JW IN VA
Well-known member
A few years ago I bought a new compact bolt action with Nikon scope in 223 Rem. for use as a truck rifle.
Reasons for choice were:
Was thinking I'd mostly use it for groundhogs or coyotes.
Knew it was more powerful and had a longer range than a 22 wmr
Has a very light recoil and would be good to transition the grandsons into centerfire
Ammo was cheaper and plentiful
"Thought" it would be quieter shooting than my deer rifles :hide:
Didn't take but the first few rounds to find out the last idea was not right but the rifle has performed well in accuracy and was pleasant to shoot.Still plenty good for varmint sized game.
I've been thinking lately I should maybe trade or rebarrel this rifle for one in a heavier caliber,making it a true year 'round rifle.My state does not allow anything less than 243 for deer or bear.
If I trade,and keep the same model,I can get 243,7mm-08 or 308.The full size model,which is only 2" longer overall,will add 6.5 Creedmoor,260 Rem,270 wsm and 300 wsm to the mix. I already have one 7mm-08 and one 243 so ammo is here.I would use one of them in this role but both are blind magazine and I want something I can unload quickly and simply when I'm in some areas.
I've heard good things about the 6.5 but,since I have the 243 and 7mm-08,reforming brass wouldn't be a big problem for the 260,if needed.I don't see where a WSM is a good idea for all around,either.
Anyone have any thoughts on the subject? I may find I can't do anything but it's getting closer to fall and thoughts turn toward guns and calibers.I can probably rebarrel and change bolt heads cheapest,but not always.
Reasons for choice were:
Was thinking I'd mostly use it for groundhogs or coyotes.
Knew it was more powerful and had a longer range than a 22 wmr
Has a very light recoil and would be good to transition the grandsons into centerfire
Ammo was cheaper and plentiful
"Thought" it would be quieter shooting than my deer rifles :hide:
Didn't take but the first few rounds to find out the last idea was not right but the rifle has performed well in accuracy and was pleasant to shoot.Still plenty good for varmint sized game.
I've been thinking lately I should maybe trade or rebarrel this rifle for one in a heavier caliber,making it a true year 'round rifle.My state does not allow anything less than 243 for deer or bear.
If I trade,and keep the same model,I can get 243,7mm-08 or 308.The full size model,which is only 2" longer overall,will add 6.5 Creedmoor,260 Rem,270 wsm and 300 wsm to the mix. I already have one 7mm-08 and one 243 so ammo is here.I would use one of them in this role but both are blind magazine and I want something I can unload quickly and simply when I'm in some areas.
I've heard good things about the 6.5 but,since I have the 243 and 7mm-08,reforming brass wouldn't be a big problem for the 260,if needed.I don't see where a WSM is a good idea for all around,either.
Anyone have any thoughts on the subject? I may find I can't do anything but it's getting closer to fall and thoughts turn toward guns and calibers.I can probably rebarrel and change bolt heads cheapest,but not always.