Battle of the varmint calibers.

[downwind_heat]

Hey, I guess I'm a newbie to MuleyMadness so I'll just come out with the question straightforward and ask the question. I'm looking forward Too buying a varmint rifle for multipurpose reasons such as plinking, coyote shots, prarie dogs, and anything small enough that dares step into my crosshairs . Well if you want just please reply and If you're feeling generous go ahead and maybe point me to a setup that wont be over 500$? Thanks in advance and much oblige.

[MULEY7MM]

I use a 243 or a 22-250

[M.Bird]

For your rifle, I would take a hard look at the CZ 527 Laminated stock with bull barrel. This is a SUB MOA out of the box; I have one and have done nothing to it except check to make sure all the screws where tight. Best Group to Date .381 X .541 Outside to Outside (5 shot), it was done of a bench using Ranges Sand bags (2 Front, no rear)
For the Caliber—Personally I have it in .223 and like it. 22-250 would be outstanding, 243 could be used for deer along with everything else. 204 I do not care for the round, lots of people like it.
Bust luck on your search
M. Bird

[downwind_heat]

Thanks for the replies Muley and M.bird. I've been leaning towards .223 on the count of the bulk ammunition readily available. I think I could pass on a .243, I've got a 30-06 that sports great for deer. Right now I'd love a nice bolt action but sadly I'm limited to a 500-550$ setup scope and sling included So I was looking at some New England Firearms singleshot break action and rossi's. The price on these little guns isn't too bad- being in the 200-300 range and that leaves me money to spend on a nice scope bipod and sling! If you've ever handled these guns or even know anyone who's used them please tell me about there total accuracy?

[M.Bird]

Downwind:
If the budget is tight for the toys—here you go
Get a Thompson Encore Frame- I pick my up at Sportsman’s for $230.00—Don’t get the barrel there
Go to— http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/index.
Get the Bergara .223 barrel $210 for the 24” $240 for the 26” (Free Shipping my 7mm-08 barrel arrived in 5 days) if you want real fun get the 222 That where the accuracy book was written, but you must reload.
Scopes: (I get flak on this one): BSA sweet 223 find on sale >$100 or Sightron SI 3X9 Mildot $119.00
I know it’s at the top of your range but you will enjoy that set up all year long
Best of Luck
M.Bird

[life2extreme]

Might want to take a look at some of the Howa's, they are making the Weatherby Vanguard actions

[m gardner]

My girlfriend has taken over my stainless steel TC Contender in 223 rem. It was right at $450.00 on sale. It has a BSA scope on it and shoots fine. I put Mike Bellm's oversized hinge pin and the stronger locking spring too. Did a trigger job on it and she won't give it back now! Shoots under an inch all day with handloads.
Mark

[jarvis243]

If your looking for something for plinking than i would go with .223 because of the price of the rounds if you are going to shoot factory loads. It is a very accurate rifle when you do your part. If i was looking for a good all around caliber tha i would be using for deer also than i would go with a .243. As far as the gun i LOVE my CZ527! It's a smooth action and it is very accurate right out of the box. I also like the Tikkas.

[canyonhunter]

I would go with the Savage Arms .17 HMR. It will kill a coyote with a well placed shot. I won mine at a banquet, but my dad got his for about $250. They shot pretty fast at 3250 feet per second. I shot a rabbit at 50 yards from the hip through two sagebrush and blew the entire back half of it off.

[one hunting fool]

can't beat a 204 in my book best gun i ever shot. 204 short mag 4000 fps and little drop at 400 yrds