.223 or .22-.250

[Pydpiper]

The 22-250 is a 22 on steroids, the 204 is a .222 necked down smaller than a .22.
I think you will be very happy with the 250 or the .223, I just love varmint rifles in general. I love the HMR for it's size and destructive nature, the .204 has very similar characteristics, only on a much larger scale.
I am considering a .223 as well, it is a round that has stood the test of time, that is for sure.
Here are some size comparison photos, unfortunately I do not have a .223 to put in the picture.
Left to right, .17HMR(necked down .22 magnum), Ruger .204, 22-250 and the Swift.

[Real McCoy]

Pydpiper - hanks for the photos. As I said, I don't know anything about the 204, thought it was a lot smaller round but from picture looks like it would close to the size of the 223. I too like the little 17 as it has a lot of pop for the size and fun to shoot. Looking for another rifle that is fast, flat and has the distance if I want to try long shots.

Have also been looking at the Springfield 45 XD Tactical pistol with the 5" barrel. The price is right and it has gotten some good reviews.

Know this is the proper thread but shoulder finally got to the point that I could put my new Exomax together. Didn't want to put it together until I could put string on it and shoulder wouldn't allow that until yesterday.

Anyway, this is a great place to find help on anything from xbows to firearms, to hunting, to the good things of life.

[xbow300win]

Well...thanks for all your detailed responses and it was/is a great thread for people to get information from...

[Normous]

Good choice. What optics have you chosen?

[hawg hunter]

smart choice great calibur for vermin,plentyof punch for most ranges.

[Pydpiper]

Yesterday when I was in the gun shop a couple guys were talking about that rifle, coincidentally. Both were more than happy with it, one just couldn't stop saying how accurate it was.
Sounds like you made a good choice.

Now for optics... I am over opinionated and biased on that topic too.

[VixChix]

Now for optics... I am over opinionated and biased on that topic too.

Pyd - you make me laugh!

[xbow300win]

It was the package deal, with the Simmons 3x9x40 sports scope on it. I sighted in today....seems really good so far!

[awshucks]

Ahh, varmit guns, a lifelong love affair w/ me. Bench resting was a passion of mine. If ya got a Rem 700 in 22-250 and reload, try: CCI bench rest primers, 31.5 gr of 3031, and Sierra 52 gr bthps. This data is from memory and over 30 yrs old, so double check safety limits and NOT my memory, but wow, what a performer!!

I currently don't load, have a T/C Contender Carbine in 17 HMR and .223. they do ok but nothing like 'days of yore'.

[DesertRat]

I just went through the great "varmint" gun debate. As I was looking at not spending too much money on it, I made my choice based on price and what was out there. This is a bad time of year to be shopping for these guns (second hand). they leave the stores as fast as they come in. I eventually found a .223 H&R Varmint Ulra with laminate stock and only 20 rounds through it. The H&R's are not fancy but for the amount of use mine will get, it will be more than fine. this gun has a 1:12 twist and 55 grain FMJs are 11.00$/box. Once I have the barrel broken in, I will try some fancier loads to see what it likes best. As is, it pokes holes ina nice tight group so the yotees are gonna be in trouble.