Varmint caliber?

[Brant Buster]

AS in "size of the bore?"

Go with either a .22 or 6mm.



If you stay with those two most popular varmint "calibers," the most popular choices in each are the .223 Remington and .243 Winchester, respectfully.

Other choices in .22 caliber include the .22-250, .220 Swift, and others. However the .223 is far more popular than anything else (because it is current military chambering!) and far less expensive to shoot than anything else.

The .243 Winchester is a great long distance varmint round, and doubles quite well for shooting mule deer and pronghorns. Personally its a little 'light' for hunting deer IMO (due to a bad experience), but compared to other 6mm/.243 choices, the 25's, 26's, etc. etc. etc. -- the .243 Winnie is also the most popular round for varmints in its class.

Forget the stupid .25/06! It much too big for shooting Utah potguts or ground squirrels. If you're going after those little critters, many folks use rimfires - the .17 HMR really shines!

But for centerfire the .223Remy and .243Winnie will be two VERY POPULAR and inexpensive rounds to shoot. You can find ammo ANYWHERE!