Good critter gun?

[megacabdad]

Originally Posted by Shovelhead

Both calibers might start with .22, but there's a slight difference in the powder charge.......

.223 on the left.

I believe in the proper tool for the job at hand.
I have a S&W MP15-T in .223 (Big two-legged varments),
a Winchester model 250 that will fire .22 short/longs/long rifle (4 legged critters 'n such) ,
and a 12 ga. (for those times when it gets up close and personal).
Sprinkle in a few 9mm, and a .45 or two.......
all will do the job, some just better at certain tasks than others, IF you have the time to chose.!

Gotcha!

You guys are good at helping me spend all my money.

[Don M]

I like the 22 Hornet.

Several reasons:

1) Super quiet for a centerfire ( just a tick louder than a rimfire ) I shoot mine at least 2-3 sessions a week if it is not raining. It wont ring your head like a big centerfire.

2) If you ever reload in the future, it sips powder. Literally a pound of powder last a long long time. It will work with small rifle primers and small pistol primers and benchrest primers. Giving you a wide range to use.

3) Decent power to 200 yards. Plenty for critters. Chucks, little piglets, song dogs, etc.

4) In closer ranges it'll smoke bigger stuff like larger hogs and deer if shot placement is good.

As time goes by you can always convert to a slightly more powerful cartridge based on the Hornet brass. The 22 K Hornet, the 17 Hornet, and the 19 Calhoon ( my fav )

Yes, it will kill big hogs. I have smoked a dozen over 200 pounds at ranges from 20 feet ( dont ask about that ordeal ) to 168 yards.

[n2moto]

If you are going the 223 route I'd go with a bolt gun or a good AR platform rifle. The mini 14 is know for barn door accuracy while the other two will shoot 1" groups at a 100 yards.

A 22 rifle will dispatch most if not all yard varmits. Feral cats and dogs, raccoons etc.

[megacabdad]

I ended up with a Remington 597 SS with a 30 round magazine.

Seemed like the best bang for the buck, IMO.

[Shovelhead]

Looks like a real nice choice.

I finally got a chance to zero my Aimpoint on the MP15T (minus the 3X magnifier) over the long weekend.

It's now truely a "Point and Click" interface.