which varment caliber?

[firstcoueswas80]

i am looking at a new varmint gun. i have it narrowed down to 4 calibers: 223, 22-250, 243, or 25-06. i live and hunt in arizona and it will be used for the coyote trips, prarie dog trips, maybe javelina and in a pinch, coues deer. the price is with in $30 for each just wondering what yall would go for?
Casey

[ddubas]

it all depends on how much shooting you are going to do. if your answer is alot, then i would go with the .223 or .22-250. if this will be a back-up gun and used for longer shots, then go with the .243 or .25-06. i have currently or have used all of these calibers and depending on the range or size of your target they worked just fine for me. but here is the order i would vote. .25-06 reload 75gr bullets for varmints and 100-115gr for deer, then .243 same as .25-06 light bullets for varmints and heavier bullets for deer. then .223, easy on the shoulder for extented shooting periods and then the .22-250. have shot deer with both the .223 and .22-250, but there are better rounds for that size of game.

[lerch]

the 243 in a savage or rem will have the correct twist barrel to shoot the 105AMAX bullet. This bullet will give you reliable accuracy out past 1000yds and power up close to be a effective whitetail cartridge.

good luck
steve

[screech]

I would also go with the 243. It is a great cartridge that will work for varmits and deer. I you can get one to be able to shoot the 105gr amax then you are shi-in in tall cotton. Then I would probably pick the 22-250 next. Have fun

[remingtonman_25_06]

I have shot and used all these calibers as well for yotes and squirrels. As well as my .220 Swift. My favorite for all around use has got to be my 25-06 though. When I reach into my closet for that 1 gun for yotes or deer, thats the one that goes. I am confident in all my rifles, but I just have a niche for the 25-06. With that said there are some points to be made. For longer range work, the 243 and 25-06 are superior because you can use heavier bullets with higher BC's. For volume shooting, your 22 calibers are going to be better. Less kick will help in a pdog town, however yote hunting, kick is not an issue. When I bought my .220 Swift, I was stuck on speed at the time. There is always tradeoff's for everything, you just gotta kinda figure out what you really want.

[LB]

Yes, I also own and shoot all you mention on your list and have hunted extensively in Arizona.

For what you describe; [ QUOTE ]
coyote trips, prarie dog trips, maybe javelina and in a pinch, coues deer

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd suggest the 243, hands down, IF I didn't detect a low level of interest in coues (in a pinch) and javelina (maybe?)

Therefore, (and although it seems a little too light for your last two quarry) I think you would be well served with a 22-250 Remington.

Second choice is the 243, third is 25'06 and I'm not a very big fan of 223, at all, except as a moderate range squirrel cartridge.

Good luck, LB

[Tim Behle]

Put me down as another who would avoid the .223 The only place it shines is for the availability of cheap factory ammo. The other three are far better for hunting. I'd go with the 22-250 or the 243 myself.