Varmint rifles

chipchip · August 30, 2012, 09:07 PM

Can anyone give me any input on Ruger's Hawkeye Preditor rifle in 223 or 22-250

603Country · August 31, 2012, 01:47 PM

I've looked at the reviews on the Predator and I have what I suppose is the previous generation Hawkeye in 223. Mine shoots great, with best groups (with factory trigger) at 1/2 inch at 100 shooting 40 grain Nosler BTs and 65 gr Sierra GKs. I haven't shot for groups now that I have the Timney trigger installed. The only real gripe I had with mine was the stock, and the new Predator seems to have a real stock upgrade. That, with the newer trigger and the moderate/heavy barrel, and it should be a real shooter. I'd like to have one, but I'll resist that impulse now that I have my Hawkeye shooting so good and with all load workup (so far) completed.

Go buy the Predator and then tell us all about it.

chipchip · August 31, 2012, 03:34 PM

I plan on buying one. We have them on the rack where I work and the triggers are amazing. Two Stage. Just can't decide between 223 or 22-250.

coyota1 · September 1, 2012, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Just can't decide between 223 or 22-250.

At what ranges do you plan on shooting?

chipchip · September 1, 2012, 07:25 PM

300 yds. Will probably spend 75% of the time at the range.

coyota1 · September 1, 2012, 07:39 PM

They are both very fine calibers. At 300 yards the 22 250 would be ideal. I like the 223 mostly cause if where I live.

chipchip · September 1, 2012, 08:55 PM

The only reason I'm considering the 223 is the selection of ammo. So shooting at 300yrds I'm thinking of a Leupold 4x12AO with a Fine Duplex. Input would be appreciated. Also looking at a 6x18AO

coyota1 · September 1, 2012, 09:00 PM

Ironically the 223 in my area is getting scooped off the shelves I guess do to pre election paranoia. I see more of the less common stuff right now. 22 250 is quite common. More expensive than 223, but it's out there.

C7AR15 · September 6, 2012, 02:22 PM

I have many calibres .....

and I love whacking gophers,

My favorite gun is my CZ 452 in .22 Mag Cheap, no reloading, no picking up brass - good to about 100YDS.

My 22-250 Vanguard MOA is very accurate witha Bushnell 6X-24X
BUT The recoil will knock you out of the picture. IE: you won't see your hits!

tHE .223 HAS MUCH LESS RECOIL - get it

603Country · September 6, 2012, 06:44 PM

Yep, you'd be Ok with the 223. For years I said I'd never have a 223, but loading and shooting my Dad's rifle got me interested. So I bought that Ruger Hawkeye in 223 and I shoot it more than anything else I have. If you want to blast coyotes and want a flat shooting rifle, just load up those 40 grain Nosler BT's or the V-Max, or maybe that new Nosler 35 grain nolead bullet. You'll have velocities up around 3700 or maybe even 3800. That ought to be flat shooting enough for you. Certainly good for coyotes out to 400 yards or more. I'm shooting 55 grain Noslers out of my 220 Swift and the muzzle velocity is only 3850.

August 30, 2012, 09:07 PM	#1
chipchip Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Posts: 247	Varmint rifles Can anyone give me any input on Ruger's Hawkeye Preditor rifle in 223 or 22-250

September 6, 2012, 02:22 PM	#9
C7AR15 Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2011 Location: Burnaby Posts: 260	Get the .223 I have many calibres ..... and I love whacking gophers, My favorite gun is my CZ 452 in .22 Mag Cheap, no reloading, no picking up brass - good to about 100YDS. My 22-250 Vanguard MOA is very accurate witha Bushnell 6X-24X BUT The recoil will knock you out of the picture. IE: you won't see your hits! tHE .223 HAS MUCH LESS RECOIL - get it

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August 31, 2012, 01:47 PM	#2
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	I've looked at the reviews on the Predator and I have what I suppose is the previous generation Hawkeye in 223. Mine shoots great, with best groups (with factory trigger) at 1/2 inch at 100 shooting 40 grain Nosler BTs and 65 gr Sierra GKs. I haven't shot for groups now that I have the Timney trigger installed. The only real gripe I had with mine was the stock, and the new Predator seems to have a real stock upgrade. That, with the newer trigger and the moderate/heavy barrel, and it should be a real shooter. I'd like to have one, but I'll resist that impulse now that I have my Hawkeye shooting so good and with all load workup (so far) completed. Go buy the Predator and then tell us all about it.

August 31, 2012, 03:34 PM	#3
chipchip Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Posts: 247	I plan on buying one. We have them on the rack where I work and the triggers are amazing. Two Stage. Just can't decide between 223 or 22-250.

September 1, 2012, 07:25 PM	#5
chipchip Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Posts: 247	300 yds. Will probably spend 75% of the time at the range.

September 1, 2012, 07:39 PM	#6
coyota1 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: West Michigan Posts: 663	They are both very fine calibers. At 300 yards the 22 250 would be ideal. I like the 223 mostly cause if where I live.

September 1, 2012, 08:55 PM	#7
chipchip Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Posts: 247	The only reason I'm considering the 223 is the selection of ammo. So shooting at 300yrds I'm thinking of a Leupold 4x12AO with a Fine Duplex. Input would be appreciated. Also looking at a 6x18AO

September 1, 2012, 09:00 PM	#8
coyota1 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: West Michigan Posts: 663	Ironically the 223 in my area is getting scooped off the shelves I guess do to pre election paranoia. I see more of the less common stuff right now. 22 250 is quite common. More expensive than 223, but it's out there.

September 6, 2012, 06:44 PM	#10
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	Yep, you'd be Ok with the 223. For years I said I'd never have a 223, but loading and shooting my Dad's rifle got me interested. So I bought that Ruger Hawkeye in 223 and I shoot it more than anything else I have. If you want to blast coyotes and want a flat shooting rifle, just load up those 40 grain Nosler BT's or the V-Max, or maybe that new Nosler 35 grain nolead bullet. You'll have velocities up around 3700 or maybe even 3800. That ought to be flat shooting enough for you. Certainly good for coyotes out to 400 yards or more. I'm shooting 55 grain Noslers out of my 220 Swift and the muzzle velocity is only 3850.