I've got a 22250 varmint which is excellent. Thinking a lighter weight 223 with a fast twist barrel would be a nice thing. I walk a good way with my 22250 and it's a heavy lump but super accurate, but thinking a shorter barrel will be nicer to walk a long way with and be suitable for copper bullets for small deer, Id mainly be shooting foxes tho. Any thoughts?
Do I need a 223
- Thread starter Will the chippy
- Start date
Just the ticket. That would the job fine
Bo Diddley
Well-Known Member
Yep. I used to lug around a heavy barrel lammy .220 Ruger MK2... not anymore... enter T3x lite in .223, it's the first out of the cabinet every time.
been struggling with similar issue, was considering going from a 223 to 22hornet posted about it the other day, still thinking about it
not all 223 are light weight 
.22-250 will allow for a flatter trajectory and be easier for shooting foxes at longer distances than a .223
A .223 is a lot quieter than a .22-250 but has a more 'loopy' trajectory.
The .22-250 will have more projectile energy than the .223
Around 120/150M there is little to choose. The .22-250 will cause more 'damage' than a .223 but the result will still be the same.
I have both. The .22-250 is for foxing and the .223 for small deer.
.223 if i'm walking about, .22-250 if i'm sitting waiting.
The newer digital scopes with embedded LRF and Ballistic calculators help dramatically with regards to night time foxing so i'm using the .223 more and more over the .22-250 which sports a Pulsat Digisight Ultra.
I should sell the pulsar and practise moving the Xulus between rifles ...
A .223 is a lot quieter than a .22-250 but has a more 'loopy' trajectory.
The .22-250 will have more projectile energy than the .223
Around 120/150M there is little to choose. The .22-250 will cause more 'damage' than a .223 but the result will still be the same.
I have both. The .22-250 is for foxing and the .223 for small deer.
.223 if i'm walking about, .22-250 if i'm sitting waiting.
The newer digital scopes with embedded LRF and Ballistic calculators help dramatically with regards to night time foxing so i'm using the .223 more and more over the .22-250 which sports a Pulsat Digisight Ultra.
I should sell the pulsar and practise moving the Xulus between rifles ...
I like heavy barrel rifles and am happy to lug one round for hours as I can shoot much better with it then light rifles...thats probably unique to me
Ive had a heavy .243 for over 10 years and wouldnt move from it ...though I do see the attraction of lighter kit at times 
Iv had the complete opposite experience with clients who have been amazed how much better they shoot with my heavier rifles than their lightweight sporters. If you only get to shoot once a month with limited practice then you will probably shoot much better with a heavier rifle. I can’t understand the fascination with ultralight rifles outside of week long sheep hunts in the mountains.
Marchman
Well-Known Member
Just to provide some context, I also shoot heavier rifles. Two Tikka varmint rifles in .308 and .223. Both around 9.5 pounds with scope and mod. I don't fix a bi pod.
I'm a hobby shooter. Occasional deer stalk, fox shoot and medium range work.
I carry muzzle down in a sling. I don't do Scottish hill stalking. Don't notice the weight over my shoulder and I only briefly lift onto sticks to take the shot.
When I bought the rifles the barrels looked proper and strong and not flimsy like some of the other rifles on display. Yes I know but it's my mind and it felt better with the bigger barrels. I get why those that shoot much more often say a lighter rifle is better for them. The barrels I have are super accurate and have never let me down. So far I have not regretted the purchase even after reading many comments about lighter rifles being better.
Maybe this can explain why some prefer the heavier rifles.
T3 223 Varmint stainless l/h, visit to the shooting show spoke to the nice lady on the SURREY POLICE stand and had my certificate authorised for an additional 223, Now have a T3x L/H LITE which likes all the same ammo used in tother rifle.
BC.
BC.
Smellydog
Well-Known Member
Hmmm.
For clarity.
Most shots in the UK are not long range.
Often only one or two shots a string.
Most use a rest of some kind so any rifle should shoot.
Lug as much needless weight as ye desire by all means.
I never have said lighter is better but I've had dozens shoot bug holes and I've been able to shoot them off hand which translates to only carrying binoculars and rifle, no sticks or bipod attached.
By the way, I wasn't after an explanation, merely expressing my view points. Amounts to little if not nothing but I will repeat I've lost count of lads trading for a lighter set up after a couple of seasons with a 12lb + rifle set up.
I consider 6.5 to 10lb Ideal depending on stature.
For clarity.
Most shots in the UK are not long range.
Often only one or two shots a string.
Most use a rest of some kind so any rifle should shoot.
Lug as much needless weight as ye desire by all means.
I never have said lighter is better but I've had dozens shoot bug holes and I've been able to shoot them off hand which translates to only carrying binoculars and rifle, no sticks or bipod attached.
By the way, I wasn't after an explanation, merely expressing my view points. Amounts to little if not nothing but I will repeat I've lost count of lads trading for a lighter set up after a couple of seasons with a 12lb + rifle set up.
I consider 6.5 to 10lb Ideal depending on stature.
vulpes vulpes
Well-Known Member
I changed my main foxing rifle from a heavy barrel 22/250 to a light .223 and have never looked back. With thermal most shots are in the 100-150 yard range, not flighty foxes under a lamp at 250-300 yards. Mine is a tikka lite.
Am having an itch just now too, I shoot 223 have done for years currently run T3X stainless light 1:12 great for roe bucks, foxes and crows but I have a fancy for the T3X Ace Hunter not really into tactical stuff but I do think it looks cool, they come 1:8 in 223 and barrel looks medium, bare rifle 4kg so no bad at all.
If you have to ask the question the answer is always …”yes”!!!
Rafter
Well-Known Member
What hw said
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