Pistol length varmint cartridge help

[FrogFire7]

Help!

I just saw an ad today for a Bergara Sidekick. Basically, a bolt action with sub 16" barrel, in a mini chassis, with folding "pistol brace". Their price seems a little ridiculous, so I want to make my own.

I am contemplating calibers... Thinking 10-12" barrel length? Maybe up to 14?

I would use it mostly for groundhog hunting... Wouldn't hurt if it was also compatible for deer. I currently am set up to reload for .223, .22-250, 6mm BR, .243, 6.5 creedmoor... I think that's all that I would consider at least, from what I reload. Still, open to other ideas as far as caliber. I typically shoot heavy for caliber bullets, especially in the 22 calibers. I have a preference for 75 grain eld-m bullets, currently.

Although I'm not sure what the payoff would be in terms of velocity. Still shoot heavy, or would it be more beneficial to shoot a light bullet as fast as I can?

I love to shoot everything I can long range. Thinking this gun might be a little more limited than most. But I know some specialty pistol guys on here do some pretty incredible stuff with their guns.

Being primarily a varmint rifle I'd kind of like to stay short action. And probably not a monster case, but am open to hearing people's thoughts.

Anyway, just wanting some input... Preferably from people who actually shoot short barrel stuff. I can speculate enough on my own with no experience

Thanks in advance!

-edit: I am also planning on a form 1 suppressor this spring, and will plan on using that on the pistol as well, if that makes any difference

 

[Ernie]

How far do you want to kill dogs at?

 

[FrogFire7]

Thanks Ernie, you are one of the guys I was thinking would have the most experience, actually!

80% of the vamint hunting shots I take are under 250. Probably 90% are under 350. I've only had a handful over 600. Also, mostly on woodchucks. But again, if I could use it for dogs and deer that would be icing on the cake. For deer the shots would be considerably closer, or else I'd plan on another rifle (if I wouldn't have enough energy/velocity).

 

[Ernie]

In the article is the same Gun with it's original stock.

Sunday GunDay: Ernie Bishop’s Bolt-Action Specialty Pistols « Daily Bulletin

Specialty Pistols -- Report from Ernie Bishop in Wyoming For those who know of me in the shooting world, you would probably know me in one of two ways: Dealer for SEB Rests or someone who does most of his competing, varminting, and or hunting with specialty pistols.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

 

[FrogFire7]

Thank you, I hadn't seen that article on Accurate Shooter (somehow)! I do love a fast twist .22 caliber. Sounds like it should be plenty effective for chucks

 

[Ernie]

A fast twist 6 BR, 243 Winchester or the 6.5 Creedmoor will fill the bill too, and work better for deer.
Used a 6BR and a 6.5 Creedmoor below for big game.

Deer, Antelope, and a Coyote

Without help from Chris, I would have never got this done, as it would have been physically impossible. Chris packed my mule deer out for me, and he helped me quarter every animal. I got released from more limitations, but I am still as weak as a kitten, and wear out quick. I had a great time...

www.longrangehunting.com

 

[FrogFire7]

Hmm... I don't currently have anything chambered in 6BR, just have dies and brass sitting around. I loved the rifle I had previously. Also really enjoy my current 6.5 and am all tooled up for it. Sounds like any of those would work. That is good news!

 

[FrogFire7]

From what I'm seeing, you also shoot heavy for caliber in your handgun barrels. I guess that makes sense... Retain as much energy as possible

 

[Ernie]

I do

 

[Ernie]

Thank you, I hadn't seen that article on Accurate Shooter (somehow)! I do love a fast twist .22 caliber. Sounds like it should be plenty effective for chucks

Some bigger fast twist 22's

A day playing with my 22 Creed:




A new 22GT.