Help me buy my new rifle...

[oubeta]

I like the Bushmaster Varmit's. Mine shoots pretty good. I haven't played with any loads yet, but it shoots pretty tight.

 

[Silent Method]

- What are you going to shoot?

- Under what conditions will you be shooting it?


I probably wouldn't recommend a .17 cal. It does have the advantage of a bullet/velocity combo that works wonders when it connects with most varmints. However, it does have its drawbacks. First, you're only using a bullet that weighs between 20-25 grains. Despite their extreme velocity (3500-4300 fps!), it does not take much wind to buck the little sucker. Next, the extremely small bore diameter does not put up well with barrel fouling. The ballistics between rounds can vary widely which means accuracy suffers. Third, they are not suitable brush guns at all. Here, the bullet/high velocity combo works to a disadvantage. The bullets have been known to literally begin to fragment upon contact with leaves and grass!

The .22 mag is definitely a step up from the .22 LR, but again I wouldn't recommend it as a well rounded varmint cartridge.



Consider a .222 Rem or .222 Rem mag. (The only advantage to the mag is about 25-50 yards, the ability to handle a bit heavier bullet, and a few hundred fps.) They are fun to shoot and will easily bag coyote and smaller game. A 22-250 is another option that will add some range.

Are you looking for tips on make of rifle as well as caliber? My favorite Varmint getter is a Remington 722 in .222. Also, it's hard to go wrong with a Remington model 700.

 

[[email protected]]

What's the big push with the 17 cal? I keep seeing ads everywhere for it. What's the big deal with it? Cost??!? Haven't even held one yet.

 

[anabolicmd]

Well your certainly a more caring and gentle man than I, what can I say.

Them thar is slapping words...

 

[Silent Method]

What's the big push with the 17 cal? I keep seeing ads everywhere for it. What's the big deal with it? Cost??!? Haven't even held one yet.

No big deal.

 

[casavant]

Get yourself a high-quality pellet rifle with a good scope. Then you don't even have to leave town to do your varmint hunting. Rats, pigeons, etc...

I think he's leaning more toward prairie dog type of shooting.

 

[tiger88]

go with a communist ak 47, they can handle the sandy deserts awsome and can find ammo in any country

 

[Silent Method]

go with a communist ak 47, they can handle the sandy deserts awsome and can find ammo in any country

Ummmm.........Nevermind.

 

[guards]

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=7027&return=Y

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=7963&return=Y

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=7946&return=Y

http://www.remington.com/firearms/centerfire/700adsyn.htm

http://www.remington.com/firearms/rimfire/597mag.htm

http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/varmint/12bvss.htm



These would all be excellent varmint guns IMO. I'd have a really hard time picking just one

 

[Silent Method]

I'd like to hear form Darktooth regarding what he intends to hunt.