own a 223. In fclass the 90gr can hold great accuracy out to 600yd. Unamerican not to own one!

 

[Gary in MD]

Here’s a vote for the mighty 220 Swift !
Gary

 

[thekriebles]

...range that goes out to 500 yards. ...I was thinking about a 221 Fireball...

The 221 Rem. Fireball would not be my choice. If you're not considering a 6mm, then perhaps a fast twist 22BR.