Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

[benson821]

<span style="font-weight: bold">I am new to this fourm and have checket it out multiple times before and decided to join.

But to my question what do you guys think of a Remington 700 SPS Varmint in either 223 Rem. or 22-250 Rem.

I am left-handed so I usually have to special order so i would like to get some professional advice from you guys who have been around guns alot longer than me.

As for the scope I have been looking at the Millett line of scopes preferably the LRS, does anybody have any experience with this scope or any other of Millett's scopes.

All other advice is welcome. This rifle is going to be used for Varmint hunting/long range shooting/punching paper. I would like to keep this rifle on a budget. Around $800 for the rifle and scope.

All help is appreciated and welcomed, first hand experience is what i am looking for, and please post pictures of your varmint hunting set up or your long range hunting set up.

Thank you,
benson821</span>

 

[jakermeister]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

I would go 22-250 with heavy bullets. If your not reloading then go with a 223 with heavy bullets. Also how long range are you talking about? 50 yards or 500+ yards?

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

I like both cartridges. And own both. And in left handed rifles.

If you do not reload then I would probably buy the 223 as a starter rifle. You can get in a lot more trigger time with the 223 because the ammo is cheaper.

Not a thing wrong with your firearm of choice either. But there is alot of good left hand choices out there.

Buy a good quality 10X or 12X fixed power scope. You can buy a better quality scope in a fixed power for less money than a variable. And a 10X or 12X makes a fantastic varmint rifle scope. I have seen several 12X Leupold's lately for about $300(used). Look around, you will find one.

Picture below is of a 22-250 with a 1in8 Krieger barrel. Tom.

 

[benson821]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

the range i'm planning on shooting is 600 yards of under. i am just starting to get into long range shooting so once i get comfortable i will progressively move out to farther ranges. but for starters i will stay around the 600 yard range and closer. and suprisingly 223 and 22-250 ammo here in Fargo is basically the exact same price. another rifle i saw today was a savage model 12 (i think) it had a stainless steel bull barrell with flutes. I am planning on getting a bull barrell rifle and get a good scope for the rifle, then later on replace the stock. Please post pictures of your varmint and long range rifle set ups.

 

[oldgrayone]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

MAke sure you barrel twist will take the heaver bullet if you want to reach out a little with it. The tactical 223 has a 9 twist I think where the varmint has a 12 twist and the 12 will not take a heavier bullet

 

[tanda10506]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

FOR THE MONEY, it doesn't get any better for a starter rifle then the SPS Varmint or Tactical. If your going .223 then go with the Tactical, better twist for the heavier .223 bullets that your going to need. I have the Varmint in .308 and it shoots great! Loves the 168gr.

 

[long range dogr]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

223 in the tactical version.Run the guts out of it,then rebarrel to a 223AI! The savage in a 1/9 twist is a very good option as well...

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1320019

 

[SledDog]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

For scope options check out the super sniper series from SWFA. A nice 10x runs around $300 for a very solid piece. I have two that have been great for me.

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

Did you look in the classifieds. I have a LH Savage 223 in the classifieds. Tom.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2117742&#Post2117742

 

[benson821]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sled Dog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For scope options check out the super sniper series from SWFA. A nice 10x runs around $300 for a very solid piece. I have two that have been great for me. </div></div>

I did see those scopes but i'm not sure how well it will work for shooting at small targets at 500-600 yards. I have been blessed with variable power scopes and have never used a fixed power scope. My question is Would a Super Snipers Series 10x power scope work good for 500 yard shooting will it have a good picture??

 

[emmagee]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

Unless you are considering a used rifle, I think you'll find it pretty tough to find a quality rifle, mounts and optics for $800. With that in mind, keep an eye open on the various forums and you can probably find a nice rig ready to go in your price range. You indicate you are new to rifle, IMO, don't be afraid of buying a used rifle, most folks get rid of rifles because they want to help finance something else, don't use it much, grown tired of it, etc, not because it is a problem child.

I don't know much about Millet optics, but I think they are definitely bargain optics, they may be great, but I'd rather have something else. A previous poster suggested a fixed power scope and I think that is an excellent suggestion for someone working within a relatively tight budget. I have fixed Leupold 12X's on a couple of varmint rifles and they are great, I also have an old 10X Leupold that is waiting for a new rifle. I still remember buying my first centerfire rifle, a Model 70 .270 around 1980 when I was a kid. This was to be used for deer hunting and the salesman convinced me a Tasco 3-9 with some sort of built in range finder was just what I needed. Hell, I was only 12 years old, it sounded neat and that's what I got, I often think about that and wish he'd sold me on a simple 4X Leupold. The Tasco is long gone, but had he talked me into buying the 4X Leupold, I'm sure I'd still have that scope around.

 

[2clicks]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

I like a higher powered scope for 600 6-24 or 8-32 something along those lines work good for me.

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

I just saw a Leupold 16X on another forum for $225. It looked like a pretty good deal. It is one of the older straight 16X scopes with the enclosed, shorter, target turrets. If you are interested send me a PM, and I will tell you where I saw it. I already have one, or I would have bought it. That would make a fantastic starter-varmint scope. And 16x is enough power to shoot as far as either of the two cartridges you are looking at will shoot. Tom.

 

[benson821]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

I don't think i would like a fixed power scope, i have used variable power scopes for a long time. i am thinking of getting a Millett TRS 4-16X50 scope. but i am still looking at rifles. either a remington 700 sps varmint or a savage model 12 with stainless steel fluted bull barrel. Both left handed. does anybody have any other rifle suggestions or scope suggestions??

benson821

 

[SmokeRolls]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

If you are going to strictly want a left hand rifle then your choices may be narrower but not impossible to find.
The 223,22-250 and 243 and 6mm, and 260 would be great choices. If you are not going to reload then stick to 223,22-250 and 243, These are easy to find and do not break the bank.
I would highly recommend that you start reloading as soon as possible as this can help tailor your loads to suit your situation.
I grew up shooting a 788 Remington 22-250 with a standard tapered barrel (No heavy barrel).
I would recommend buying a left handed "used" Remington 700 in 223,22-250 or even 243.
For now don't worry about getting the heavy barrel unless you just run into a great deal on one.
Getting a good platform to start with is a great start.
I would recommend a good used 1" tube Leupold Vari-x III and I would get anywhere from a 3x9, and up to a 20X.
These can be had for a great deal and have served many hunters for many years and even sold for usually what you have in it after you get done with it provided that you take care of it.
This should keep you at or below $800 and it will be a great place to start with.
Then get out and shoot and learn as much as you can.
..........SmokeRolls

 

[benson821]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

I recently saw a left handed 22-250 at my local gun store with a standard barrel for $400 i think it is used. but could i get a replacement heavy barrel for the rifle and does anybody know where i can find one? i have been reading some reviews where people start with a rifle and swap out barrel and stock to make it a real nice gun. so my question is "is it worth buying a used gun then swapping out the standard barrel for a heavier one?"

 

[SmokeRolls]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: benson821</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recently saw a left handed 22-250 at my local gun store with a standard barrel for $400 i think it is used. but could i get a replacement heavy barrel for the rifle and does anybody know where i can find one? i have been reading some reviews where people start with a rifle and swap out barrel and stock to make it a real nice gun. so my question is "is it worth buying a used gun then swapping out the standard barrel for a heavier one?"</div></div>
A Remington 700 is the benchmark and there is much available for it and any GOOD smith can help you turn it into a tack driver.
It's easy to get it rebarreled and have a trigger job done or buy a new trigger already done. It's easy to find a stock for it. It's easy to have it bedded.
All this can be done by the right people and some by yourself.
You can post a question on here about where are some good gunsmiths in your area and others can help you locate them. If none in your area then there are many you could contact and have the rifle shipped to them to complete the work you would like to get done..........
But first.....
Buy a good starter rifle and then shoot it until you have reached the max of it's potential.
Many shooters think we have to have a $5,000 dollar rifle right out of the starting gate or we will not be able to hang with "Billy Bob Sniper Wanna Be".
Work on your skills as a shooter with your rifle and you will learn what you will want and what you really need.
This site has an online training course that can help you refine your skills and then do what the owner of this site says "Just get out and shoot".
Practice, ask questions, practice, ask questions and listen and you will do well.
Hope this helps.
.........SmokeRolls

 

[benson821]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

so i am lost on what to get. I believe i have it narrowed down to savage and remington. Model 12 or SPS varmint. They both seem like the same rifles. seems like savage has a smoother action, but remington has more of a history of reliability with military. both are the same price ($600). the sps varmint at my local gun store is in 223 rem. and the savage model 12 is in 22-250. out of these two rifles which would you get and why. or would you get a one but in a differnt caliber? I am basically stuck between these two rifles, because if i want a special order it cost more.

Also i haven't went coyote hunting but with my tikka t3 lite 270 win. so is the heavy barrel on these rifles a pain in the butt to use or is it a good thing to have. <span style="text-decoration: underline">This is going to be my longrange/predator rifle.</span> I am new to this predator hunting thing so all advice is much appreciated. feel free to show your personal predator or longrange rig.

benson821

 

[SmokeRolls]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

I would not even buy new. My personal preference is the older Remington 700 with the older trigger (Prior to the J-lock bolt).
You should be able to find one sub $500 very easy and sometimes $350 with thinner tapered barrel and old wooden stock (ADL).
Stop trying to go for new. You are trying to get new and you will be left with very little money to buy a decent scope.
I know I could go out and find an old ADL Remington 700 in the calibers you are looking at for around $400-$425 and then go buy a great used Leupold Vari-x III 3x9 or up to 20x with 1" tube for $350 which would put you right around your $800 ceiling price that you meantioned before and then you have a great starting point and a rifle to build upon and or just shoot the piss out of.
Good luck with whatever you decide though. You are the one that has to be happy with it.
........SmokeRolls

 

[benson821]

Re: Lookin for a Varmint/Longrange rifle.

Ok i don't think i will be making/buying this rifle anytime soon. My dad just bought a DPMS Sweet 16 in 223. So i will try to use that for my coyote/varmint/longrange needs. it's a good rifle and i also own a 270 so i think the thing for me to do now is start reloading i have about 100 empties of each caliber and that number is steadily growing so i will more than likely start reloading before i get a new rifle. So does anybody have any advice on a good reloading set and some good powder to use for 223 and 270? (if i could figure out how to insert an image i would post a pic of my dad's dpms but i don't know how to)