Walking Varminter?

[acloco]

Built a 222 Mag AI expressly for the purpose of a "walking varminter". Seems like all of the other rifles I built had varmint weight barrels, heavier stocks, and big scopes on them. So, I set out to build something I could actually carry.

Already owned the 223 AI reamer, so I just ran it a bit deeper.

Light varmint/heavy sporter 1:8 twist Shilen Select Match stainless barrel
Duramax stock (light, but somewhat stiff)
Leupold 6-18x40 with turrets and fine crosshairs (enough power to see, thin crosshairs to not block the critter, and definetly lightweight)

Necked up 204 Ruger brass to 22 caliber and use 80 gr AMax's at 3150 (after fireforming) to reach out as far as you want.

[Bowhunter57]

Originally Posted by JauntyMorel

My shots are short enough that the 22.250 is really to much gun.

JauntyMorel,
Welcome to Long Range Hunting.

There's no such thing as "too much rifle". Dead is dead...unless you're attempting to save the pelts. In that case you could just shoot them in the head.

I'd stay with your plans for the current rifle build, but I'd stay with the .22-250 caliber. It just depends on what you intend to do with it...or want the rifle to do.

Speaking from experience, I've went with a less powerful caliber and lived to regret it. I tried a .17 HMR for groundhogs and ended up going with a .223. I tried a .223 for coyotes and ended up going with a .25-06. Now, I don't have follow-up shots or disappointing blood trails...because their all DRT.

Good luck with your choices!
Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[loaders_loft]

I'm guessing you're shooting the heavy barrel 22-250 not the T3 lite? Not sure. Anyway, an 18.5" barrel will slow things down significantly using a 223 or 22-250, and depending how you load it (down) your regular 22-250 can be made to perform at that level just as well without all the heating and massive destruction...

For your small gun project, have you considered a 221 fireball? Probably would be perfect with the shorter barrel you have, known for great accuracy in XP100's and compact rifles; and using just 17-20 grains of powder, heating would be a non-issue. I have this vision of a compact 20" barreled fireball painted all white for PD and squirrel towns. Impervious to summer heat, reduced noise & muzzle blast to keep more dogs on their mounds, lightweight and cheap to load... Mmm...