I would like to get into small cal shooting but I don't know what cal. to get. I've looked at .223, 204 and 22-250s but I just don't know were to start. I would like to shoot prairie dogs and coyote. Some long range shooting. I don't reload(wife will kill me if I take up another hobby) so it factory ammo. Your thoughts and experiences please.

my vote is for a stainless ruger hawkeye in .204....

Don't reload and just starting....

.223

Gotta crawl before ya walk.

I agree with the .223 if you don't reload. I am getting ready to buy a bolt action .223 to go with my AR15 as we are not allowed to hunt with semi autos here in PA. I reload and still think the .223 is enough gun for grondhogs a yotes.

Dont overlook the .17HMR either depending on what you will be shooting.

No recoil at all, much quieter than .223 or .204, flat shooting and rifles and ammo are cheaper. Like the .223 and .204 its a round that seems to shoot well in almost everything made for it. A real fun round.

Go with the .223. Cheaper than the other rounds you mentioned to feed, and definitely enough gun to do the trick.

gd

Another vote for the .223 Remington. It isn't the fastest or flashiest thing out there but it just flat out works. You could call it the 06 of varmint calibers.

The .223 is the way to go for your situation.

I have all three but this is another vote for the .223. And you can probably find a buddy that will reload for you so you can live a long and fruitful life shooting your 223.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by NimrodRx:
Don't reload and just starting....

.223

Gotta crawl before ya walk.

+1.
- mike

223 for sure. Ammo out the wazzo. Not handloading this would be the best route to go. Bulk ammo,premium ammo and regular stuff. Black hills is my favorite. Good luck in your choice.

Definitely the 223. Ammo available just about anywhere and most of it is cheap.

The 204 is the most expensive of the three.

The 22-250 is not too terribly expensive as there are some bulk buys on varmint ammo for it.

The problem with the 22-250 and 204 is they are limited to light bullets which will give you fits at longer ranges. I assume you'll be picking up a factory rifle and almost all factory 223s have a bbl twist suited for the heavier 22 cal bullets. With those heavier bullet's better BCs you'll be able to buck the wind alittle better at farther ranges.

Good Luck

Reloader

I have the .223 (700vlss) and it is great. I do reload and am seeking another small caliber to play with. Longer or shorter range than the .223, what would you guys recommend? Caliber and/or rifle.

223 WSSM is the hot rod

Even if you're not a reloader your timeing is poopy. With ammo and compent availability drasticly decreasing and prices going out of sight, you might think of investing in some good ultra light equipment and go get some crappy or bluegill. I'm kind a swinging in that direction. roger

223 is most available and cheapest to shoot, but if you get a Savage 12BVSS you can have a 5 minute barrel swap to any of the 3 and anything from 17 Rem. to 300 Whisper.

It depends on what you want to do with it, but it seems to me a .223 is useful for more things than anyting cheaper.

I recommend ONE of everything. And two of some.
A person can't have too many guns.

muck

Thanks all sounds like .223 is the winner.

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
Even if you're not a reloader your timeing is poopy. With ammo and compent availability drasticly decreasing and prices going out of sight, you might think of investing in some good ultra light equipment and go get some crappy or bluegill. I'm kind a swinging in that direction. roger

Roger,

Didn't you just get like about a 100 lbs of Data 85 powder??



Just kidding. I agree with you. The prices are forcing me to rethink some of the choices I make.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by pdhntr1:

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
Even if you're not a reloader your timeing is poopy. With ammo and compent availability drasticly decreasing and prices going out of sight, you might think of investing in some good ultra light equipment and go get some crappy or bluegill. I'm kind a swinging in that direction. roger

Roger,

Didn't you just get like about a 100 lbs of Data 85 powder??Jim

Between three of us I got the Lion's share of 48# of DP86 and 80# of DP 85.

Of my own I have fair quantities of Dp 2200, 5010, 5020, 8208,T680, 2230-C,wcc 844, wcc846, 7383,DP73, DP74 and those are just the surplus powders. In all seriousness you made me open my eyes to the fact that I have not concentrated enough on bullets and maybe primers!!?? I do know were I can get a whole bunch of Berger 55gr FBHPs. for 10 cents apiece. I think you just made up my mind for me. Thanks roger

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:

quote:

Originally posted by pdhntr1:

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
Even if you're not a reloader your timeing is poopy. With ammo and compent availability drasticly decreasing and prices going out of sight, you might think of investing in some good ultra light equipment and go get some crappy or bluegill. I'm kind a swinging in that direction. roger

Roger,

Didn't you just get like about a 100 lbs of Data 85 powder??Jim

Between three of us I got the Lion's share of 48# of DP86 and 80# of DP 85.

Of my own I have fair quantities of Dp 2200, 5010, 5020, 8208,T680, 2230-C,wcc 844, wcc846, 7383,DP73, DP74 and those are just the surplus powders. In all seriousness you made me open my eyes to the fact that I have not concentrated enough on bullets and maybe primers!!?? I do know were I can get a whole bunch of Berger 55gr FBHPs. for 10 cents apiece. I think you just made up my mind for me. Thanks roger

ROTFLMAO

Well at least I am consistant on one thing, you and my wife use the same rationale to get what ever you want.

(behind the couch again, but not coming out)



Jim

At this stage .223 Remington is best bet.