Picking up a new varmint rifle and need some help decided between 2

[Matt_3479]

I sold off my 243. win that was my main varmint rifle and got a custom built 260. rem that will take care of my long sits. but i need something to fill the void between 17 hmr, 22 lr, 22 mag and the 260. rem. I don't overly want a 22-250, just never really did anything for me and the 220 swift is a beautiful round but I'm going to save that for a later date.

Im debating between 2 used firearms on another site with one being the CIL 900 (anschutz) 222. rem which is one of my personal favourites and the CZ 527 varmint in 204. ruger which would have to be my favourite varmint round. The CIL is a couple hundred cheaper and in really great shape. the CZ comes with the factory wood stock, a boyds pro varmint stock, 1" and 30mm Leopold rings and looks to be in almost new condition.

Im just having a hard time decided and would like to hear what you would do. Im really trying to talk myself into both but that never seems to work out well

 

[Carolina Man]

Of the choice you mentioned the 222 is the better of the two. Probably the most out of the box accurate caliber going. Ruled the bench rest game for over 20 years. Lapua brass is available. What twist on the barrel? Might try some of the Hornandy 53 gr VMAX if they won't shoot because of the barrel twist the 52 gr will. Old loads were with 4198 and BLc2. But now 133 or 322 maybe 135.

George

 

[shadrac]

the 222 has the potential to be very accurate but so does the 204 wich is my favorite varmint rig with sierra 39 gr bk and r-10 cci mag primer
just my two cents

 

[JohnHenry]

The 222 is one of my favorite cartridges, but I would much prefer front locking lugs not the rear locking lugs that I believe the CIL 900 (Anschutz 54 action ?) has.

 

[bheadboy]

the suggestions re the 222 are valid I have lots of experience with them and never disappointed, I also agree the rear lug action is not as stiff and will not compete with a std 700 type action front lugs.

the cost of going hunting is so much more than the one time cost of the rifle- a one time expense vs multipule trips, go with a 700 style action pick up a used 222 at a gun store or show and I bet the bbl is not shot out.

if you want more horse power, the 222m reamer cleans up the chamber and throat. and is a jewell

Bob

 

[Matt_3479]

Im not worried about the 54 action, these rifles tend to be real shooters. I just can't decided between the 204. ruger and the 222. rem and these are the 2 guns I'm debating between

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Both CAN be very accurate. The 222 may have the edge on accuracy with careful load testing, but the 204R is no slouch on accuracy and is much more explosive on small varmints with the right bullet.

Old anshutz would be nice and CZ makes really nice rifles too. Just depends on what you're looking for in features.

 

[SmokinJoe]

The 204 CZ would be my choice of those 2. If the Anschutz is the older rear locking lug action, you either load it conservatively or your brass won't last too long. Don't know what you are planning to shoot with it, but if PD's you will get a lot more performance out of the 204.

 

[Bangs OH]

The .204R would fit the hole you have now. But, if you're really serious about a Swift later, the .222 would make sense. Fwiw, since owning both .204s and 6mms, my "in-between" .22 centerfires rarely get shot anymore; I don't miss them.
It appears you live in the open spaces of Ontario, where the milder report and muzzle blast of the .222 would not justify it over the hotter .204. Hits harder farther out, better in the wind and arguably as accurate as its triple deuce cousin, too .

 

[Tommie]

The .204R would fit the hole you have now. But, if you're really serious about a Swift later, the .222 would make sense. Fwiw, since owning both .204s and 6mms, my "in-between" .22 centerfires rarely get shot anymore; I don't miss them.
It appears you live in the open spaces of Ontario, where the milder report and muzzle blast of the .222 would not justify it over the hotter .204. Hits harder farther out, better in the wind and arguably as accurate as its triple deuce cousin, too .

/\ /\ What he said. Word for word.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I will add this. Since I started building and shooting 20 cal varmint rifles, I havent had a desire to ever shoot another 22 cal. Im like the other fella, If it aint a 20 cal varmint rifle, then it's gotta be a 6mm for me. I have a 204R, 20 Tactical, and used to have a 20 VT. From there its a 6mm Remington, 6XC, and 243 LBC Turbo 40. Dont care much for the 22s in between. Just my personal preference.

 

[varmintshooter]

Although I am not familiar with the CIL I do have a cz527 varmint in 204, I traded a 527 in 222 for the 204. I like the 204 better than a 222 for varmints. As far as quality between the two, I don't know.

 

[snert]

Annie over CZ...sorry guys, that would be my choice

 

[mac86951]

I really enjoy my 222, but I also enjoy my '66 Mustang. Great cartridge, but the 204R might be the better choice at the moment. My 222 is a Remington 788, and its just a tack driver that is fun. I recently got a plethora of $0.09 50gr TNT bullets for it and it'll keep a smile on my face for an occasional shoot, but any given day I'll Grab my 223, 243, 6.5 for those longer shots and I'd expect a 204 to be in the running.

-Mac

 

[strut64]

If you can swing the money get em both!!! I have a 223 and a 204R and always have the dilemma of which one to grab as well.

 

[Pablo]

I would vote for the 204 because you get to see the show. My rifles really likes 40gn Bergers and 8208 powder. The 222 might have a slight edge in the accuracy department but only slightly. The 204 is much flatter shooting.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I have a 222 and a 204.. The 222 is a great rifle. and accurate, but so is the 204.. I usually take the deuce because my 204 [Savage Mod 12] weighs so much and is rather long. I also have a 22 Hornet that I love and a 17 HMR. Lately I have been thinking of building a 222 Rem Mag.

 

[Matt_3479]

Well I was suppose to have decided by now but I cant, so I took a few more days. I think im going try and grab the 204. Ruger while it's available and then come back and see if I can grab the 222. Rem In a few weeks.

 

[stacy]

I HAVE THEM BOTH AND THEY BOTH DO A GREAT JOB !!!!!!!!!

 

[JarheadAZ]

For Varmint, anything my .223's won't garner is fodder for my .260's. Between the two, they cover the gamut between rimfire distance and Long Range. They are easy to feed, and I nearly always find needed handloading components already on the shelf. They can be developed to very good accuracy, and are reasonably easy on barrels. With good judgement about distances and good sight pictures, they can be effective for game from P-Dog to Deer/Antelope; although I tend to be rather conservative about taking a some shots that might strain the cartridge's capabilities. I don't worry, a better opportunity will always present itself eventually.

Greg