22-250 vs 243

[PCCUSNRET]

A 25-06 would be the consummate long range rifle for Texas to include varmints and deer. A 75gr V-Max at 3600+fps for varmints, and a 117gr SST at 3000+fps, and all shoot amazingly flat.


NCsmitty

Smitty,

Wouldn't you need a heavy barrel for shooting varmints? I have an older S&W 1500 in 25-06 and when shooting 117 gr bullets through this gun I have to let it cool 5 minutes (or more) between rounds due to the barrel getting so hot. I like this gun for deer hunting, but I doubt the barrel would last very long shooting varmints.

 

[RickMD]

Are you referring to poaching or is the .22 really that popular for deer hunting in other states?

I'm referring to poaching, Parker. I know of no state where it's legal to kill deer with a .22 rimfire. I have a friend whose low-life next door neighbor keeps a freezer full of venison year round by shooting does and fawns in his backyard (he lives on about ten wooded acres).

I personally find it to be disgusting but once the meat's in his freezer there's little that the game commission can or chooses to do. He's been reported many times but nothing ever happens. Unfortunately, it happens all the time here in Pennsyltucky .

 

[NCsmitty]

Wouldn't you need a heavy barrel for shooting varmints?

parker51, if you were only shooting varmints, a heavier barrel would be an advantage. Utilizing a rifle for double duty often means a compromise on weight, as you don't normally want to carry a varmint weight barrel when still hunting deer or other large game.
True, field weight barrels can get hot quickly with large capacity cases like the 25-06 and 270, etc. I'm sure you're being cautious waiting for your barrel to cool, you just need to use common sense when hunting with a rifle like the 25-06.
If you float the barrel, it will be less likely to change POI when heated, if that's an issue.


NCsmitty