varmint cal. ?

urapigg

September 02, 2002 06:25

I am considering buying a NEF single shot for varmint hunting. What are your opinions,.223 or .22-250 for northern coyote and fox shooting out on the lake this winter? Also what bullet type and weight? Any recommendations for a scope for the above rifle with 26" barrel.
Thanks, The Pigg

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  poopah

  September 02, 2002 06:54

  Pigg,The 22-250 is hard to beat.However if you don't handload,the 223 is cheaper to shoot.You will notice the difference on the shots over 250 or300yds.Good Hunting,Roger

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  Chief Grizzly

  September 02, 2002 07:20

  Good Morning Pigg,
  
  Have you given any thought to the 25-06 for your type of hunting. A little more recoil and a little more boom, but, you are throwing more weight in an open area where wind may be a factor. (up to 120gr) With a FMJ it will make a pass through and do the job with less hide damage, and shots to 400yd are no problem. (with a little practice on paper)
  
  What can I say, the 25-06 is my "pet". Just my 2 cents worth. Have a great day.
  
  Grizzly

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  Nighthawk

  September 02, 2002 07:57

  Either one is adequate,the 22-250 Has a little more pep and if you reload I would say go for it.I have a Ruger Model77 MK II in 22-250 and have taken Coyote with devastateing results.I have also taken them with a 223,and 22 Hornet.I would recommend the 223 because of all the surplus ammo avaliable.And I think the Handi Rifle is a good choice the have proven to be fine rifles in my experience.
  
  Best!!
  
  Rugster
  
  
  Toujours Pret

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  hotrodusa

  September 02, 2002 08:39

  urapigg, Both the caliber's you mentioned will work fine. I personaly like the 22-250 better. There are a lot of different factory ammo styles available. If you hand load, All the better.
  As far as bullet weight, This one is a tough answer, At close range a 55 grain psp will distroy a hide on a fox, But at long distances (250+ yards) the 55 grain bullet will do a good job of staying on track and will not do as much damage to the hide, And will do a very good job of putting the critter down.
  
  A lighter bullet is prefered at close ranges, Say a 45 grain, And if you hand load you can reduce your load, So as not to do so much dammage to the hide. Also, At close ranges placing the bullet in a spot that will not ruin the hide is important.
  
  As for a scope, I like a high power variable scope, Leupold, Bausch & Lomb, Nikon, To name my favorites, A 6-24X40 would do the job well.
  
  Robert

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  moenkopi

  September 02, 2002 11:17

  i could be wrong but i don't believe NEF makes the 22-250 any more.

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