Hog huntin Harry
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Tripple Deuce!
Cause I like saying it....you try....say it......SAY IT!!!!!
Only Loon Wulf can write about the words Tripple Deuce and make you laugh.
Help me decide: 222 or 243?
- Thread starter MacAR
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sarduy
Member
While 222 is nice, the 243 would make more sense to me because you can varmint and deer hunt.
It depends how firmly you hold to the requirement "It will be strictly for shooting varmints (coyotes, crows, and groundhogs) out to about 300 yards.". The 222 is a better cartridge for that sort of work, especially if you do a lot of shooting. However, the Mossberg 800 is a much better rifle that the Springfield 840, which is an answer to the question "How cheaply can we build a centerfire rifle?". The 243 is also a much better deer round than 222.
So unless you're planning to blaze away all afternoon, I'd take the Mossberg in 243.
Howland937
Member
Is it just me or does $375 seem steep for any of those rifles? Granted, nobody's selling BDL's, 77's, or M70's for that kinda money anymore...but any one of the rifles mentioned should be able to be found under $300 I'd think.
I've always loved the triple 2, but it runs out of gas pretty quickly. 300 yards is about the maximum of it's abilities.
.243 on this one.
I've always loved the triple 2, but it runs out of gas pretty quickly. 300 yards is about the maximum of it's abilities.
.243 on this one.
BreechFace
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What's the twist on the Mossy .243?
I would go with the 243, wouldn't even think twice about it, wider range of usefulness.
I would go with the 243, wouldn't even think twice about it, wider range of usefulness.
OP
OP
MacAR
Member
I agree with that. Hence my questions. The prices are more like $350, but still a bit steep. The Henry is like new; the Mossberg is good, and the Savage is, well, fair.
I did find out today that I might be able to get my old Marlin 336 back, so even though it isn't a varmint gun, I'm seriously considering it. The gun is well known to me, highly accurate, and in excellent shape. So, this all may be for naught, depending on what kind of deal I can make.
Again, thanks to all for your advice. When I've made a decision, I'll let you all know.
Mac
DocRock
member
222. Because, awesome.
There is zero to say against 243 Win. But in the application you describe the incredibly accurate, super low recoil 222 does all that is required. 243 will as well, but is more than needed.
52 grs Speer varmint bullets over 22.2 grs N-133 is my go to for everything but coyotes. For coyotes, the 50 grs Barnes TTSX same load is fantastic.
There is zero to say against 243 Win. But in the application you describe the incredibly accurate, super low recoil 222 does all that is required. 243 will as well, but is more than needed.
52 grs Speer varmint bullets over 22.2 grs N-133 is my go to for everything but coyotes. For coyotes, the 50 grs Barnes TTSX same load is fantastic.
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doubleh
Member
I going to second Pitcher’s suggestion.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Me too. 700 ADL if you can find one.
Bottom Gun
Member
Two questions:
How much shooting do you plan to do with it?
Do you reload?
I would heed Picher’s suggestion. A .223 rifle will likely have a faster twist rate than a .222 and will be better suited to shooting 60+ gr bullets which, in my experience, are very effective for coyotes. Actually, we’ve had good luck with several of the controlled expansion bullets on coyotes such as the 55 and 62 gr Gold Dots/Fusions and 64 gr Win Power Points in .223 rifles.
Also, .223 ammo and brass will be less expensive than .222.
How much shooting do you plan to do with it?
Do you reload?
I would heed Picher’s suggestion. A .223 rifle will likely have a faster twist rate than a .222 and will be better suited to shooting 60+ gr bullets which, in my experience, are very effective for coyotes. Actually, we’ve had good luck with several of the controlled expansion bullets on coyotes such as the 55 and 62 gr Gold Dots/Fusions and 64 gr Win Power Points in .223 rifles.
Also, .223 ammo and brass will be less expensive than .222.
OP
OP
MacAR
Member
*To clarify, the rifles in question are ones that are available locally. That is why they are being considered.
Very little. Maybe a box or two of shells a year. Just critters around the place, mostly.
Nope, wish I was set up to. At this time, I have no plans to do so either.
I would positively love to have a 700 ADL to match my 06 ADL. But, at this time I cannot find a 700 in my price range, and I refuse to pay $700 plus for something I cannot hold in my hand, 3 day guarantee be danged. Hence my (somewhat odd) choices listed, and why I said other rifles weren't an option.
However, I am seriously considering forsaking the lot and getting my Marlin 30-30 back. It served me damn well and I've regretted selling it. So, we shall see how this turns out. But, if I can't get the Marlin back, I've pert near talked myself into the .222; for what I want to do it's perfect, a my wife might accidentally like it. She doesn't like recoil or even slightly loud noises.
Mac
Very little. Maybe a box or two of shells a year. Just critters around the place, mostly.
Nope, wish I was set up to. At this time, I have no plans to do so either.
I would positively love to have a 700 ADL to match my 06 ADL. But, at this time I cannot find a 700 in my price range, and I refuse to pay $700 plus for something I cannot hold in my hand, 3 day guarantee be danged. Hence my (somewhat odd) choices listed, and why I said other rifles weren't an option.
However, I am seriously considering forsaking the lot and getting my Marlin 30-30 back. It served me damn well and I've regretted selling it. So, we shall see how this turns out. But, if I can't get the Marlin back, I've pert near talked myself into the .222; for what I want to do it's perfect, a my wife might accidentally like it. She doesn't like recoil or even slightly loud noises.
Mac
MarshallDodge
Member
doubleh
Member
OK, of the three rifles in your OP I would go with the Mossberg because I don't like either of the two other rifles, especially the 840. For your stated uses I also think 243 would be a better choice than 222. That's my opinion and worth just as much as it cost you.
OP
OP
MacAR
Member
Well, the .222 won out on this one. (@LoonWulf : Triple Deuce! Triple Deuce! Triple Deuce! 
)
I will admit though, it was by default. Unfortunately, both the .243's went to new homes before I could make a choice; the owner of my old 30-30 doesn't want to let it go now. I managed to get the triple deuce with a Bushnell Sportview 3-9x32 scope and 5 boxes of ammo for $350; not a terrible deal but not the best, either. Going to go pick it up in a couple days, so photos will be forthcoming.
All things considered, I think that the .222 is the best choice. I rarely see a coyote; my "varmints" are mostly crows, groundhogs, and armadillos. The farthest I'd consider shooting would be 300 yards, but 99% of shots will stay inside 200. If I go deer hunting, I take my '06 anyway. And, perhaps most importantly, I've wanted a "critter" gun for quite a while. Even though this one is cheap, it'll scratch the itch; plus I don't have to worry about dinging or scratching it up if it's bouncing around on the sxs or in the truck.
Thanks again to all you good folks for your advice. I've learned a few things from this thread, and best of all, I got to see some gorgeous guns!
Mac
Oh, by the way: If anyone is interested, I tallied the votes for .222 vs. 243; .243 won 24-13.
) I will admit though, it was by default. Unfortunately, both the .243's went to new homes before I could make a choice; the owner of my old 30-30 doesn't want to let it go now. I managed to get the triple deuce with a Bushnell Sportview 3-9x32 scope and 5 boxes of ammo for $350; not a terrible deal but not the best, either. Going to go pick it up in a couple days, so photos will be forthcoming.
All things considered, I think that the .222 is the best choice. I rarely see a coyote; my "varmints" are mostly crows, groundhogs, and armadillos. The farthest I'd consider shooting would be 300 yards, but 99% of shots will stay inside 200. If I go deer hunting, I take my '06 anyway. And, perhaps most importantly, I've wanted a "critter" gun for quite a while. Even though this one is cheap, it'll scratch the itch; plus I don't have to worry about dinging or scratching it up if it's bouncing around on the sxs or in the truck.
Thanks again to all you good folks for your advice. I've learned a few things from this thread, and best of all, I got to see some gorgeous guns!
Mac
Oh, by the way: If anyone is interested, I tallied the votes for .222 vs. 243; .243 won 24-13.
MarshallDodge
Member
Congrats on your new rifle. Can't wait to see some groups on paper.
Of course it did. This is THR, where anything smaller than 30-06 should be questioned, and anything smaller than 243 is just for wounding
Of course it did. This is THR, where anything smaller than 30-06 should be questioned, and anything smaller than 243 is just for wounding
WisBorn
Contributing Member
OP
OP
MacAR
Member
Funny you mentioned that...
The deciding factor for me was the 5 boxes of ammo that I got with the gun. I've looked here to yonder for .243 ammo for my uncle, and can't find any. Hence my being hesitant on the caliber. In good times, its a common round to be sure. Nowadays, forget it! I have seen .222 on shelves locally with a heavy layer of dust on them; mostly old Remington and Winchester rounds. Going to Wal-Mart this weekend so I'll look for them while Mrs. Boss does her shopping.
Mac
I have both. 243 if you want more range and punch. 222 if you have a good rifle and want guilt edge accuracy,(potentially). I've mostly moved to the .223 but love my 222 Contender.
If deer, antelope are on your agenda it is slam dunk 243.
If deer, antelope are on your agenda it is slam dunk 243.
Hehe...hehe....hehehehehe.......uh....Well, the .222 won out on this one. (@LoonWulf : Triple Deuce! Triple Deuce! Triple Deuce!
I will admit though, it was by default. Unfortunately, both the .243's went to new homes before I could make a choice; the owner of my old 30-30 doesn't want to let it go now. I managed to get the triple deuce with a Bushnell Sportview 3-9x32 scope and 5 boxes of ammo for $350; not a terrible deal but not the best, either. Going to go pick it up in a couple days, so photos will be forthcoming.
All things considered, I think that the .222 is the best choice. I rarely see a coyote; my "varmints" are mostly crows, groundhogs, and armadillos. The farthest I'd consider shooting would be 300 yards, but 99% of shots will stay inside 200. If I go deer hunting, I take my '06 anyway. And, perhaps most importantly, I've wanted a "critter" gun for quite a while. Even though this one is cheap, it'll scratch the itch; plus I don't have to worry about dinging or scratching it up if it's bouncing around on the sxs or in the truck.
Thanks again to all you good folks for your advice. I've learned a few things from this thread, and best of all, I got to see some gorgeous guns!
Mac
Oh, by the way: If anyone is interested, I tallied the votes for .222 vs. 243; .243 won 24-13.
Anyway...
Im looking forward to some pictures and range reports . I have a set of 222 dies that are old beat up and missing their lock rings if you want them....or at least i THINK i do, id have to go check.
OP
OP
MacAR
Member
You bet Loon, and I thank ye kindly. I'm looking at an old Rockchucker press locally, and also the old Lee Loader kit. Sourcing primers, powder, and lead may be another story, though. Still, its worth a try if I only load 20 rounds at the kitchen table. Be a good way to pass time on these cold winter nights.
Mac
MarshallDodge
Member
I picked up a really nice 6mm Remington earlier this year for a good price because it's just not that popular. Looking on the local classifieds, about once a month I see someone getting rid of brass or ammo for it, typically at 50% off of new. I'm guessing that 222 would be in the same boat.
OP
OP
MacAR
Member
Ya, pretty much the same. Lots of folks have eschewed the .222 for the .223; I had one, albeit in a Mini 14. It was loud, and not very accurate, and I quickly sold it. It is my hope that this rifle will be more pleasant to shoot.
Mac
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