Is a bull barrel necessary?

[on3toughmidg3t]

gun)I am looking to go on a prairie dog hunt in south dakota this summer with a group of friends. We are all avid hunters but do not own rifles because we live in lower Michigan where a shotgun and .22 do most of our killing. We are looking to purchase a 22-250 remington caliber rifle and just wanted to know if a bull barrel is absolutly necessary. We would like to use these guns for predator hunts in the future and dont really want a 26" bull barrel to lug around. Can anyone help?!?!

 

[Greyfox]

IMO. You could certainly use a light barrel in 22-250 for PD's , if you picked your shots and kept shooting volume at a level that didn't cook your barrel.. If its like most hunts where you get into heavy shooting, you may be disappointed. You might want to consider something like a Savage Predator that has a 22" barrel that is not a full bull, that could better serve both purposes and not that heavy. You may also find that a 223 could fill the purpose without a large trade off in distance capability but a better compromise for both types of hunts.

 

[on3toughmidg3t]

Well, we were planning to take a .22 along with a 22-250 and we would have a total of 8 guys. So I figured the more people the less shooting per person right? I was looking at the tc venture predator with a 6-24x40 bushnell banner. I'm just a college student and don't really have a large price range. If I could stay around $600 for a gun set up that would leave me money for ammo.

 

[Greyfox]

Well, we were planning to take a .22 along with a 22-250 and we would have a total of 8 guys. So I figured the more people the less shooting per person right? I was looking at the tc venture predator with a 6-24x40 bushnell banner. I'm just a college student and don't really have a large price range. If I could stay around $600 for a gun set up that would leave me money for ammo.

Under those circumstances your choice will be fine, and will have a a lot of fun!

 

[on3toughmidg3t]

Thanks very much. I was just worried that I would spend a bunch of money and then burn out the barrel in one trip. Although if anything did happen to the barrel, tc has a lifetime warranty on this gun. Would that cover it? If not, what does it cost to have a gun re-barreled?

 

[liltank]

Have you considered a 223? The reason I ask is that it will offer the ability to shoot much longer in the heat than the 22-250 and be easier on barrels. There are some great factory load options out there for the 223 for varminting. Hornady has their Steel Match ammo, and Zombie ammo that will make for affordable shooting. Plus there are a ton of other ammo out there that will work well. Black Hills has a ton of load offerings too.

Tank

 

[on3toughmidg3t]

I have thought about a .223 but they seem to lack the consistencey of further shots around 300-400 yards. I mainly want the gun for coyotes and sometimes I need the extra range of the 22-250.

 

[Greyfox]

I have thought about a .223 but they seem to lack the consistencey of further shots around 300-400 yards. I mainly want the gun for coyotes and sometimes I need the extra range of the 22-250.

I wouldn't underestimate the 223 with a decent load. My R15 varmint in 223 holds under 4" at 500 yards and kills coyotes pretty well with good shot placement. The Hornady 53 gr loads can get pretty close to a 22-250 speeds.

 

[liltank]

Get one in a tight enough twist, the 60-75 grain ammo will get you to 800.

 

[1100 Remington Man]

When I was looking into a .223 Rem Or a 22-250 varmint rifle I emailed Sierra what is the expected barrel life in a varmint rifle .223 Rem 5000 Rounds, 22-250 3500 Rounds for top performace. I bought the .223 Rem & just FYI it will kill Praire Dogs as far as you can hit them. My last PD hunt last year to South Dakota I shot a .17 HMR more than center fire rifle less noise & the dogs did not go down there holes as soon. Is the bull barrel necessary less so with .223 Rem. Have a good time.

 

[squirrelduster]

I had a 22-250 and was not happy with it. The performance was not that much better than the 223. Mine wasn't as accurate as my brothers 223 and the ammo was more expensive. If you're going p. dog shooting get a Savage 223 and have one of your buddies buy a 17hmr. The squirrels I shoot are about half the size of a p. dogged live in colonies just like the dogs.
17 hmr at 150 to 200 yards is challenging and lot of fun. No kick, low noise, and very accurate. After your trip use it for squirrel hunting or target practice at home.

 

[82bluestang]

I live in s.e. mi. And there are plenty of times you need a rifle. Just not for deer. You will be much happier with a 223 especially if cost is a factor. Ammo is cheaper and easier to find. Less noise to. I shoot a .243 around the house and a .17hmr. If cost is a factor go with the 223 you won't be disappointed. They shoot good out 600 my uncle does it at hunting camp all the time.

 

[MTBULLET]

Get one in a tight enough twist, the 60-75 grain ammo will get you to 800.

true,
but hard to deal with the over 200" of bullet drop !

 

[liltank]

true,
but hard to deal with the over 200" of bullet drop !

Do you want your cake... or do you just want something sweet to eat? You could always ackley improve it. That seems to be a good route to go and barrel isn't any harder than anything else. Still a low powder volume.

Tank