New Varmint/Target Rifle

[matt_3479]

My old man is going to get himself a cheap, first varmint rifle that he can use on Coyotes, Foxes, crows, ground hogs and he is undecided on what to get. He wont be taking shots much further then 300 on game but will if he has too. For targets he will probably stay within 500 yards. I wanted to try the 204. Ruger so asked him to get that, and he was sold on it until he realized he was going to get the savage axis cause you can never go wrong with a savage gun and the 204. ruger isn't offered in it so naturally i suggested the 22-250 to take its place.

i was wondering what you guys thought on the savage axis as well as the 22-250 vs 204. ruger vs 223 remington?

[joseph]

I have a Ruger Mod. 77 Target Gray with their target trigger with a 26" barrel in .220 Swift. It almost always will shoot under 1/2" 5 shot groups at 100 yds. I reload and use Berger 55 gr. bullets. I have always had an easier time to get a Swift to shoot more accurate than a 22-250. Both shoot about the same velocity with the Swift a little faster. I use the 55 gr. bullets because they shoot very accurate and they keep the velocity down to 3600 or less that gives you much longer barrel life and they will still shoot like a laser.

Another very accurate caliber is the .243. I had one that would shoot 1/4" groups all the time with Searra .85 gr. HPBT Game King bullets.

joseph

[SBruce]

I dont know about the Axis, but Savage does make some rifles in .204

If it's windy where you and your dad shoot, go with the 22-250 or 204 and try to shoot 39 or 40 grn bullets in the 204, 52-55 or even 60 grn bullets in the 22-250.

204 is a little flatter shooting, 22-250 drifts less in the wind. Sure, you can shoot 69-77 grn bullets out of a fast twist 223 and get less wind drift, but you loose quite a bit of velocity doing it. You can shoot 75-80 grn bullets in a fast twist 22-250 too, but off the shelf rifles dont usually come with fast twists, so we're dealing with 40-60 grain bullets usually in the 22-250. The 223 is the most cost effective/cheapest to shoot, especially if you are buying factory ammo. Take your pick, they've all got good things going for them. I prefer the 22-250 for longer shots and windy areas.

You'll get the most bang for your buck with a 24-26" barrel.

[MachV]

I just pickt up an Axis in 25-06 for a truck gun. Had to lighten the trigger and center the barrel in the stock but it shoots OK...Not a tack driver but it has kept everything I've put through it under an inch @ 100 yards.
If he is wanting an Axis I would go 243. You can use flat shootin 55Noslers or go long with the 105 Amax. I would have gotten the 243 but there are already three in the safe. a 243 is everthing a 22-250 is and more!
The 204 is a great small critter-getter but really lacks the power for coyotes. The 32 grainer do a real good job on prairie dog pups and ground squirrels but the 40s fly a lot better. I sure wouldnt trade a good shootin 223 or 22-250 for a 204 as there aint much to be gained?

[liltank]

.243 would be my suggestion as well. Use a 65 to 87 grain bullet. That will put the smack down on the size animals you want to shoot to 500yds. Especially if you use the 80 to 90 grain bullets.

Tank

[roninflag]

MATT- sps varmint. pick the caliber you like.

[BlackSS]

Another vote for 243.