Help me chose a new rifle

G

Gsjcky

Member
I’ve shot prairie dogs as a target of chance for many years. It’s time for a dedicated PD rifle. I know I want a 22-250, as I have the brass & dies. I also want a faster twist, so I can try some higher BC bullets for the fun of it. I’m planing on using a 53 gr vmax, but plans change.
Anyway, I have it narrowed down to 2 rifles. Bergara HMR, or a Tikka T3x. Slightly different platforms, but after a few upgrades, I think they will both work as a dedicated PD rifle. Both are in the same ballpark price wise. One is a true target gun, Begara, with heavy barrel, target stock, and 9.5 lbs without scope or suppressor. The Tikka is a sporter, thinner barrel, lighter weight, 6.5 lbs without scope. But an accurate platform.
I plan on using a tripod for 95% of my shooting.
Not sure which would be a better match. Opinions & suggestions would be appreciated
Thx. .
 
CVA Cascade Varmint Hunter might be a good choice…I have one in .243…checked all the boxes I was looking for…Heavier barrel profile, threaded, detachable mag, adjustable cheek rest, Cerakoted…Also ability to use Remington 700mtriggers, but the factory seems excellent, no need to replace it…I have not shot the rifle yet but I think it will be a good shooter, has same Bergara barrel as the HMR you are looking at.
 
Tikka offers the 22-250 in 1:14 & 1:8. There were / are varmits & super varmits with heavy 24" pipes too. I have a 1:14 varmit i bought for coyote, should have bought the 1:8, but at the time I wasn't handloading & there are no factory ammo offerings utilizing the heavies. Personally id go with a tikka heavy barreled 223 instead of the 22-250 for just praire dogs as the barrel life is 4x as long but the 22-250 is alot of fun, mine is silly accurate with 55gr nosler varmegedon's. Silly being cloverleafs at 100 yards.
 
cropdamage said:
What's the average distance and how many shots a day ?
Click to expand...
I wish I could answer that question. I’ll be hunting public land, and will be shooting smaller towns, alternating spotting & shooting with a buddy. If I had to guess, 50-100 rounds a day?? As for range, again a guess, 300 yards??
I realize a 223 would be a better choice for shooting a higher volume of rounds, but I think a 22-250 would be a better match for me.
 
Don't worry about barrel life. Barrels are consumables, like tires.
Tikka is the superior platform, and it's not even close. There may not be a better "factory" action.
If cartwheels and explosions are your thing, you definitely want the 22-250. I would personally go with the 8 twist Tikka. It will shoot the 53 v-max just fine, and you will have some incredible results on those little vermin.
 
I own 9 high power rifles 5 of them are Savage's . 2, 22-250's both are boring to shooting @100 yards because they put a hole in a hole about every time. I can swap a barrel on a Savage in less than 30 minutes. I setup 2 of mine in the Accu stocks with AICS bottom metal and they function smooth as silk. I have way less than $1,000 in each of them, more like $700. I bought a Savage Trail hunter on sale in 6.5 creedmore sold the barrel and stock on EBAY and ended up with the action for $75. I bought what I needed for the build for around $350.

In no means am I knocking ANY other brand or what you or other might like/want to own/shoot. But for me for a rifle I planned on shooting a high volume I would want a rifle that I could rebarrel myself. My way of thinking is the less I spend on one item the more I will have to spend on other items, like ammo, scopes,Thermal, suppressors, bird dogs, boats, livescope, fishing gear, you get the idea.

100 Yard 5 shot group.

thumbnail.jpg


I googled the Tikka's and they must be really nice for the price they are asking. I've never handled nor seen one in person. Good Luck to you whatever you choose and have fun.
 
Last edited:
Gsjcky said:
I wish I could answer that question. I’ll be hunting public land, and will be shooting smaller towns, alternating spotting & shooting with a buddy. If I had to guess, 50-100 rounds a day?? As for range, again a guess, 300 yards??
I realize a 223 would be a better choice for shooting a higher volume of rounds, but I think a 22-250 would be a better match for me.
Click to expand...
I like a heavier rig for a varmint shoot from a bench. If doing a walk about shoot/hunt ,lighter is easier to tote around. Scope power may have to be a little less on a lighter rifle for spotting shots. The 22-250 will give you good splat factor that you will want to watch !

I like Tikka for a factory rifle.
 
22-250 is my go to varmint rifle. My avatar is a Ruger 77 target. Shot a lot of PD in Wyoming with it and my son shot his first deer with it using 55 grain reloads.
 
Back
Top