.223 Range

[Sartell Angler]

hey everyone...first time on this particular topic....I am in the search for a used varmint gun (either a .223 or a .22-250) and am wondering what most of you guys use for 'yotes and fox? I was mainly interested with what kind of range you guys with the .223's have.

Thanks for the help,

Sartell Angler

[lawdog]

When we used to prairie dog hunt a lot I could hit them off bi-pods out to probably 350-400 yards and they are not big animals at all. That's with my .223 and we were getting LOTS of practice. The 22-250's shoot a little flatter and hotter, but are WAY more expensive. I seriously don't know the outer range of these things. If we could see the dogs we could dial em in after a few shots...

[Rost]

As far as ballistics go, look on the Federal HSOforum. They only give ballistics for Federal Loads, but it will atleast give you an idea. As you will see, Lawdog is correct when saying a .22-250 is faster, flatter, hotter, and costly to shoot.

A 55 grain .223 drop..

100- -0-

200- -3.6 inches

300- -14.3 inches

400- -35.6 inches

500- -72.5 inches

.22-250 looks like this...

100- -0-

200- -2.2 inches

300- -9.6 inches

400- -24.3 inches

500- -50.2 inches

I just switched from a .222 to a .223 (Tikka T-3 ). I had the opportunity to go with a 22-250, but did not because of cost. I love the fact that you can buy 50 .223 rounds for $12.

[Cooter]

The .223 has enough range that the average Joe like me just can't shoot as good as the cartridge is capable of.

[Sartell Angler]

thanks for the help guys...appreciate the input.

I'm stuck at this point however, because now I am deciding between 2 guns:

1) Remington Model 70 .223 wood stock with huge scope, $600 used

2) Remington Model 70 .22-250 synthetic stock, 4-12 scope, $575 used.

but since I do want to fire a lot of shots with it hopefully, maybe the .223 would be the way to go. Any other thoughts would be helpful as well.

S.A./wdw

[Rost]

Nice guns to choose from. Sounds like you are deciding between the 700 BDL or the 700 ADL. Either will be a good choice. Good Luck Sartell!

Cooter is right. A .223 will be more then adaquate.

[EXTREME]

Used to shoot a Model 70 Varmit Special. That was definately a tack driver...but, it was about like lugging around my mother in law for portability. Half inch groups at 100 every time. If I were you I would take a good look at the barrel and ask if you can shoot each of them. Most all Remington's shoot good but you never know. Good Luck!

[PYROPAL]

shoot the .223 see how it hits...remember there are plenty of fish in the sea...it is your money, make sure the gun hits where it should. i have a 30/06 rem. model 700. ammo is cheap so i can shoot it more than my buddy can with his 7mm. mag. the more you can shoot the better.

[Sartell Angler]

good point pyro...not sure what the return policy is on guns though...might vary from store to store. At any rate, it would be nice to get a feel for a gun before committing to buy it.

SA/wdw

[Dave S]

if you're looking for more than one shot, then you can't really go wrong with the Remington. If you can make one shot count, then don't rule out the T/C Contender or Encore rifles.

I have a T/C G2 Contender that is a blast to shoot. The design of the stock allows for a more linear position. I find it far easier to hold this gun stable vs. any of the other stocks except for the thumbhole stocks.