New Thermal Rig

2

20101003

New member
Hello,

I'm me to the forum but not new to predator hunting. I am however one of the only ones in my area that does this. I'm hoping the community will help me with a new rifle build.

I currently have a pulsar thermion xp60lrf thermal scope. I use a bipod and stationary field hunt or a shotgun and red light for stalking.

Typical range is only like 150-200 yards out to occasional 250 yards

I'm looking at a bergara premier hmr pro in 22-250 or building an AR in something like 300 blackout or 22arc. I like the 22-250 caliber as it's a little less seen than a typical 223.

I'm not worried about ammo cost as I've been using a 450 Bushmaster at 2.50/round. I'm also not worried about saving pelts. This is for livestock protection.

What do you guys think? Is that Bergara a solid choice in 22-250 for my use or should I look into an AR build?

What do you all think / suggest?

Keep in mind I don't have hogs where I live and rarely get packs. This is 2-3 Fox or coyotes at a time so quick follow ups aren't much of a concern either which is the main benefit of an AR I would think.

Open to all input. Thank you all.
 
2-3 fox/coyotes at a time would fit the requirement of quick follow ups. Pretty hard to beat an ar in 223. The fanciest gun and gadgets won't get you more coyotes. Spend more on fuel and do more stands
 
I have both bolts and an AR. 99% of the time I take one of my bolts and there are only a few times that having the AR would have helped me. Since I'm mostly hunting roads and lanes even if I do have a pack come in they all jump into the brush after I shoot the first one.

As for caliber, for the distances you mentioned a .223 would be good. However, I like something with a little more weight to it. Take a look at the 6mm arc. You can get it in both bolt and AR 15 platforms. 75gr vmax's have worked well for me.
 
I love ARs, but have come to prefer a bolt gun at night due to their simplicity. Either way, I agree, skip the (yawn) 223.
Bolt: 22-250 or (IMO, even better) 22 Creedmoor.
AR: 22 ARC
I have no experience with Bergarra. Personally, I'd be looking at Tikka, or even a Ruger American.
 
150 yds with 110 vmax from 300 BO AR. Spooked her on the first 2 shots, hit trotting on the third. Might look at the 300Hamr for longer shots. I've needed fast follow-up several times. Manually cycling causes me to lose the target momentarily.
yote.JPG
 
With ranges out to 250 yards, I would go faster and flatter trajectory. 22-250(40-50 gr)or 204 ruger(35-40 gr). Bergara is a 700 footprint so there are upgrade options.
 
i have no problems with my AR shooting 223 federal factory 53 grain v-max, 99% of my shots are DRT...dead right there. out to 200 plus yards.
 
i've got a Bergara Ridge, she shoots sub MOA, can't go wrong and there are a ton of upgrades from bottom metal to chassis.
 
Thank you all for the replies. I'm going to order that Bergara for my night rig.

All this has me going to build a general purpose ar for daytime hunts though.
 
The Bergara Premier rifles are built on Kauger custom actions and are not the same rifle as the standard B14. Stainless action and barrel and upgraded triggers. They are close to doing a custom build and one of the best values in rifles out there at the moment. I have both the Premier and standard B14 in 22-250 and they both are excellent shooters but the Premier edges out the standard.
 
I would say either 22-250 or 22 Creed in the dark. They put them down with authority. They are very flat shooters and the ammo availability is pretty good. I run a bolt 22Creed, Tikka action with an X-caliber barrel and I love it. I load the 75 ELDM bullet quite fast around 3500fps and it absolutely stones them hard. All the recommended calibers work well. Happy hunting.
 
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