What caliber for varmint hunting?

More expensive to feed, but worth it.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by whale »

Sorry for not posting earlier after my hunt guys. Special thanks to Trent for recommending the .204 Ruger. Those little guys didn't stand a chance. I really felt bad at times. Another Dang 9 I was mostly shooting out to 300 yards. I did go out to 310-330 on a couple of shots. The gun shot superbly. First Savage that I ever owned. I should also thank my gunsmith for recommending Savage. When I go varmint hunting next year I will see how far this gun can really shoot. I think 400 yards is quite reasonable. Thanks again Trent.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Another Dang 9 »

Whale what was your average shot count for the day. I want to shot some myself and would like to know what to expect my daily ammo use will be. Thanks.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

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Another Dang 9,
My first day out I shot about two hundred rounds. After that first day was over I averaged 100 rounds per day.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Trent »

Right on! "Guilty" is a good way to describe varmint hunting with a .204R. It's just too easy. Haha.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Jerry G »

Must not have been very windy if the 204 worked well. :ymdevil:

3 years ago I took 2 guys out and they each shot about 250 rounds in a day. That goofy Irshman couldn't stop giggling all day.

Our dogs all died off a couple years ago and are just starting to come back.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Another Dang 9 »

I'm told the little doggies do carry the plague and other such diseases. Or it could have been a blight of some kind.
Whale thanks for the update now I know to bring lots of ammo. Or my loading bench!
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Jerry G »

If you are going to shoot a bunch of dawgs, bring 2 guns so the bbl can cool down a little. They will last longer that way. Hot is bad.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by malinois »

Thats what I like about my savage silhouette rifle... I can screw off the barrel when not shooting silhouettes and shoot varmints.... Now to find a good place to shoot em.... then I can get a varmint caliber barrel for my savage..
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

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Jerry if I brought two guns wouldn't my others feel lonely??? :D
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

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Another Dang 9,
I bought two guns for the hunt. 150 rounds a day was my average. I let people shoot my savage and Ruger AR. I also shot other people's guns. It was a great experience unless you were one of the little fellows. Trent I still feel bad because it was soo easy. They didn't stand a chance in hell. Do any of you use Berger's 35 grain match grade fb varmint bullets? I used Hornady and Nosler loaded ammo. I just got the Redding dies so I will load up at the end of the winter.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Trent »

I've used the 40gr Bergers, but not the 35s. They are pretty devastating, but they can also be problematic for stabilization if you are running a 1:12 twist like a few of the rifle manufactures spec. (that goes for all the 40gr bullets though)

I've also used the MidwayUSA DogTown bullets and the Midsouth "Varmint Nightmare Extreme" bullets (these two bullets are the same, just sold by the two retailers). Those bullets are explosive, accurate and pretty inexpensive. To me it is tough to beat that. I've also used the Noslers, Hornadys and Sierras. They all turn the little critters inside-out. I've not shot any coyotes with mine but that is where you have to get particular on bullet choice to avoid "bullet splash" when hitting shoulder bones. These little bullets are mostly fragile. The consensus is that the Berger bullets are the way to go for 'yotes.

The only thing I don't like about the FB bullets like the Bergers is trying to hold those little bastards in place when seating them.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by whale »

Trent,
When I was on Sierra's website their .204s were back order only.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Trent »

Give those DogTown bullets from MidwayUSA or the Varmint Nightmare x-treme from Midsouth a try. They are made by Nosler and are basically their ballistic tip but without the plastic tip inserted.

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/i ... 5000_Count

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/939544 ... uctFinding
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