Decent Varmint guns

[WoG]

Looking at some varmint guns. I'd like a bolt action with some capacity, but I guess a single shot isn't out of the question. I can't really decide between .223 or the 22-250 (which is cheaper for ammo? Is there that big of a power difference between the two?). I'd love to spend under $300 if I can get away with it, not opposed to a used gun. Any suggestions?

The two "starter" guns I've been looking at are:

Stevens .223, or 22-250
Stevens Model 200 Short Action

H&R/New England .223 or 22-250
GalleryofGuns.com - Gun Genie

 

[No Time to Shoot]

Go with the Stevens you won't be disappointed I sold mine for a Savage mdl. 12 22-250 now I wish I had it back. The .223 is good for up to 300 yards out of that gun the 22-250 Maybe 500-600 depending on the bullet and load.

 

[x10]

I've had both calibers in a couple guns, I've shot prairie dogs out to 600 with 223 but its out of poop out there,

One thing to think of is If your going to stay under 300 you won't find HUGE differnces But there is a large difference in the sound signature the 22250 will really ring your bell if your close to a barn or something

Where I live I have to look for over 200yd shots so remember that when your looking,

I've had savage light barrel 223's and they shoot great for cheap,

I had a NEF 223 and it shot well but it did not like hot 223's and would lock up on hot rounds, and by hot I mean the old military M855

 

[Slab]

the 200 is a relatively cheap rifle to buy and shoot. nothing wrong with it besides warming up in a hurry. chances are, unless you are shooting Pdogs, you will be just fine with it.

The bull barrel on the NEF will MAKE you take your time before a shot and probably shoot better except on the bench, when you are more relaxed.

If you pay more than $300 for either, you got robbed.

 

[buckhunterbb]

223 cheaper to reload,less powder. ammo easier to find for 223. Depending on what bullet weight,you might want to look at barrel twist also.

 

[dave29]

I like .223 for 200 yards and under. 22-250 if you need to reach out and touch something.

 

[bRAD]

The Stevens/Savage model 200 in 22-250 is an excellent gun for the money. However i would save up a little bit extra and get into the .204 ruger caliber in a Savage or CZ. The .204 makes much less noise than the 22-250, is as fast a 220 swift, and about 3" less drop at 400 yards than a 22-250. By all means it is one of the best varmint cartridges ever created.

 

[Mgderf]

For less than $300, you could opt for the Rossi Trifecta. I believe it's available in .223, and I know it's available in .204
Accuracy at distances may not match up to Savage. Depends on your intended use, but with the Trifecta, you could have 3 guns in one.
Speaking of that, for a bit more, you could be looking at a Thompson Center Arms Contender or Encore

 

[beebadd]

I use savage .223,The best thing ive noticed is to spend some money for a good scope. This will make the most difference

 

[farmboy365]

with you budget go with the boltaction stevens in 223 you will be happy with it.from your list wants and needs it will fill all and I beleave make an exellent starter rifle.

 

[bRAD]

i will agree that a .223 is a good starter gun. However the .204 caliber is just as good of a starter and shoots much flatter at long range than a .223 ever will. All in all the best option if you can save up the money would be to go with a .204 caliber rifle in Savage or CZ. In the long run you will be very glad that you did.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

Go with the Stevens you won't be disappointed I sold mine for a Savage mdl. 12 22-250 now I wish I had it back. The .223 is good for up to 300 yards out of that gun the 22-250 Maybe 500-600 depending on the bullet and load.

A .223 is good out to more then 300 yards.

 

[crmguns]

I would go with the .223, it is a good varment round for most situations around here in Indiana. plus the ammo is fairly cheap and easy to find if you dont mind military surplus or somthing like wolf or bear. I have a savage 110 .223 with a cheep simmons scope on it and I have no complaints. I seen a savage 110 .223 at the terre haute gander mtn. awile back on the used rack for around 300 if I remember right.

 

[U.S. Patriot]

From what I have read the 22-250 is a faster, and flater shooting round. From what I have heard it used to the the varmit hunters rifle. As for ammo, because I looked at a 22-250 yesterday. For run of the mill 55 grain loads, it was $17 a box of 20, compared to around $10-11 for .223. I personaly am thinking about a .223 Savage myself later down the road. Also have you considerd a .22MWR? They can be just as deadly for varmit gunting.

 

[lancinator]

i have both rounds and i prefer the 22-250. if you reload you could always down load it to .223 specs, but you can't up load a .223 to 22-250 specs.

 

[L-W-R-C]

get a m4 carbine

 

[redneck919]

mini 14 ranch rifle,most new ones are kind of high but you could get a used one! and take out any varmits you want to!!

 

[Sailor]

get a m4 carbine

He said he wanted a bolt gun.

 

[DEC]

I've been in the market for a new varmint gun as well and think I've narrowed it down to the 22-250. I want to reach out there and smack those critters from a long ways out. Just looking for the right "deal" to come along now.

 

[wmitchell]

In the market for a varmit gun myself. The guys at work are talkin about goin pdog huntin. For my budget, I was thinkin about an H&R Ultra in .223 and one in 22-250. Brand new for $230 each all day long, and both shoot good. Two is better than one in my opinion.