I am just getting into long range varmint hunting and I was wondering what gun to get. I have looked at a few but don't really know what the best caliber would be. I plan on eventually getting better behind the gun and making longer, harder shots. I want a quality gun somewhere around the $1,000 range and not to far above that. If any of you guys could point me in the right direction as to what is the ideal cartridge for distances ~700yds and a gun with good accuracy, quality and durability that comes at a fair price. A few guns I was looking at were: Savage Model 12 Varmint Low Profile in .243 and the Remington Model 700 VLS in .243.
Long Range Varmint Riflles
- Thread starter tdregs13
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johnnyk
Well-Known Member
Eiither rifle would probably make an excellent varmint skinner. I love the .243 for varmints and I shoot a Winchester M70 HVB in this caliber.
I've tried the lighter (55-75gn) bullets and they have impressive speed and detonation on varmints, and for me they were fairly accurate out to 350-400yds but for better wind deflection and success at longer ranges, I went with the heavier pills and like the 90-95gn Ballistic Tips.
I recently discovered the 85gn Sierra Game King is very impressive at longer ranges. Shooting at 500yds has produced some eye-opening groups (for me anyway). The best being in the 1.75" range, with most running 3" and less.
Let us know which way you go. JohnnyK.
I've tried the lighter (55-75gn) bullets and they have impressive speed and detonation on varmints, and for me they were fairly accurate out to 350-400yds but for better wind deflection and success at longer ranges, I went with the heavier pills and like the 90-95gn Ballistic Tips.
I recently discovered the 85gn Sierra Game King is very impressive at longer ranges. Shooting at 500yds has produced some eye-opening groups (for me anyway). The best being in the 1.75" range, with most running 3" and less.
Let us know which way you go. JohnnyK.
strombeckj
Well-Known Member
If by "varmint" PD's and WC's the I would go with the Savage 12 BVS in 22-250. Since it is one of the few with a 1:12 twist it shoots the 53gr vmax which will flat out perform a .243 shooting anything under 65grs. The 20 cal's are one of the best varmint rounds available, only problem is the factory offering. A 204R shooting a 39gr-40gr is one mean mother in the PD fields. When I think of varmint hunting I think of light recoiling, watch my hit's calibers.
IMHO,
Jon
IMHO,
Jon
Sully2
Well-Known Member
Ive tried to cover all my bases and distances....
...Rem 700 VLS 22-250 w/Leupold 6-18 x 40.......Rem VLS 243 w/Zeiss 4-14X44 and a Rem 700 .260 w/Zeiss 6.5-20X50.Dont let some tell you that ( caliber) is just as good as a (caliber) because its NOT. What the 22-250 does withing its limitations ( range) it does in a fantastic way....but when the distance exceeds that...then the 243 comes into play. If I could stay within 400-450 yards and winds not to exceed say 10 MPH....then Id go with a M700 and 22-250. Much cheaper to shoot that the other 2 and top it off with a scope just as $$ as the guns is.
Predators will be all yours within those parameters
liltank
Well-Known Member
I'm going to have to put a vote in for the Savage in .243, .308, 260, 6.5 Creedmore and 22-250 with the 1:9 twist. The tightest twist will allow you to shoot some really heavy bullets to get it out there. Of the ones listed above, the 260 would be the one for me.
Tank
Tank
hedgehoghunter
Member
T13 , depends on what you call Long Range . If I were just starting out , I would go with a 223 , 223 AI or one of the 20s based on the 223 Case like the TAC 20 or Practical . If Brass Cost is not a concern , maybe a 20 BR or 20 PPC which would also take you out a little further . For Ranges out to roughly 700 or 800 Yards , a 6 MM or 6 AI or 6 Dasher or 6 -284 or a Fast Twist big Case 22 . For 800 to maybe 1200 Yards , one of the big Case 6.5 MMs work well . All these Calibers have wide Bullet choices . For the last two categories , go Heavy and / or install Muzzle Brakes so you can see your hits ( or misses ) .
strombeckj
Well-Known Member
Not in my hands yet. But here is my 20 Practical after a cerakote job and new stock. I will drive to Kevin's this week and pick her up. She shoots the 39-40gr BT's at 3800+ and is deadly out to 500 yards on PD's. I will post some picture when she is in my hands but for now you can follow the link to Weaver Rifles.
Weaver Rifles Web
Here is my LOOOONG Range PD rifle. 6mm-06, 70gr NBT @ 3800+... Notice the break, I LOVE Red Mist!
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strombeckj
Well-Known Member
Thanks, I know what you mean about the 9 rounds.
It only sees about 10 rounds through it on a good outing. I will usually carry it with one of my smaller cals. I have no problem spitting lead at PD's out to 500 yards with my .223AI and my 20Prac. Lot more cost effective.
Jon
6.5Express
Well-Known Member
I don't mean to hijack the thread, but Strombeckj, how do you like the minox scope? Compared to others?
strombeckj
Well-Known Member
So far I like the scope. I would put the glass on par with any of my other high end scopes I currently own. Leupold, Ziess & Sightron SIII. I have not really twisted on the turrets all that much but it has held it's POI so far. For a hunting scope for it's intended purpose it has been great. I would by another over a Conquest based on bang for the buck.
Jon
