short barreled 223 or 243 for predators and other varmints.

[GlennGTR1]

I am looking to make yet another purchase. This rifle will be my winter time off season, snow shoeing, hiking, patrol, high country walking varminter, long range predator rifle. I have in the past owned a Ruger Compact in 7-08 and it was a great handling, suprisingly accurate rifle. Stainless laminate it could handle the cold wet weather here in the Olympics. Will probably be scoped with a 2-10 by 40 or 42 scope of good quality. What are your opinions on short barreled 243 or 223 rifles? I dont think I would need to shoot anything heavier than 95 grains in the 243 or anything heavier than 70 grains in the 223. The 243 has a one in nine and a quarter twist, while the 223 has a one in nine. Are there other rifles that fit this light weight, fast handling framework?

 

[dogtrainer12]

The CZ 527 Carbine in 223 fits your specifications in 22 caliber except for rate of twist. The rate of twist is 1 in 12 inches. I rechambered one to 22 PPC and used it to kill several coyotes and several thousand ground squirrels.

If you push a heavier (longer) bullet faster you can still stabilize the bullet in a slower twist rate barrel.

On the web check out CZ Arms USA for details about the rifle.

 

[BradY]

Try to find a 22-250 with a 1:12 twist barrel and shoot 60gr partitions or 55gr gamekings. They will knock down quite a decent range of targets. Long range predator.... just how long. The 22-250 should be good to 400yds in the right hands.

 

[DCRYDER]

Ruger also offers the ss/lam Compact in 243. 16" barrel in a 1-10" twist which is perfect for 85-95 grain bullets (except maybe the longer VLD's).