HEY GUYS, I FIGURED WITH ALL THE EXPERIENCE IN THIS FORUM IT WOULD BE A GOOD PLACE TO ASK A ?? IM AN AVID GROUNDHOG HUNTER AND RIGHT NOW ALL I USE IS MY 300 WINNY, SO IM LOOKING AT GETTING A H&R ULTRA VARMINTER WITH THE 24 IN HEAVY FLUTED BARREL AND I WAS WONDERING WHAT THE BEST CALIBER WOULD BE, I HAVE 4 CHOICES WHICH ARE,204 RUGER,223,22-250,243 WIN. IM LOOKING FOR THE BEST OVERALL IN AMMO
AVAILABILITY AND ACCURACY, AND SHOTS RANGING FROM 0-400 YDS I WAS KINDA LEANING TOWARD THE 243 WIN BECAUSE I KNOW A GUY THAT WOULD RELOAD FOR ME AND IN A PINCH IT WOULD WORK FOR WHITETAILS IF (GODFORBID) SOMETHING WOULD EVER HAPPEN TO MY WINNY WHAT DO Y'ALL THINK
THANKS BILL

I think you answered your own question. The 243 win would handle all your needs for both varmint and deer. However, the 204 or the 223 would make dandy g-hog set-ups.

I have an H&R Ultra in .223, and it is remarkably accurate. But if you're looking to take deer-size game, you probably want to look at a .243. One problem I noticed with the H&R varmint calibers is that trying to load them hot will result in cases sticking in a bad way. I don't know how well the newer "extractor" works, as mine is the ejector. My reason for saying this is, go for the larger caliber in this rifle, even though some do take deer with .22 caliber rifles.

Your other choice is, for the cost of an H&R ($229 in most places) you can get two, plus inexpensive scopes for the cost of an expensive bolt-action. I'm thinking for an extended shoot, a .243 will get tiring.

That's just my opinion...

For hoggin and doggin, you can't beat a 204

Real easy choice get the .243 and send the frame back to the company and have them put a .223 barrel on it. I have an older ultra varmint an unfortunatly they won't put any of the good calibers on it because they built my rifle on a shotgun frame. The extra barrel will probably cost an extra $150 when all is said and done.

For your application and for high volume shooting you just can't beat the 204. Super flat trajectory and it's just awesome being able to see the impacts through the scope. Get your buddy to reload for you and you will be very impressed at what the 204 can do. If you are not reloading then the 22-250 would be the most ideal. The 243 is nice as well but is major overkill on the smaller critters.

.204 ruger gets my vote super accurate gaining popluarity will provide plenty of ammo in the stores excellent on varmints out to 400yds

I own at least one rifle in each of the calibers you mention and I prefer the 223 for varmints up to coyote. If you're looking at an occasional deer, the 243 is the only option. However, I wouldn't want to spend a long day shooting P dogs or ground squirrels with a 243. Lou

As crowded as Pennsylvania is, if I was shooting ground hogs, I would want something where I didn't have to worry about riccochets...

I definitely wouldn't be using a 300 Win Mag.. for varmints...

I'd tend to go with a 223, and shoot fragile bullets that explode... or if someone is reloading for you, you can get them downloaded to 22 Hornet or K Hornet or 218 Bee velocities...

223 for a mostly varmint if one is going to mix deer in with it then the 243.

Bill23, As an eastern woodchuck shooter I would have to recomend the .243 for your shots beyond 300 yards. NOT TO SAY that the other calibers will not work, just that the 243 may serve your stated needs better and easier for you. A friend loading and getting the last bit of accuracy will be beneficial to your objectives. Try the Nosler 70 grain BT, or the Hornady 75 V-Max and medium burning rate powders. Stick to a box of Lapua brass or Winchester if you prefer. There's my 2 cents and change! Good luck and good shooting.

I agree. Take a good look at the 87 V-Max as well. It's the highest BC pure varmint bullet out there, and will just be starting to do it's thing @ 400 yds.

Get into reloading, and learn techniques to extract good accuracy--it's mighty rewarding to hit those 600 yd. chucks on the 1st shot, when you've done all the work yourself.

Hey bill23,

For long range varmint hunting with your 300 Win Mag, There is only one bullet to use. The 178gr Hornady Amax. One of Hornadys best kept secrets. All of my long range varmint gun are built around the Hornady Amax bullets. Out of your 300 Win Mag, the 178gr Amax will invert a chuck at 200yds. I hope you have your rain gear on.

As for a lighter caliber rifle for varmint and deer hunting, I'd lean towards the 243. The 70gr TNT's and 70gr Blitzkings are awesome on varmints. Also, the 85gr Barnes TSX, Tripple Shock X, bullets will drop any deer you'll ever shoot.

Now as to the rifle. I have shot, used and own the H&R Handi rifle. They are a nice rifle for their price range but does not have the accuracy that I like. I've tried lapping the barrels, custom loading, and neck sizing the brass to try and improve the accuracy of these rifles. For chuck to deer size target, they work ok. For ground squirrels at the longer ranges, they just don't cut it for me. For the price of the H&R varminter, I'd lean towards the Savage 110. Savage is one of the most accurate factory rifles out there. Savage looks kind of different but boy do they shoot.


Well, that's about my nickels worth.


Catch you later.


The Big Dog

If you already have a deer rifle, why bother with the 243? Just a question. When I do prairie dogs, I shoot a 22 mag and a 223. BTW, the 223 is a Handi Rifle w/ the bull barrel. You COULD get the 223 and through H&R's barrel program, add a 204 barrel...or vice versa.

Ammo is cheaper for the 223 than the 243, even reloaded. Less recoil, less concussion, less wear and tear on the shooter.

Just my opinion and 3 cents worth.

John