Seeking advice for an affordable Varmit Rifle

[demontang]

Im using the 223 for most of my varmit hunting. I do have a 243 I take from time to time and it works the same as the 223.

[jyerxa]

The 223 is really versatile today like the 22 was when I was youngster. I like to plink and just shoot for the heck of it. Just to see if I can nail that taget.

I would suggest get the firearm of you dreams. what ever it may be. Sometimes the wallet comes into play. So do you like to plink with a 50 cal? Get a Barret! 

You like the bolt action. Nice precision shooting. Your heart is in the right spot! Cool. 

I'm old. I can't see any more.  So I like to send the ammo down the range and have a good laugh. 

Get a 22 dot something on your favorite platform. You will not be disapointed. 

[GEARHEAD]

I here ya duck, Daddy can always use a new pair of rifles....

[huntnphool]

.204

[hunting4sanity]

I've got a Savage Weather Warrior (model 16) in .223 that is much more accurate than I am, it shoots 1/2 moa groups with Hornady 55gr V-Max factory ammo.  I love the gun, my son has the same gun in .204 with great results.  Lots of good choices out there.  I've also been looking at a .22-250, any of those three calibers should be great varmint/plinker rounds.

[bowhunterforever]

.204

[carpsniperg2]

Tikka T3 lite bolt gun, stainless, 22-250 or 243.
Carl

  My vote as well.

[Jekemi]

My two cents worth: If you reload might I suggest shooting the .270 Winchester (.277). I load Sierra 90 grain HP bullets and 58 grains of IMR 4350. This results is 3600 FPS. This will drop a coyote dead in its tracks. The recoil is fairly low and the trajectory is super-flat.  The bullets are  low cost, $26 per hundred. I shoot a Weatherby Vanguard Series 2. The Weatherby is a straight shooter often reviewed as the best gun value. Sub MOA is not out of the question, right out of the box.
The advantage of the 270 is that it seems like everybody has one. It's popularity is slightly lower than the .30-06 with less recoil. Granted it's not as cool as the .223 AR platform but 270 brass is easier to come by and you can buy a new Weatherby Vanguard Series 2 for around $500. At any rate, it's what I use.

[WoodlandShooter]

Handi Rifle in 223!!!

[Jingles]

As mentioned previously there is a smoking deal on a Rem Model 700 in 22-250 listed that if I didn't already have a tack driving 22-250 I'd be all over like white on rice

[MtnMuley]

I'd personally go with the .204.  223/22-250's will do bad things on small varmints.  The .204 with a 32 gr bullet, usually is a lot more hide friendly choice, yet the 40 gr bullet is very lethal on larger varmints such as coyotes. At long ranges too, I might add.

[Curly]

.204

 

[pianoman9701]

What's wrong with a plain old .22 LR? I had  JC Higgins that shot tiny groups at 100+ yds. It's cheap to buy and shoot. 

[Curly]

The problem with 22LR is the range you'd be limited to for coyotes. 

[Duckhammer]

Jingles, couldn't find the link. You have it?