Battle of the varmint calibers.

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$? Thanks in advance and much oblige.
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MULEY7MM
::wel I use a 243 or a 22-250
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For your rifle, I would take a hard look at the CZ 527 Laminated stock with bull barrel. This is a SUB MOA out of the box; I have one and have done nothing to it except check to make sure all the screws where tight. Best Group to Date .381 X .541 Outside to Outside (5 shot), it was done of a bench using Ranges Sand bags (2 Front, no rear)
For the Caliber—Personally I have it in .223 and like it. 22-250 would be outstanding, 243 could be used for deer along with everything else. 204 I do not care for the round, lots of people like it.
Bust luck on your search
M. Bird
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Thanks for the replies Muley and M.bird. I've been leaning towards .223 on the count of the bulk ammunition readily available. I think I could pass on a .243, I've got a 30-06 that sports great for deer. Right now I'd love a nice bolt action but sadly I'm limited to a 500-550$ 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?
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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
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life2extreme
Might want to take a look at some of the Howa's, they are making the Weatherby Vanguard actions
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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just my 2 cents..but i have a 243 and a 6mm..basically the same gun..but i have shot my friends 204 quite a bit and i like it and he wouldnt go to a 223 or his 220 swift that he has. his is a tompson centor single shot idk what model it is i think its an encore..not sure..but i like that..but if i were to buy a new varmint gun i would get a 22-250 a little bit bigger for those long range shots and burris makes some decently priced scopes..idk what kinda of rifle you are looking for..but im sure you could get a savage...or a stevens for a decent price
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sneekeepete
I would have to stick with the 22-250 as far as caliber for what your lookin for. Of course everyone has their favorite so I'm sure whatever you find will become yours! :thumb
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kinzysdad
I agree with what sneekepete says. It's all about what fits you. Heck, I've been known to shoot my 7 mag at song dogs. It just fits me. Not much left of the yotes but it saves a few fawns. :thumb
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Loke
"canyonhunter" wrote: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.
 Where did you get your chronograph? Mine only shoots 2650, and the factory specs from a 20" barrel are 2550.
A great choice under $500 would be the Remington 700 SPS. It is available in many calibers including the 17 Rem, 204, 223, 22-250, and 243. Any would fine choices for an all purpose varmint rifle.
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