Reasonable Priced Fast Twist .22-250 Varmint Rifle?

[Llama Bob]

Does anyone make a heavier barreled varmint-type rifle chambered in .22-250 that is fast twist (1:8" or 1:9"), and say less than $1200 - so a reasonable production rifle, not custom?

 

[doubleh]

I would browse the Savage website to see what they offer.

 

[stillquietvoice]

If you can't find one you could buy savage and rebarrel it for less than 1200.

 

[someguy2800]

I would buy a savage of choice and get a Shilen prefit for it

 

[Nature Boy]

If you can't find one you could buy savage and rebarrel it for less than 1200.

That was my thought as well

 

[Llama Bob]

I don't see any fast twist Savages, but re-barreling one may be the low-cost option. It can be done with hand tools and go/no go gauges correct?

So far, the other options I've discovered are Barrett (a mountain rifle, not a varminter) and Nosler (sporter profile).

 

[joed]

This is what gets me about the fast twist logic, few to none of the manufacturers offer a fast twist in their production rifles. The only other choice is to spend the bucks for a new barrel which adds considerably to the cost.

That's the reason I own a 14 twist .22-250 and 10 twist .243. When the barrels wear out if the heavy bullet trend is still there I may go for the faster twist. But, I use these rifles for varmint hunting so I really don't see a need to shoot the heavy bullets for my application.

 

[horsey300]

Savage makes a model 12 I believe with a fast twist, otherwise just rebarrel, takes a barrel nut wrench and gages and maybe 15-20 min. Add the stock of your favorite flavor and still under 1200

 

[horsey300]

Does anyone make a heavier barreled varmint-type rifle chambered in .22-250 that is fast twist (1:8" or 1:9"), and say less than $1200 - so a reasonable production rifle, not custom?

https://www.savagearms.com/firearms/centerfire/varmint-series/12-varmint-low-profile

 

[Llama Bob]

https://www.savagearms.com/firearms/centerfire/varmint-series/12-varmint-low-profile

That looks like a candidate.

I'm kind of biasing in the direction of a 110 Varmint and a replacement barrel. Seems like a low cost option with reasonable stock rigidity.

 

[rbernie]

Savage makes a model 12 I believe with a fast twist, otherwise just rebarrel, takes a barrel nut wrench and gages and maybe 15-20 min. Add the stock of your favorite flavor and still under 1200

That’s what I’ve done. A McGowen 26” 1:8” twist barrel (I’m shooting 75gr-80gr mostly), a basic short action Savage, and a Medalist adjustable comb stock all comes in right st $1000.

A 1:8” shoots 55gr through 75gr very well.

 

[rbernie]

It can be done with hand tools and go/no go gauges correct?

Correct.

 

[horsey300]

That’s what I’ve done. A McGowen 26” 1:8” twist barrel (I’m shooting 75gr-80gr mostly), a basic short action Savage, and a Medalist adjustable comb stock all comes in right st $1000.

A 1:8” shoots 55gr through 75gr very well.

Run any of the 88s through it? I'm thinking 1:7 will do what I'm wanting but if 1:8 would suffice I'd not complain

 

[someguy2800]

You do also need something with which to hold the reciever when you remove and install the barrel nut. I 3D printed an action vise for mine when I did it the first time. One could be made quite simply with a couple blocks of wood.

I have never used a go no gauge to lnstall a savage barrel. I size a piece of brass in my sizing die, and I set the barrel so there is a little drag when closing the bolt on that piece of brass.

 

[RugerOldArmy]

... It can be done with hand tools and go/no go gauges correct? ...

You will want a barrel wrench, sized for your barrel nut.

 

[rbernie]

Run any of the 88s through it? I'm thinking 1:7 will do what I'm wanting but if 1:8 would suffice I'd not complain

I have. It was not good.

You will probably want a 1:7” for 88gr ELDs or 90gr, and maybe even 1:6.5” for good measure.

 

[69Precision]

Savage LRPV can be had in a 7 twist in 22-250.

 

[Casefull]

You do also need something with which to hold the reciever when you remove and install the barrel nut. I 3D printed an action vise for mine when I did it the first time. One could be made quite simply with a couple blocks of wood.

I have never used a go no gauge to lnstall a savage barrel. I size a piece of brass in my sizing die, and I set the barrel so there is a little drag when closing the bolt on that piece of brass.

Good idea.

 

[Gtscotty]

Whittaker guns has a few rifles left from the limited run of 8 twist .22-250s that Tikka put out a year or so ago. They are sporter weight T3Xs though:

https://shop.whittakerguns.com/product/38416