prodel wrote:Don't expect to be stalking game with it. Will be rested somewhere overlooking an area for potential rabbits and foxes.
To ask another way. For rabbit sizes targets, what range starts to be problematic for a hunting profile rifle? Would you swap to a varmint barrel here?
The factor that'll have the greatest effect on range will be the nut behind the butt.
The barrel length I feel would play a more important part than barrel profile.
EG. A 40 gr Varmint X leaving the muzzle at around 3600 FPS will be about 1" high from 100 - 150 yds, zero at 200, about 3" low at 250 and 5" low at 300.
So, a fox side or chest on with a central hold is in big trouble out to around 250 yds. Rabbits beyond 225 yds. will depend on how good you are at range estimation, wind, time of day etc. Go for it!
The varmint barrel will add a bit of weight and should steady the rifle for the longer shots and it's not like you'll be lunging it around all day.