Best reasonably priced 22-250 for the wife?

[6bg6ga]

The wife recently shot a X40 22-250 and fell in love with it and now wants a 22-250. I don't think I want to spend 3K or so for a used X40 so what is a decent new or used make and model that will deliver good accurcy?

[Wayne R. Scott]

Remington 788.

[Driver33]

Remington 700 sps varmint or the standard barrel adl

[trails4u]

I bought my son a Savage Axis in 7-08, and it was basically a MOA rifle out of the box....without the accutrigger. First trip to the range, with a mid-range load ladder, and had it shooting just over 1" groups after about 15 rds. Much more work to do to wring the best accuracy out of it...but for a deer rifle, he's in great shape for less than $300.

[Texas by God]

Going from a 40XB to a Savage Axis simply won't do. Rem 700 Varmint Special with a pretty wood stock oughta do it. Best, Thomas.

[snowwolfe]

Tikka 22-250

[Ola]

..so what is a decent new or used make and model that will deliver good accurcy?

What is your definition of good accuracy?

Tikka T3X has 1 MOA guarantee: http://www.tikka.fi/en-us/rifles/tikka-t3x

Is that good enough?

[Texas by God]

The T3 is probably the best choice. That's what i use. I suggested the Rem 700 because it is closest to the 40XB that she fell in love with. I would look for a pre 80 with wood stock. Best, Thomas.

[trails4u]

I also own a T3 in laminate/stainless, but in 30-06. Most accurate rifle I've owned. My suggestion of looking at the Axis was based on the OPs interest in price. I don't think you can beat the Axis on a 'cost per accuracy' scale. They're not the prettiest....not the best built, but they do shoot. Just my 0.02....not to suggest I'm trading my Tikka for one. :)

[Texas by God]

Yes a Tikka takes all the fun out of load development. Pick a load. It will group moa. Done. Best, Thomas.

[trapper9260]

I got a Rem 700 and like it.Add scope on it and working on light load now for it.

[M-Tecs]

Tikka. I prefer the out of production 595 Tkka's, but the T3 is also a great rifle.

[Mauser48]

Tikka t3 varmint.

[MarkP]

Rem 700 Varmint -- If there is Dick's Sporting Goods near you watch for the Thanksgiving Day Door buster; they have had the 700 V as a doorbuster for the last few years. I have one in 223 and 308 from different years; they shoot as well as my Remington's from late 80's & early 90's. I actually prefer the finish on the new Remington's as compared to some early KS's I have from the Remington Custom Shop.

Dick's opened at 5:30 / 6:00 pm Thanksgiving day. I recall the sun was just setting.

[Mtnfolk75]

I've had good luck & decent accuracy from the Axis rifles, looking at setting up one in 22-250 for my 14 year old Grandson.

[Budzilla 19]

If you own a Remington 700,in standard bolt face, buy a take off barrel in 22-250 Rem. for a few bucks, screw off old barrel, screw on new barrel, check head spacing, load and fire! For a lot less than a brand new rifle! Very effective way to own or test a lot of different calibers! Take off barrels are really cheap sometimes!! Sometimes under $100!! IT&D custom guns, in Minerva OH has takeoff barrels by the hundreds in all calibers! Just my .02 cents. Good luck.

[Silverboolit]

Savage Axis II, heavy barrel and put it in a Boyd's thumbhole stock. Top with a Nikon mid price range scope. Very nice setup.

[Texas by God]

Savage Axis II, heavy barrel and put it in a Boyd's thumbhole stock. Top with a Nikon mid price range scope. Very nice setup.

Ruger American and Marlin X7 could go that route also.

[dverna]

Savage Axis II, heavy barrel and put it in a Boyd's thumbhole stock. Top with a Nikon mid price range scope. Very nice setup.

Agree. Great accuracy and not a lot of money

[jmort]

Hard to beat the Savage Axis II heavy barrel that was suggested. If you have the $$$ a Winchester Model 70 SA 22-250 would be nice.

[osteodoc08]

Id look at a used wooden stocked rifle of her choosing. Let her choose and she'll love it that much more.

[6bg6ga]

We looked thru the local dealers inventory and didn't find what we wanted. Did think about purchasing a Remington 700 action SS Magnum long action #27563, custom barrel and stock. Never done this before so how hard could it be? $400 for the action, 300 for the barrel, and a couple hundred for a stock. Anyone done this before?

[koehlerrk]

Won a TC Venture in 22-250 a couple years back. Excellent rifle, and while I don't care for plastic stocks, this one is pretty dang nice. As for accuracy, how does five rounds touching at 100 yards sound? Its a tough gun to beat.

[mcdaniel.mac]

Tikka T3 or a Savage if you want to do some TLC

[B. Lumpkin]

We looked thru the local dealers inventory and didn't find what we wanted. Did think about purchasing a Remington 700 action SS Magnum long action #27563, custom barrel and stock. Never done this before so how hard could it be? $400 for the action, 300 for the barrel, and a couple hundred for a stock. Anyone done this before?

$400 isn't to bad for the action. Look around a bit and you may find one in the $350 price range. Walmart usually has good deals on complete Remington 700 rifles after hunting season. I picked one up in 243 last year for $370 out the door!

For $300 I assume you are going with a good reputation barrel, which is good. Once again, look around and you may find a really good, new, big name barrel for less. Especially closer to Christmas as people start to liquidate projects into Christmas cash. Any smith worth his salt will be able to profile the barrel for you, but that adds $$.

Which type of stock are you looking at? Wood, laminate, or fiberglass? A couple hundred will get you into a good stock, and as above, looking around on different forums may net you a new or slightly used big name stock for less than retail.

Once you buy all those you have to consider which bottom metal. Then you have to factor in the price of chambering and installing the barrel. Add more $$ if you want the action trued and the stock bedded.

The benefit to going this route is you can set the rifle up exactly how you want it. Twist, length of pull, barrel profile, stock profile, chamber, etc.

To actually answer your question: "Anyone done this before?"
Yes, I have, several times. It cost more in the end, but I have never regretted doing it.

[wrench man]

Might have a look at the Savage 12BVSS
http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/12bvss

[Scorpion8]

I don't think I want to spend 3K or so for a used X40 so what is a decent new or used make and model that will deliver good accurcy?

T/C Venture in .22-250. Excellent and very accurate.

[6bg6ga]

Went to Gander Mountain yesterday looking for a T/C Dimension rifle. They were listed as being a dealer but hadn't carried the T/C for 6 months. The salesman immediately tried to steer us to a Savage. Don't want a Savage unless its a simple 22long rifle certainly not a 22-250. We liked the ability to purchase different actions,bolts, and barrels as she changes her mind on what she wants to shoot. Then the salesman went for the Remington 700 with a cheap scope for $699. Can I purchase the Remington without a scope I asked? Nope. Not excited about what we saw yesterday. Still wondering why the same rifle in 30-06 was only $399. All we want is a heavy barrel 22-250 that isn't a Savage with no scope new if possible and not beat to hell if used. Whatever happened to wood stocks? Everything is plastic or some kind of composite. I want a real gun with a wood stock for her not some 3lb *** they are passing off lately.

[Texas by God]

Remington SPS Varmint; Take off the factory plastic stock and replace it with a Boyds wood stock of her choosing. Happy Shopping! IMO Gander Mountain is a price gouging palace. Best, Thomas.

[flounderman]

don't count on being able to screw a takeoff barrel in and it will clock right. Same barrel fits a 722 and a 700. If she is going to carry it hunting, you don't need a heavy barrel. The model 7 Remington makes a good womens rifle just as it is. If it is to be used for hunting, weight, trigger pull, lock time, a sensible scope, and if it will group in an inch and a half at 100, you will never see the difference between it and a one hole rifle

[lolbell]

I have had a lot of off the shelf rifles from all different manufacturers but nothing that has compared to the Tikka T3 Varminter for accuracy. I have one in 22-250 and 223. Both will shoot sub 1/4 moa with the load developed for them.

[farmbif]

kimber 84m is an accurate 22-250, nowaday i guess the remington model 700 is a **** shoot with some of the **** that has come out of the remington/marlin factory lately. I know my tang safety red pad ruger 77 22-250 varmint is a tack driver, the savage model 10 is 8+lbs, model 11/111 bth is an accurate 6 3/4lb rifle that looks good too. lots of choices out there that are accurate good looking reasonably priced. Never owned a tikka but from concensus not to be overlooked

[Mr Humble]

The OP asked for "reasonable". The new T/C Dimension is that AND has interchangeable bbls as well. Also suppressor/brake ready. Reviews found it a tack driver with ordinary factory ammo.

[Shawlerbrook]

Ruger American for a cheaper gun .

[6bg6ga]

She will never hunt anything except a paper target. I wish to stay away from the Ruger american and anything Savage. She is interested in the T/C dimension.

[mcdaniel.mac]

If it's target only, Howa makes a varminter with the Blackhawk Axiom stock and detachable magazines that's cheaper than the T3. I haven't heard anything negative about their accuracy, either.

[6bg6ga]

Reasonably priced...I'm talking 1K-2K. No non-wood stocks. Still wanting a real wood stock non-Savage, non Walmart heavy barrel rifle for target shooting only.

[Texas by God]

Reasonably priced...I'm talking 1K-2K. No non-wood stocks. Still wanting a real wood stock non-Savage, non Walmart heavy barrel rifle for target shooting only.
Tikka,Tikka, and oh yes Tikka. I may be wrong but the T/C Dimension has plastic furniture and in my opinion is ugly as all get out. I own two Tikka T3 Hunter(walnut) in 22-250&25-06. They are standard barrel weight but cut .25" often enough it is no fluke. I'm out of ideas- let us know whatyou get! Best, Thomas.

[Texas by God]

This bothers me. How did she get from wanting a Remington 40XB to a T/C ? Woman's perogative? LOL. My last idea for you is to buy an old 700 .243 (common&inexpensive), have it rebarreled to varmint weight 22-250 (your choice of brand) Boyds WOOD stock. Older 700 actions are flawless.

[mcdaniel.mac]

Reasonably priced...I'm talking 1K-2K. No non-wood stocks. Still wanting a real wood stock non-Savage, non Walmart heavy barrel rifle for target shooting only.
If 'real wood' discounts laminate, then I'm out of ideas. Browning makes their varminter and target version of the X-Bolt with laminate, Sako makes beautiful laminates rocked rifles in the .22-250, and CZ offers a Varminter in the same, but again a laminate.

[MarkP]

Reasonably priced...I'm talking 1K-2K. No non-wood stocks. Still wanting a real wood stock non-Savage, non Walmart heavy barrel rifle for target shooting only.

Kimber 84 Varmint or Super America would be at the lower end of your range ($1,100 to $1,200 ish wo/scope) Cooper Classic would be near the upper end of your range LGS has them in the $1,700 range.

[Ickisrulz]

I looked on the Sako website and it looks like their Varmint model with blued steel comes with a genuine walnut stock. I have the Varmint model that was made prior to the 75 and it is a good shooter. The model 85 action is even nicer. If you can find one, it should run under $1800.

[Butchman205]

You only live once...


-Butchman

[Butchman205]

I looked on the Sako website and it looks like their Varmint model with blued steel comes with a genuine walnut stock. I have the Varmint model that was made prior to the 75 and it is a good shooter. The model 85 action is even nicer. If you can find one, it should run under $1800.

X2!


-Butchman

[6bg6ga]

Can't find what she wants so on to plan "B" will build one from scratch and have her buy the action, barrel, and stock she wants. She can do it in stages so it won't hurt as bad as putting out all the cash at once.

[Ola]

Excellent plan. Little tedious, but the result is going to be excellent.

[Texas by God]

Can't find what she wants so on to plan "B" will build one from scratch and have her buy the action, barrel, and stock she wants. She can do it in stages so it won't hurt as bad as putting out all the cash at once.
That sounds like fun and she will get HER RIFLE. We must see it when it's complete. Best, Thomas.

[Fernando]

Buy a used 10/12 savage and build it yourself.
Lots of bbl makers and the triggers aren't bad.

[6bg6ga]

The only thing I would purchase with the Savage name on it woud be a cheap 22 long rifle. Looking for a better action like a remington 700 or 40-X receiver.

[B. Lumpkin]

Remington 700's aren't that much mo' better in the specs department, but they look better than them ugly savages!

[6bg6ga]

I would like to find a Remington X-40 action. I'm not finding much out there in the line of actions without a barrel. Savage absolutely isn't on my list and never will be. The 700 actions aren't bad for the money.

[B. Lumpkin]

You may have to buy a beater 40X complete rifle for the action, lol. People tend to hold onto them when they get them, and when a 40X sells...it sells pretty high. Go with the 700 Action. Properly put together by a good smith, and you won't really be able to shoot the possible difference between the two!

[Texas by God]

Return to post #39 - we're making progress!

[edward hogan]

If you have ANY Brains you will buy her a nice rifle and scope!

Tikka T3 is nice; but consider....They also make that 8 twist .223..... That is a more versatile rifle due to the heavy bullet opportunities. Lighter recoil, load the bthp for
longrange varminting... Longer barrel life... About half the powder charge to get very respectable velocities.

If your girl is new to centerfire rifle shooting the .223 might not get 4,000fps; but neither does it need to. Get the .223rem and then you can get her an AR-15!

[edward hogan]

You may have to buy a beater 40X complete rifle for the action, lol. People tend to hold onto them when they get them, and when a 40X sells...it sells pretty high. Go with the 700 Action. Properly put together by a good smith, and you won't really be able to shoot the possible difference between the two!

Where are them "beater" Remington 40x's at anyways? Always heard about some guy found a crate of 40x's in his uncle's barn; next to the new in the crate Korean era Jeep CJ....

Unlikely to find any 40x under a grand, and then looking at another $600 for a barrel job. Puts you in the league of the Tikka T3 Master Sporter which is match ready. The T3 tactical and varmints are in the same league. A really nice intro level rifle, long out of production, is the Winchester Heavy Varmint which was made in .22-250. Great Wilson stainless match barrel and H-S Precision stock on Marksman forend design.

For what likely to spend on rehabbing a 40x, could build a real custom and have something for years to come.

[6bg6ga]

If you have ANY Brains you will buy her a nice rifle and scope!

Tikka T3 is nice; but consider....They also make that 8 twist .223..... That is a more versatile rifle due to the heavy bullet opportunities. Lighter recoil, load the bthp for
longrange varminting... Longer barrel life... About half the powder charge to get very respectable velocities.

If your girl is new to centerfire rifle shooting the .223 might not get 4,000fps; but neither does it need to. Get the .223rem and then you can get her an AR-15!

I just couldn't resist posting when you said "If I have any brains you would buy her a nice rifle and scope!" Well, first of all you can keep your Tikka's. The wife and I looked at them and we weren't impressed. First, everyone of them had a very small barrel and that isn't good if a person wishes to go prairie dog hunting.

Met with a friend that happens to own one of these marvelous Tikka rifles. Got to shoot the gun and wasn't pleased with the accuracy. At its best with hand loads it managed a 1-1 1/2" group at 100 yards. Looking for better accuracy than that.

Since I haven't been back to this thread for a while I will share with you the results of my find. Got a 700BDL with bipod, match barrel, 1lb trigger assembly, and 20 power scope. That was rifle number 1. The second rifle we purchased is a 700BDL with a Boyd's stock and the above niceties.

Took rifle number 1 to the range and with first hand loads managed a easy group of 3/4" . Second load it went down to a little over 5/8" Haven't tried rifle #2 yet.

Would have gladly paid 2K or more for a decent 40X and still would pass on the Tikka.

Pictures...will post pictures when I remember to purchase batteries.:D

[6bg6ga]

If you have ANY Brains you will buy her a nice rifle and scope!

Tikka T3 is nice; but consider....They also make that 8 twist .223..... That is a more versatile rifle due to the heavy bullet opportunities. Lighter recoil, load the bthp for
longrange varminting... Longer barrel life... About half the powder charge to get very respectable velocities.



If your girl is new to centerfire rifle shooting the .223 might not get 4,000fps; but neither does it need to. Get the .223rem and then you can get her an AR-15!

My wife of 44 years happens to own (3) AR-15's. One in 5.56/.223, and two 300 blackouts along with a 45acp carbine.

She is amazing to watch. She will sit at the bench positioned like an expert and usually shoot as well as someone who has 50 years under their belt or simply outshoot them.

[Tenbender]

I would say Ruger #1. I have owned them in 6mm and 22 250. Both shoot great. Much better than the Browning B78.

[B. Lumpkin]

Where are them "beater" Remington 40x's at anyways? Always heard about some guy found a crate of 40x's in his uncle's barn; next to the new in the crate Korean era Jeep CJ....

Unlikely to find any 40x under a grand, and then looking at another $600 for a barrel job. Puts you in the league of the Tikka T3 Master Sporter which is match ready. The T3 tactical and varmints are in the same league. A really nice intro level rifle, long out of production, is the Winchester Heavy Varmint which was made in .22-250. Great Wilson stainless match barrel and H-S Precision stock on Marksman forend design.

For what likely to spend on rehabbing a 40x, could build a real custom and have something for years to come.

A beater 40X action will run you $800. I guess the term beater is relative to the value of the item being referred to as a beater. Kind of like buying a beater SAA, which will cost you $800-$1,000, lol.

[6bg6ga]

I would have shelled out $800 for a 40X action or 2K for a decent 40X but I'm happy with what we purchased.

[Texas by God]

Sorry for your experience with the Tikka. Such performance is not the norm for mine at least.My 22-250 & 25-06 seldom shoot over 1" if I do my part. I have shot .3" groups with both often enough to not be a fluke. Last Saturday I put 5-52gr Amax on a 1/2" target dot with the 22-250.

[6bg6ga]

Sorry for your experience with the Tikka. Such performance is not the norm for mine at least.My 22-250 & 25-06 seldom shoot over 1" if I do my part. I have shot .3" groups with both often enough to not be a fluke. Last Saturday I put 5-52gr Amax on a 1/2" target dot with the 22-250.From what I can find out the Tikka isn't available in a bull barrel. If it is the moronic dealers in my area don't know of any. One of my reasons for not selecting it is the very small barrel. Small barrels heat up and big barrels equate to more shooting fun.

[Texas by God]

I blame Beretta for limiting the different models and calibers of Tikka available to the American market. They do make heavy barrels and offer European calibers but like a Chupacabra I've never seen one. I prefer light barrels but then I haven't been prairie dogging in a long time. Keep us updated on your loading &shooting results. Best, Thomas.

[6bg6ga]

I can see a light barrel for hunting and occasional bench shooting where you wouldn't heat up the barrel. Like I mentioned I would have considered it if I could have found a heavy barrel. Most gun outlets tried to push what they had in stock and wouldn't even consider trying to find what I wanted.

[buckshotshoey]

I really don't understand your hangup about a Savage. They have long been known as the best barrel makers in the industry. And every one I have owned can back that up. 1/2 MOA isn't good enough? It shot 1 MOA out of the box and shoots 1/2 MOA with my reloads. Oh well. To each his own.

[6bg6ga]

My hangup on Savage... kind of like comparing a Rambler to a Cadillac.

[tazman]

I have owned a number of "Cadillac" rifles over the years that couldn't group as well as the Savage rifles I own now do right out of the box.

[6bg6ga]

Its a done deal as we have two Remington 700 BDL heavy barrel rifles. For the record if Savage was the only rifle maker left I still wouldn't purchase one. to each his own.

[Texas by God]

Savage is ok and they shoot good but they ain't a 700. I own a Stevens 200 .243 I would use all the time if I didn't own better(to me) rifles. Best, Thomas.

[buckshotshoey]

My hangup on Savage... kind of like comparing a Rambler to a Cadillac.

I don't think a groundhog gives a hoot if it gets hit with a Cadillac or a Rambler!

[buckshotshoey]

i have owned a number of "cadillac" rifles over the years that couldn't group as well as the savage rifles i own now do right out of the box.

Amen brother!

[wrench man]

kind of like comparing a Rambler to a Cadillac.


two Remington 700 BDL heavy barrel rifles. For the record if Savage was the only rifle maker left I still wouldn't purchase one. to each his own.

To each his own, I agree.
If you gave me a Remington I'd leave it on the counter and walk away.
I've yet to see ANY! Cadillac that I'd give up my '68 Rambler American for!