Choice of Caliber

[Auburn1992]

In the near future... as in within a couple of months... I am planning on picking up a Remington XR-100 Rangemaster.

I really like the overall look of the rifle, the feel, and I've heard about the great accuracy the it gives.

The problem I am having is choosing a caliber for it. It comes in .204, .22-250, or .223. I am sure I will not get a .204.

I am leaning towards a 22-250, yet I may also get an AR-15 in the near future as well. Would it be better to get it in .223 so the ammo is compatible with the AR, or 22-250 for the extra range/power?

The rifle will be used for targets only (within 300 yards) and perhaps, if I am lucky , a few varmints.

 

[Shawnee]

Get the .22/250.

If you get the .223 you'll still need different ammo/loads for each rifle anyway and the .22/250 has the accuracy edge out there around the 300-yd. bouy.

 

[Auburn1992]

oh, just to mention, the XR-100 has a 1 in 14 twist while the AR has 1 in 9(?) if I am correct.

 

[Auburn1992]

bump

 

[W.E.G.]

I have no interest in a 1:12 twist .223 (which probably is dangerous if used with 5.56 ammo).

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I dunno. They all have their pluses and minuses. As mentioned though, you're probably going to use different hand loads or factory loads for the AR and this rifle, so don't let ammo compatibility be the *reason* for picking .223 rem. There are other good reasons to pick up, but that shouldn't be one of them. Very very tough call. In a vacuum, the .204 ruger has a lot of appeal (excellent ballistics with very little blast/recoil).

 

[Auburn1992]

Another reason why I am looking at the .223 more is because if I get it, my brother (who is getting an AR) said he would split the cost of a cheap Lee reloader, which will save me some $.

 

[JesseL]

Is there an echo here?

 

[mr.trooper]

Savage low profile varmint. 22-250 with a 1-9" twist.

Always wanted a 22-250 with a 1-7" twist. man, what you could o with a 72 grain bullet in one of those puppies

 

[ROMAK IV]

You could still get the lLee loader, just get two sets of dies.

 

[rangerruck]

I say, if shots are going to be 300 yds or less, then there is no need for a 22.250, the 223 will be just fine. Plus since it is a boltie, you can single load some nice heavy 223 rounds, as long as the twist is 1/9 or faster.

 

[skinewmexico]

Wow, did Remington not get the memo on modern twist rates? And affordable.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Wow, did Remington not get the memo on modern twist rates? And affordable.

You know I try I really do, but I have yet to figure out what makes the most top of the line Remington bolt gun any more special then the entry level model 700 other than the double and sometimes tripled price tag

 

[TimboKhan]

I say, if shots are going to be 300 yds or less, then there is no need for a 22.250, the 223 will be just fine.

I have nothing against the .22-250, but I sort of agree with this statement. Get whichever you want and you will be happy, but if it were me I would go .223.

Wow, did Remington not get the memo on modern twist rates? And affordable

Evidently, $1000.00 is the new baseline for "affordable", and not just for guns. Guitars at that price point are frequently referred to as being affordable. Call me silly, but I certainly can't justify $1000.00 as an "affordable" figure.

 

[rangerruck]

on that remmy; except for the twist rate on the 22.250, the others suck.

 

[Nhsport]

The 22-250 is wonderfull for the really long stuff but I believe that for your stated purpose the 223 is your best choice.
The 223 will do great out to 300yd with less powder (cheeper to reload) and longer barrel life . You still can craft loads that will be fine out to 500+, the downside is the wind will have more leverage on you at the real long shots compared to the 22-250.
I would say get the 223 for your first gun ,then if you find you are spending lots of time against long distance varmints you will want another rifle anyhow so you can then reconsider the 22-250