I'm considering buying a new Winchester Featherweight in 22-250. I'll use it for coyotes, a few prairie dogs, crows and anything else I come across that needs shooting.

Anyone out there have one of these that can compare it to a Ruger or Remington? It's got a 22inch barrel. I'll probably put a Leupold 4x12 or 4.5x14 on it.

I've owned two Winchesters with sporter barrels and featherweight barrels in .224 caliber.....one a .223 Remington and the other a .225 Winchester.....both were extremely accurate and as good as any Remington I ever owned.....

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a .224 centerfire in a M-70!

My hunting buddy had one quite a while ago and he was very impressed with the whole package in a 22-250. He also had a Ruger 22-250 in a varmint rig and loved the Winchester much more. The velocity in the Winchester out of a 22" barrel was higher than the Ruger's 26" using the same reloads. His sons also liked it and were able to convince him to let them "borrow" the Winchester and somehow "forgot" to return it, but he was ok with that.

I think it would work out great for a walk about varmint rig and even a 3x9 would work if that's what you want.

quote:

Originally posted by TEANCUM:
My hunting buddy had one quite a while ago and he was very impressed with the whole package in a 22-250.

The new Winchester Model 70s, as I understand, are a completely different company/manufacturing plant from older Winchesters made in 2006 and prior. They are now made by FN Herstal in Columbia, SC after 140 years in New Haven, Conn.

I was wondersing about experiences with the new 'Herstal' Model 70s.

I went ahead and pulled the trigger and bought the Winchester Featherweight in 22-250. I mounted a Leupold VX3 4.5x14x40 on it in Leupold bases and rings.

Put a few rounds handloaded for another 22-250 (Remington VSSF) threw it on Saturday to sight in the scope. They were a little tough to chamber since I had neck-sized them for my Remington. These were the Sierra HPBT over IMR 4064.

Am working up some handloads special to this new fifle. Will be loading the Nosler 55gr BT spitzer over H380 in Remington cases with a WLR primer.

Can't wait for some good weather to get out and shoot some chucks and squirrels... maybe by the end of March.

You won't be sorry. I love mine. I have had it customized with a very nice blond shell walnut thumb hole stock. It is a shooter!

Been thinking about a mod 70 FW myself. sounds like a winner, and I love 22-250.

I'd jump on it..

I love mine in 223...

just no need for a lightweight 22.250...but if I did, it would definitely be my FIRST choice..