Next Rifle Question

[462]

It won't happen till next year, but I'd like to get a rifle chambered in a varmint-type cartridge. However, it would only be used for target shooting out to a maximum of 200-yards, so thought I'd ask all you rifleers for suggestions.

The cartridge would have to be of the common every-day, non-exotic, non-magnum variety, and cast bullet friendly. Additionally, rifle make and model suggestions would be appreciated.

The local used market is small, and a new rifle would have to be on the frugal side.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[Pistolero]

.22 Hornet, or K-Hornet. See if you can find a 325 Savage, or 340, the model #s varied some, but the rifles
were about the same. Simple, accurate, usually found on Gunbroker for under $300 in good shape.

 

[CZ93X62]

Another vote for the 22 Hornet. I love my CZ-527, though I would not classify it as an "affordable" rifle. The Thompson-Center swap-barrel models rival the CZs in price.

With the departure of the NEF Topper rifles, and new Henry Single Shot literally begs to be made in 22 Hornet. The rifle is made in 223 Rem, though the caliber's usual 1-9" (or faster) twist rates aren't as lead-friendly as the Hornet's usual 1-16" inherited from the 22 LR or the older 1-12"/1-14" twists of the caliber's early days.

 

[Spindrift]

I don’t know if you access to Bergara rifles. They make a very handy break-action single shot, also available in take-down. The .222rem is 1:14 ROT. I have never shot this rifle, but it might be one to consider.

 

[Intheshop]

For me it's bolt face size. Love the .223 but,it's on a small face.... enter 22-250. They're on the same size as pretty much everything up through a 35 Whelen. Next is magazine length. Then trigger.

I know they're not fashionable anymore,and folks like to point out flaws but my R700 .223,24" barrel 12T has been a VERY solid rifle. EASY to get parts for.

Another issue for me is fat,"varmint" barrels. I've got over 1/2 dz and yes,they are better for dedicated bench work but...... carrying one? Forget it. We don't have prairie dogs here.... so,sitting and blasting shot after shot just is not a reality for us. Maybe a cpl shots then it's get up and walk or,sit and wait. Your criteria may be different. Really gotta buckle down and honestly look at how the rig is gonna be used.... carry more or sit/shoot more.

 

[Brad]

For cast friendly and 200 yard shooting get a 308 or 30-06.
The Bergara rifles have a good reputation.

 

[Bret4207]

Myself, for 200 yards in varmint cal, I'd try an find a nice used 222 Remington. There should be a zillion of them out thereat good prices. I like the older Remingtons the 721/722, forget which is which anymore, but Winchester, Browning, Savage and a host of others made good rifles in the caliber.

 

[Brad]

Oops, missed the varmint type cartridge thing.
A 222 or 223 is what I would do if cast is in the equation.
A hornet isn’t a bad idea but good rifles are hard to find, as in get a CZ if new is the idea.
A 22-250 is not real cast friendly, too much powder capacity.

 

[L Ross]

Myself, for 200 yards in varmint cal, I'd try an find a nice used 222 Remington. There should be a zillion of them out thereat good prices. I like the older Remingtons the 721/722, forget which is which anymore, but Winchester, Browning, Savage and a host of others made good rifles in the caliber.

I really like my 788 .222. I got it to shoot cast but then I tried Hornady V Max 50 grainers and they were so darned accurate and fairly inexpensive that I've stuck there. I really only shoot it when something on the property has to go. That is an easy to carry rifle that shoots like a heavy barrelled gun. I put a 2x7 Burris on it and have a spare mag for it. Remington should never have stopped building those guns, although today they would squirt some darned plastic stock on them.

 

[KeithB]

Used to own a 788 in .222, wish I had it back! Would a used bolt gun in .243 satisfy your requirements? Maybe rare in your area, around here they’re pretty common. Non magnum, cast friendly, certainly adequate 200 yard accuracy, easy on the ears and shoulder...

 

[Ian]

Bench, paper, varmint-type, standard caliber, there's only one and it's the .222 Remington. You will sell it a year later because it will be so unbelievably boring to shoot.

 

[fiver]

any 223 made before man buns and skinny jeans will work just fine.
cheap easy everyday and effective.
a 220 swift or 22-250 take the same load as the 223 and go bout the same speed if you just wanna say you got one of those.
brass prices for them are about per hundred what you can get 1-fired 223 stuff for per-K, unless your not wanting to do the work,, then it's only 200 cases to their 100.

 

[JonB]

Not much of a used market, eh?
I'd suggest a New inexpensive Savage Axis in 243 with a boyds stock.
like this one
The Rifle was $219 on a Cabelas sale, Boyds stock was from their Blem pile for $99, and the Vortex crossfire scope was a closeout deal in the hundred dollar range, I don't remember exactly.

 

[CZ93X62]

The 243 has always been quite cast-friendly for me. I have gotten good to GREAT accuracy using small amounts of Alliant 2400 (12.0-15.0 grains) and either Lyman #245496 of the RCBS #243-95-SP. I size @ .245". This caliber's barrels are almost universally pitched in 1-10" twists, and bullets stayed accurate to 1800 FPS. I got out of this caliber about 5-6 years ago, and one other time about 12-15 years back. I always come crawling back, though--and may do so again.

Only 2 rifles ever, in 222 Remington. Both were utter tackdrivers, but I never tried castings in them. With the pre-eminence of the 223/5.56, both the 222 Rem and 22 Hornet seem to be in decline. The 223 can do fine work, but it is handicapped for castings by the javelin-hurler twist rates of 1-7" to 1-9" that are all the rage these days in this caliber and its gas guns. 1-12" is about perfect for most rat bullets of 50-55 grains and for castings.

 

[462]

Okay, and thanks.

So far, the .222 Rem. is the clear favorite.

 

[Uncle Grinch]

I’ve got a Ruger 77/22 K Hornet in wood and blue metal with dies and brass that I’d be willing to let go. If interested PM me.

 

[Ben]

You can't go wrong with a nice .222 Rem.
I really like my SAKO.
However, the SAKO may be quite a bit more $ than you're wanting to sink into a rifle. This particular model is early 1960's . These are getting harder and harder to find.
There have been many solid suggestions offered so far, in particular a nice Rem. 788 in .222 Rem.

It is easy to get good groups with cast bullets in an accurate .222 Rem.

 

[Bret4207]

Ben and his gun porn!!! DROOL!!!

A 788 in 222 would be nice. I have never actually seen one though, and I've seen a mess of 788s.

 

[Uncle Grinch]

I’ve got a 788 in 7mm-08 and wanted one in 222, but man, those things are out’a sight. Rem 788’s are going for $600+ and they were “economy rifles” back then.

 

[Ben]

I remember when they sold new for $89.95

Ben