boilerroom,
I didn't see any mention of your budget, that's why I suggested a custom shop. Honestly, a good rebarrel and action blueprinting/truing can be had for under $500.00. All you would need is the receiver. Buy a used Rem 700 ADL and go to it. My 25-06 started as a beater and I have a total of $900 in it and it is the rifle I've always wanted.

Jim

I'm strting to look at lots of options now. Not that I'm in a hurry. I've even considered getting a synthetic stock for my 25 06 A-Bolt. I'm surgical with it and its is pretty light out of the box. I'd look at painting the the whole rifle white.

I'm not that impressed with the quality of that rifle even though its a real shooter. I could list alot of my complaints about it. Thats why I've decided(95%) to sell it and start from scratch.

My thought on using 30 cal for pedators , as long as your not saving pelts no problem , but with the 22's you have a lot better chance of getting back on target in the event you call in multiples . Sure is nice to watch your target fall right through the scope , hard to do this with the 06 .Good Luck with your choice .
P.S. 22-250 for coyotes , get it dialed in then shoot whatever critter you need to .

The most common varmint chamberings are in 22 calibre. Flat shooting and accurate with next to no recoil. Devastating on rodents and yotes but what about larger varmints like wolves and cougers? The largest wolf or mountain lion can reach wieghts as high as 200 lbs, the body mass of a medium to large deer. Alot of people would not dream of picking a 223 Rem or a 22-250 as a deer gun even if the large ones are seldom taken by the hunter.



In most parts of B.C, if you're calling late season for predators, you can never be quite sure what is going to answer your call. You're camo'd up, sounding like an animal being munched on, and a large wolf or cat is coming in looking to steal a meal. You get the picture I'm painting? I don't know if I'm quite comfortable with shooting a soft frangible 55gr. bullet at 3700fps for more than one reason. A shoulder hit on something that wieghs 150 lbs could mean a wounded critter who might decide to defend itself if you have to track it to finish the job. Sounds exciting, but needless.



There is also the handi cap at longer ranges with these smaller calibres. I do not have data handy right now but I'm willing to bet that at 300 yrds, the 243 Win would still make one hell of a mess on a larger predator but where do the 17,20,22 leave you? I know you can go with a heavier better constructed bullet, but the handi cap is still there.



I'm in the market for a walk around varminter. The best choice as far as I can see is what Remington has come out with. The Model 700, Light Varmint. 22-250 is the hardest hitter they offer it in. I wish they would come out with it in 243 Win or 6mm Rem. I know there will be a little more recoil. This is a hunting rifle though. If I didnt live in country that seems to get more and more infested with wolves and mountain lions, I'd care little and just buy a yote gun. No yote could stand up to the 22's at any responsible range.



Anyone think my logic is overbore?

I like your question, and your method of 'splaining it. Very well written.

I think you are in the need of a 6mm or .257 caliber. This opens up quite a few bullet and chambering choices. Starting with the 257 Roberts all the way up to a 6-284. The .17 and .20 are inadequate.

How about a 25-06 with 85gr hollowpoints. Granted this is not a 200 yard wolf-killer but it would be hell on varmints. Mosey on up to the 100 grainers and you are now in the vicinity of a 200 yard deer/wolf/cougar round.

I know Remington has a very nice "stalker" in 7-08 that would be fun, light and do what you want it to do.

JMHO,
Jim

Hey Boilerroom What about a Cooper in 6x284 There standard is light in fact so is there varmint.Guns America.com has a bunch ready right now.The come from the factory with a target shot by that rifle,3 shot one hole groups.This is a fully custom rifle for under $1,400.

I would like to avois ordering accross the border and have yet to see someone in Canada who offers kimber and Cooper.

I like Jimno2506 logic. Money may well be the deciding factor though.