Tactical or Varmint

[mwsenoj]

I had asked some advice here on a good intro rifle in .223 and I have decided to get a Rem 700 SPS. I still need help deciding on the barrel length. My main goal for this rifle is to have fun shooting rabbits and ground squirrels but I also want to take it to the range and work on my trigger pulling skills and to perfect my hand loads. My main concerns are between the 1 in 9" twist in the tactical vs the 1 in 12" on the varmint and also the extra speed that I could gain in the 30% longer varmint barrel. I will be mainly shooting 50 grain hornady v-max but I would like to have the option of shooting a heavier VLD bullet too. I am leaning toward the tactical version at the moment but I wanted to ask you all here at THR

Thanks in advance.

 

[HOOfan_1]

I'd get whichever was cheaper...at the same time, I don't like the Hogue overmold stocks on the LTR.

As for what bullet you use, if you are a reloader and can afford it, I would try several different types and brands...that is half the fun of shooting a new rifle.

In my CZ 550 .22-250, I've tried Sierra: 45gr. Varminter, 52gr. Match King, 55gr. Game King and 50gr. Blitz King as well as Hornady 55gr. Vmax. I was also thinking about trying some 55gr. Blitz King, some 50gr. Vmax, some 52gr. AMAX and Nosler Ballistic Tips in several weights, but I found the Sierra 52Gr. SMK and the 50gr. Blitz King to be about as accurate as possible out of that rifle....as accurate as the 45gr. Winchester White Box I bought for the brass alone and found out that it was some tack driving ammo.

 

[nastynatesfish]

i voted varmint but honestly wouldnt get anythin over 24". i know the rifles only come with the 26" option though but i dont think you need it in a 223. id get it and have a smith cut it down and recrown or thread the muzzle for a nice break or flash supressor. dont really need either on a bold action but i like the way they look.

 

[mnhntr]

55gr and heavier in the 1in9 and 55gr and lighter in the 1in12 I would go 1in9.

 

[mwsenoj]

Alright, I ordered the SPS Tactical. I really hope the 50gr Hornady V-Max like my barrel though, I just bought an extra box of 250 :/