More .223 Remington Varmint Gun info.

I voted for 223 because it does every thing I need it to do. Back when prairiedogs were prolific I would have chosen 22-250 but the dogs are gone.

I like the .223. It is accurate in my Savage and has proven effective on a coon and a deer so far.
It took me a long time to come around to it but I am now a "fan".

Cost and availability of factory ammo was the deciding factor for me. If 22-250 were remotely close in that regard, that'd be my choice but it isn't anywhere near close.

I like .22-250 because we don't eat varmints Also since you don't use low drag heavy bullets for extending the range like you have to in .223 you can shoot to 500 if you are able to with 55 grain and under bullets.

I like 223, 223AI, and 6x47 Lapua for varmint hunting.

Nothing against the other choices on the list but 223 is my first choice because that is what I started on years ago, brass is given to me so basically free, very efficient little case which last for at least 5 loadings, light recoil, and long barrel life.

I've got multiple .223 varmint rifles, because my varmint hunting is hunting coyotes over calls/decoys and muskrats/beavers on my ponds. None of which require extensive range, so the .223 suffices.

Brass is everywhere and either cheap or free. Really doesn't cost much to load for even with match grade bullets.

I voted 223 for most of the reasons already stated. Most of my shooting is 300 meters, but do have access to 550, although rarely do I get to shoot that far. For distances longer than that a 220 or 22-250 would fit better with flatter trajectory and more retained bullet energy.

I choose 223 for the versatility and low cost. I can use the same cartridge in my AR's and bolt guns. On paper several others are better choices with varmint weight bullets. But most 223's will handle the heavier big game and target bullets much better. The 223 simply does what I need with the least fuss and cost.

Either 223 or 22-250. If you shoot a lot then 223, still has ok power further. 22-250 if you shoot less and need to reach out more often.

I picked .22-250 simply because it does what I ask of it and I’ve yet to have one that wouldn’t hold a decent group

I voted .223 for general use, but when one really wants to "reach out and touch someone," make it a 22-250 AI.

Cheap, abundant, and fits in the AR-15. None of the others on this list can claim top marks in all 3.

A buddy and I have gone on several prairie dog hunts over the past number of years. I started with a Savage Model 12FCV 204 Ruger bolt rifle and then built a 26", heavy barrel (the rifle weighs 12 plus pounds empty!), 204 Ruger AR-15 rifle. I chose 204 Ruger over the 223 Remington because is shoots a bit flatter with 40 grain bullets out a bit farther than the 223 Remington.

My friend shoots a Savage Model 12 chambered in 22-250. He can reach a bit farther than I can but I like shooting the AR platform.

I've been working on a bolt action rifle based on the Savage Target Action frame chambered in 22 Bench Rest for my next prairie dog adventure. I should be able to go toe to toe with my friend's 22-250. The 204 Ruger rifles will be back up.

If I want longer ranges out to 1000 yards, I need to go to a larger caliber than 22.

Speed, distance, trajectory and accuracy.

I chose 22-250 for four legged varmints. For two legged varmints, then it’s a different story.

Eagle 17 said:

Is it because of it's versatility and it's availability of reloading components and low cost factory ammo ?

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Yes,
yes,
yes and
the breadth of available platforms.

Todd.

I now don't need the extended range that .22-250 provides over the .223 because most woodchucks have been either shot off or killed by coyotes, etc. I just take a few varmints around the neighborhood, where shots over 200 yards are very rare.

I've long since sold/traded my .22-250 rifles, but acquired three bolt-action .223s and enjoy both hunting and target practice with them.

When seeking larger varmints or when deer might also be a quarry, I'll use a .243 Win, bolt action.

Eagle 17 said:

Has anyone else tried the 30gr NTX ammo or bullets in the .223 Remington yet ?

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Lightest weight I shoot is 50 gr.

Eagle 17 said:

Has anyone else tried the 30gr NTX ammo or bullets in the .223 Remington yet ?

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30 or 35? I don't see the 30 listed on Hornady's website.

I have not tried the NTX but the Barnes Varmint Grenade is an impressive varmint bullet.

Yep.....223 gets my vote. Back before I knew anything about varmints and varmint rifles, I looked into .204 and .223. First one I bought was a Ruger #1 .204, followed quickly by a Remington 700 VSF .223. Since then I've acquired another .204, another .223, a 22Hornet, a .243, two 17HMRs, and a 17Mcah2. Just returned from the range testing some new .223 loads. It has been a ton of fun experimenting with both .223s and the many load and bullet options. Great round. But, in the favorite column is a growing appreciation for the 17HMR for prairie dogs. Why? No reloading required!!