Next Step After 22

[NotSoFast]

I have a Mini-14. It is a .223 and a lot of fun. While it has accuracy issues, I enjoy the challenge of making it accurate just like some 10/22 fans enjoy the customization of their guns. The Mini-14 doesn't have to be assembled, looks good (to me) and the recoil is mild to boot.

If you were hunting I would recommend a .270 of some sort.

 

[funfaler]

Plinking i suppose

Put some purpose into your range time! http://www.firearmscoalition.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=147&Itemid=63

Some additional info: http://appleseedshoot.blogspot.com/

http://www.appleseedinfo.org

308 is a very good caliber, and in a M1a or FAL, the recoil is not a big issue. I like the M1 Garands as well, and through CMP, you can get a nice one for less than an AR, and get the ammo from there too, more cheaply.

None of the above mentions are "plinking guns", but hey, the 22 is "made for plinking", these others are a little different

Enjoy

 

[chute2thrill]

I'd go with a bolt action .243... Very accurate and if you're shooting at reactive targets it'll really rip em up!!

 

[mosinmadness]

really depends on the distance. .223 or 7.62x39. If you want to have some real fun get a 12 gauge and trap shoot. and dont worry bout the 12s recoil i shot my first one when i was six and i lived to tell about it.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

really depends on the distance.

That's it, really. A lot of it is about wind-bucking. Are you wanting small groups at:

Yards / Examples of calibers that do the job well without overkill in noise/recoil:
--75-99 (.22 WMR)
--100-124 (.17 HMR)
--125-149 (.22 Hornet or .218 Bee)
--150-174 (.20 Calhoun Hornet, .17 Rem Fireball, Improved Hornet or Improved Bee)
--175-199 (.222 Rem, .221 Fireball)
--200-249 (.223 Rem, .22 PPC)
--250-299 (6mm PPC, .17 Rem)
--300+ (.22-250, .204 Ruger, .220 Swift)
--or more (.243 Win, 6mm Rem, 6mm BR)

yards?

Certainly my list is not an exact science - there's a lot of overlap - nor is it exhaustive, just a good rough guide to examples. Any caliber that is good out to "X" distance, is also gonna be very good at all distances shorter than that. But it's gonna be a bit more powder expense, noise/blast, and recoil than needed to get the job done at the shorter distances.

 

[cliffy]

.223 Remington or .243 Winchester: The next step

These are my only two calibers of consequence regarding accuracy. I JUST splurged on a Burris 6-24X44 PA scope for my .243 Winchester. By next week it will be mounted and zeroed on my Remington Model 700 CDL. Great Glass is perhaps the real secret to long-range accuracy. Three hundred yards is the maximum goal for hunting with a .243 Winchester, so 24x maybe a bit much at top-end. Six power at 100 yards seems minimal to me regarding target shooting from a bench, since I find 14x quite adequate and rather perfect. So why did I select 24x as my top magnification . . . perhaps I wanted to actually shoot a flea off a Feral Hog's butt without hurting the pig's rump. My Burris Signature selection regards quality of accuracy and clarity beyond the reach of my 14x $200 scopes. Entering a new realm of clarity is an exciting step for me. Cliffy

 

[cliffy]

.223 Remington vs .243 Winchester regarding performance

A .223 Remington has all the knock down potential needed regarding Coyote-sized quarry. A .243 Winchester soars above the .223 Remington potential to include Mule Deer. TODAY, I bought some new glass for my .243 Winchester: a Burris Signature 6-24x44 PA. My .223 Remington Ruger Model 77 Mark II still retains its adequate 4.5-14x40mm Nikon Buckmaster. Magnification works well for my old eyes, espcially with great glass. I can't afford the best of the best, so I study and select the very best I can afford. The 55 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip in .223 Remington is all any Coyote requires, and those bullets are extra accurate to 200 yards. While, 100 grain .243 Winchester appear excessive for any YoteZilla going. Coyote pelts are quite valuable, but a .243 Tends to turn them inside-out. Cliffy

 

[Kind of Blued]

Well, after my first gun (a .22) I bought an AK and didn't regret it for a day.