Best fit between .22 WMR and .270 Winchester?

[Divernhunter]

Tikka T3-Lite with Leupold 3X9X40 or 3.5X10X40 with duplex reticle sighted in 2.75" high at 100 yards and with a Claw sling.

"I" do not like the 243 but if you need something bigger than the 223 I would get a 260Rem/6.5CR/6.5X55.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

.243 was what where I was leaning as well. Thoughts on makes/models? Thank you!

A .243 and a M70 Featherweight just seem to go together. But I'm an unashamed M70 devotee and thoroughly biased. But I also like the SG thought above. The FW model will give you more room for glass money and you should be able to stay within your $1500 budget with good glass.

 

[flat8]

Anyone have experience with the Sako Model 85 in Classic or Varmint? Different price point, I know. Finally, do manufacturers usually offer any kind of discount at a big show like the DSC?

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Anyone have experience with the Sako Model 85 in Classic or Varmint? Different price point, I know. Finally, do manufacturers usually offer any kind of discount at a big show like the DSC?

As much as I love my M70's, there's been a few Tikka's in the house too. Tikka and Sako made by same folks. A Sako in my opinion is just a prettier but more expensive Tikka. If you want the prettier aesthetics, have at it. If you don't, you're giving up nothing by buying the Tikka T3. The Tikka's I've had have been the easiest rifles I've developed loads for. They've liked more bullets and powder combinations than any of my other rifles.

 

[Michael Dean]

Intended use is for a mountain lion hunt that may or may not happen. Also as a backup rifle to my .270 for pronghorn. I'd like something light that I can hoof around for long distances.

If you reload and if your looking for a back up rifle for your 270 I suggest that you look at an alternative to the 243; something that is in the same category of the 243 but a cartridge that will give you an extra 10% in terms of velocity and overall distance and knockdown power, take a serious look at the 6mm Remington in the Ackley Improved version. An AI will give you an extra 8-10% in cartridge case capacity and really makes a difference in velocity and long range shooting. It doesn't take too much research; review what bullets you can shoot out of a 223 and then compare the 6mm AI that can shoot a 75 grain bullet at over 3,800fps and you quickly realize that in terms of performance there's simply no comparison as to what you can accomplish at any level.
The advantage is you can use the cartridge as a regular 6mm Remington while shooting and fire-forming the brass, you'll find the cartridge to be extremely accurate shooting regular 6mm Remington cartridges and after you've fire-formed the brass you can complete your ladder tests to determine what bullet your rifle likes.

If your going to be using the new rifle for pronghorn, I can't think of a better long range cartridge shooting the 6mmAI using 105 grain bullets. It's a cartridge that will allow you to reach out 600-800 yards and the exceptional velocity helps to buck adverse wind conditions on the plain. It will do everything and more that a 223 will do when it comes to varmints and can still fill the void of the 270 when using the heavier bullets. I just finished reloading 400 cases to fire-form using 75 grain vmax bullets that I'll use next spring for a prairie dog shoot. When I'm done I'll have a load of brass I can use to complete ladder tests for other bullets I'll end up using for different applications.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Forgat about the Tikkas a good choice.

 

[lwaters]

I would go with the 243 win. or maybe a 22-250.

 

[fourfive8]

What will a 243 do that a 270 won't do better? Something like a 222 or 223 seems a better 'tweener. IMO

 

[flat8]

If you reload and if your looking for a back up rifle for your 270 I suggest that you look at an alternative to the 243; something that is in the same category of the 243 but a cartridge that will give you an extra 10% in terms of velocity and overall distance and knockdown power, take a serious look at the 6mm Remington in the Ackley Improved version. An AI will give you an extra 8-10% in cartridge case capacity and really makes a difference in velocity and long range shooting. It doesn't take too much research; review what bullets you can shoot out of a 223 and then compare the 6mm AI that can shoot a 75 grain bullet at over 3,800fps and you quickly realize that in terms of performance there's simply no comparison as to what you can accomplish at any level.
The advantage is you can use the cartridge as a regular 6mm Remington while shooting and fire-forming the brass, you'll find the cartridge to be extremely accurate shooting regular 6mm Remington cartridges and after you've fire-formed the brass you can complete your ladder tests to determine what bullet your rifle likes.

If your going to be using the new rifle for pronghorn, I can't think of a better long range cartridge shooting the 6mmAI using 105 grain bullets. It's a cartridge that will allow you to reach out 600-800 yards and the exceptional velocity helps to buck adverse wind conditions on the plain. It will do everything and more that a 223 will do when it comes to varmints and can still fill the void of the 270 when using the heavier bullets. I just finished reloading 400 cases to fire-form using 75 grain vmax bullets that I'll use next spring for a prairie dog shoot. When I'm done I'll have a load of brass I can use to complete ladder tests for other bullets I'll end up using for different applications.

I don't reload. Reading this, I wish I did! Great insight.

 

[Nyati]

Remington 700 Mountain Rifle in .243, light, good trigger, within your budget.

 

[MAdcox]

I love my 243. I have a Henry 22WMR that is a blast and great brush varmint gun. I have a 223 AR and really like calling coyotes and plinking with it. My first "big" rifle was a 270 and it is probably still my favorite. But the 243 fit a great niche in my gun case. I load 58 gr V Max for coyotes and it is wicked (flatter and faster than my 223), but I also have 100 gr Norma Oryx for my 9 year old to hunt whitetail. That is where it shines for me. Light gun, little to no recoil (even for a 55lb kid) and enough gun where I think a 223 is a bit marginal for deer in the hands of a rookie like my son. IMHO a 60 to 70 gr bullet is a little light for deer and/or lion. Probably not for an experienced shooter but the 243 gives my boy a little more bullet and its fun for me.
My 243 is a cheap Remington 700 BDL (Leupold VXII) I got from a friend that needed some fast cash and it shoots great. I prefer my Kimber but for a truck gun (feeding cattle all winter, thinning coyotes- not a road hunter) the light composite stock and matte barrel is perfect.

 

[TXHUNTER338]

this may a bit off the wall but my favorite little coyote/antelope/whitetail rifle
is a petite ruger ultralite in .257 roberts . it isn't a 400 yd round but inside of 200 it is deadly as hell on the mid to small stuff . may need to reload to get the most out of it tho .

 

[MAdcox]

this may a bit off the wall but my favorite little coyote/antelope/whitetail rifle
is a petite ruger ultralite in .257 roberts . it isn't a 400 yd round but inside of 200 it is deadly as hell on the mid to small stuff . may need to reload to get the most out of it tho .

I grew up shooting my dad's 257 Roberts. GREAT gun! My only hold up with it is ammo availability. Even as a handloader there are few bullet weights. But it is a great round.

 

[JakeH]

I can’t believe nobody has suggested both yet....

I have both. A Steyr Pro Hunter in .270 is my primary hunting rifle. I’ve got a Savage 110 in .243 for deer and coyote and a S&W M&P-15 for shiggles. When my money is right I’ll add a Savage 12FV in .223 to give me more of a dedicated varmint gun. And a Savage 11 in .338 Federal. But I digress.

For what your stated purpose is, though, I’d go with a .243.

 

[flat8]

My current 243 Win (Kimber Montana) has taken many jackrabbits, coyotes, whitetail, mule deer, and antelope as well as occasional crows and prairie dogs. If I had to, I wouldn’t hesitate to take a cow elk with a premium bullet. I carried it on a mountain lion hunt in New Mexico, but was unsuccessful. Personally I’d carry a lever action 30-30, 44 Mag, or even 357 Mag as a dedicated mountain lion with hounds hunting rifle.
Some states you are not aloud to take big game, including mountain lion with a 224 caliber. Also some you are not allowed to Varmint hunt during big game season with anything over a 224 caliber.

Best of luck in your decision!

You got me thinking ... In the back of my safe is a 70 or 80 year-old Savage Model 99 in .300 Savage with open sights. I bought it about 14 or so years ago, when my grandfather was still alive. He was a deer hunter in PA, and his rifle had been a Model 99 in .300 Savage. He sold it when he stopped hunting and before I took an interest in hunting. Once I started getting into shooting, he regretted that he let it go and didn't pass it on to me. Back then, I found a very clean example, bought it, and would watch him handle it as he shared stories. Anyway, he passed away about 6 years ago. I've never put a single round through that Savage. If the lion hunt "that may never happen" ends up happening, maybe this should be the gun I use.

I still need to fill that .22WMR to .270 gap in Dallas though!

 

[Wheels]

22-250 or 220 Swift.

About midway between 223 and the 243.

Both are great varmint rifles as long as you don't want to do any taxidermy on the varmints. I won't say they are optimal for larger game, but I have taken up to a 125 lb animal with a 22-250 and up to a 300 lb animal with the 220 Swift.


Besides, isn't it fun to drive fast occasionally!

 

[Ragman]

Get yourself a Tikka T3 in .243 and have a blast. A buddy has one in .243 and is death on coyotes with it. I have one in 7mm Rem Mag and love it, but am considering swapping it out for a 7mm-08.
My .243 is a T/C Venture. Not as nice as the Tikka, but a real shooter. However it appears that my better half has claimed it as "her gun". This year will be her first year deer hunting and if she kills a deer with it, I've lost it for good!

 

[Hogpatrol]

Another option is the CZ 527 American. They make a .223.

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-527-american/

 

[Ridgewalker]

You got me thinking ... In the back of my safe is a 70 or 80 year-old Savage Model 99 in .300 Savage with open sights. I bought it about 14 or so years ago, when my grandfather was still alive. He was a deer hunter in PA, and his rifle had been a Model 99 in .300 Savage. He sold it when he stopped hunting and before I took an interest in hunting. Once I started getting into shooting, he regretted that he let it go and didn't pass it on to me. Back then, I found a very clean example, bought it, and would watch him handle it as he shared stories. Anyway, he passed away about 6 years ago. I've never put a single round through that Savage. If the lion hunt "that may never happen" ends up happening, maybe this should be the gun I use.

I still need to fill that .22WMR to .270 gap in Dallas though!

PERFECT! The 99 would be an awesome mountain lion gun! Grand idea!

I don’t think you’ll go wrong with any of the suggestions. Just check the laws out for what you can use and when you can use it. Me, I’d want more for puma than a 223, but you’ve got than part done in style! FYI, in a number of places you can’t use 224 caliber for antelope or any big game. My home state of Colorado is an example.

Best of luck!

 

[gizmo]

Intended use is for a mountain lion hunt that may or may not happen. Also as a backup rifle to my .270 for pronghorn. I'd like something light that I can hoof around for long distances.

As been has mentioned it depends upon your budget, the Ruger American is a great shooting low cost rifle. If you have a good budget to work with than I'm with hogpatrol on the full custom.