Rifle selection advice requested

[jackbrownii]

So. Work appears to be going to come through with profit sharing in February.

I'm thinking about a new rifle. I'd love to go prairie dogging or rock chucking at some point. In moments of candid honesty with myself, I acknowledge that my rifles will likely be used for paper punching much of the time...

First, just to make this post really long winded, what I currently have:

223 Savage BVSS-S
6BR Savage benchrest
243 Ruger M77 Mark II
223 Rock River upper for one of the ARs. (not counting on any particular time for it to come off backorder)

What I'm contemplating:
204 Ruger - Something just sounds interesting
22-250 - a classic
22-250 AI - a classic that's even faster
22BR - BR accuracy

So far as I can tell, the first three are the only ones that are available in factory chamberings. Depending on whether Cooper is technically factory or custom or somewhere in between.

Plusses and minuses of a factory chambering over a custom build? Time would seem to favor factory and precision to favor a custom build.

Anyway, this is still early in my nigh unto endless debating and thinking about it process before I actually order anything. Suggestions? Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[DennisH]

Based on what you already have, I would go (and have) a 22-250.

Or something you didn't mention is a 6BRX or 6 Dasher. But since you have a 6BR, maybe the 22-250 would be the way to go.

JMO

 

[Bodei]

Prairie dogs and rock chucks? Easy answer, 20 Vartarg! Economical, accurate, easy on barrel heat, light recoil, easy to make brass. Perfect for smaller varmints. I have a Copper and its definitely my favorite in the safe. Join the club of satisfied VT owners. I have yet to hear one complain about the cartridge.

 

[Gary in MD]

If work comes through with enough money....go for the Cooper, regardless of the caliber that you pick. You won't be sorry.
Gary

 

[nonliberal]

You already have some very good calibers for your intended use so I might look for excellent optics to go with one of those calibers. Or if I just wanted a new caliber I would go with the standard 22-250. Widely available ammo and components, no fireforming, etc.

 

[1holeaddict]

Those calibers you have listed are going to do nothing that your 223 and 6br cant do. Invest the money into a premium barrel for each gun and you know have two great pd rigs. JMO

 

[jackbrownii]

Prairie dogs and rock chucks? Easy answer, 20 Vartarg! Economical, accurate, easy on barrel heat, light recoil, easy to make brass. Perfect for smaller varmints.

Not familiar with that one. I'll have to take a look. Thanks.

 

[jackbrownii]

If work comes through with enough money....go for the Cooper, regardless of the caliber that you pick. You won't be sorry.
Gary

Thanks. Haven't heard anyone say anything bad about Coopers yet.

 

[savagedasher]

The most accurate with good barrel life ease of loading my only choice would be 8'' twist 6mm BR
Good Shooting Larry

 

[jackbrownii]

You already have some very good calibers for your intended use so I might look for excellent optics to go with one of those calibers. Or if I just wanted a new caliber I would go with the standard 22-250. Widely available ammo and components, no fireforming, etc.

It's primarily a matter of wanting a new caliber.

Good optics are, well, good. I've got mostly Leupold and one Sightron at the moment.

Thanks.

 

[jackbrownii]

Those calibers you have listed are going to do nothing that your 223 and 6br cant do. Invest the money into a premium barrel for each gun and you know have two great pd rigs. JMO

Premium barrels will happen when I decide one or the other is shot out. Something to think about, though. Thanks.

 

[nonliberal]

[/quote]

It's primarily a matter of wanting a new caliber.


[/quote]

Certainly understood. Been there a few times.

 

[Shoptom]

I like smaller stuff for PDs. 17FB has been my favorite,204 next, but a new 20VT barrel on an old Sako is becoming a real contender. Then when the wind gets bad,usually mid-day sometime, 22-250 or Swift with heavier bullets.
Good Shooting!
Tom

 

[wmdron]

I would pick the classic 22-250, everyone should own one. Mine is a cooper and I would pick that also.

 

[dansig]

why not go all the way ?

6PPC.. custom action and a good hunter stock like the GRS Long Range and a Krieger match barrel and jewel trigger.

BR accuracy, low recoil, easy to load and competition ready when you want to play

 

[K22]

The 22 250 is not a good option for a lot of paper punching because of the wear and tear on the barrel but for low volume varmint hunting it is one of the best options especially for shots over 250 yards. With tailored reloads and a quality rilfe /scope, this caliber is easily a sub 1/2 moa package.

If you can afford it, I'd go for a one of the higher end manufacturers such as Cooper or Sako. Browning is another good option. I'd stay away from Remington's. I don't own any but a few of my fellow shooters have Savage's and are quite happy with them.

 

[jackbrownii]

Thanks for the input. Some ideas I hadn't thought of. Definite food for thought.

 

[longbow]

6BR and a 204 Keep it simple, if you want to shoot alot.

 

[johnmyers]

17 MachIV with a 1:9 twist bbl set up to shoot 30gr Kindler Golds is the most fun pd rifle I have ever owned for shots out to 400 yds.

 

[Webster]

For PD hunting: You already have several rifle calibers that you can use for PD hunting. Cancel your 223 Rock River upper. Convert your Marlin 223 to a 6BR or 6BRX with a Kreiger or other custom brand barrel installed on the rifle that you want for PD hunting. Put the money into a scope and glass bedding. Without checking I think the 223 and 6BR take the same bolt face? You need to verify this. I converted my Rem model 700 6mm Rem to a 6BR. It's a varmint rifle casual BR shooting. There nothing better than a rifle that always shoots small groups.