Varmit Rifle

[Sam45]

Hey guys, this will open up a rat's nest but I need some advice. I help out with the Farmer assist program and I am doing Roo culls probably 4 to 5 times a year. Currently have a Tikka Hunter in .223 stainless.

It's a great rifle and very accurate. The problem i'm having, as there is so many to cull it heats up really quick and have to switch to the only other rifle I have which is a .308. Complete overkill. So I will be offloading the .308 to fund this.

Looking for a varmint rifle that I can load through the receiver if need be ( Not a deal killer ). Also what sort of life will the barrel have if it's in stainless.Will be using factory ammo in the short term. Brand is not overly important. Accuracy and barrel life is, within reason of course. Calibre is an option too as i have the .223 as it stands.

Cheers

Sammy

[Gwion]

223 Howa heavy barrel jumps to mind immediately. Fits all your requirements. Affordable and accurate.

[Sam45]

223 Howa heavy barrel jumps to mind immediately. Fits all your requirements. Affordable and accurate.

Yes was just talking about that. Don't want to break the bank and .223 ammo is cheap

[Gwion]

They are a heavy bugger, though. Not that it's a big deal if you want a varminting rifle.

[Sam45]

They are a heavy bugger, though. Not that it's a big deal if you want a varminting rifle.

Will be shooting of a rest in a truck. Not really carrying it as such. I have the Tikka for that

[Strikey]

Howa, I have heard there is one in my area that has had 21,000 rds of OSA ammo through it in the last 12mths and will still shoot 1" groups, mostly used to put a dent in the roo population also

Sam, how long did it take for you to get a " job " with the Farmer Assist program, I have applied a couple of times with no response and am just about to give up

[Sam45]

Howa, I have heard there is one in my area that has had 21,000 rds of OSA ammo through it in the last 12mths and will still shoot 1" groups, mostly used to put a dent in the roo population also

Sam, how long did it take for you to get a " job " with the Farmer Assist program, I have applied a couple of times with no response and am just about to give up

Yep i'm thinking the howa is going to be the one. Cheap and i have a good scope for it happy days.


As for the Farmer assist the first one took about 4 weeks, then they just flow on from there.

I find with initial contact you basically have to sell your skills and put the farmer at ease. Just from what I have come accross mate.

I now have 2 properties in the Longreach region, heading out at Xmas for a week. Also just picked one up out at St George and going there on the 27Th of this month. You will find most of the farmers in the Longreach, Barcaldine regions know each other and once you get one, they all want to use your services so to speak. Be persistent, maybe change your approach on what you write when you first apply for the "job " Don't be put off and apply to as many as you can get to.

Hope that helps

[deye243]

just remember that a varmint rifle will get as hot after 15 to 20 quick rounds but it will take more than twice as long to cool off

[Gwion]

just remember that a varmint rifle will get as hot after 15 to 20 quick rounds but it will take more than twice as long to cool off

Maybe having 2x 223 to swap between will give better barrel life in both, as one can cool while the other gets a work out.

[Sam45]

just remember that a varmint rifle will get as hot after 15 to 20 quick rounds but it will take more than twice as long to cool off

Maybe having 2x 223 to swap between will give better barrel life in both, as one can cool while the other gets a work out.

That is probably the best way to go.

[Varmtr]

As above another 223 HB as you have all ready the gear. There nothing wrong with the ol 308 either or look at some of the 6.5mm options.

[Sam45]

As above another 223 HB as you have all ready the gear. There nothing wrong with the ol 308 either or look at some of the 6.5mm options.

Yep have a .308 just a tad overkill for Roo's

[deye243]

just remember that a varmint rifle will get as hot after 15 to 20 quick rounds but it will take more than twice as long to cool off

Maybe having 2x 223 to swap between will give better barrel life in both, as one can cool while the other gets a work out.

I used to use 2 223 sporters when we were in an extended drought here

but that finished 4 years ago now i just use a rem700 with a # 5 barrel now

it's just knock off 10 or 20 and pull the pin every now and then just to keep

the numbers steady .

[bigfellascott]

Have a look at the new Mini Howa Actions in 223.

[BBJ]

223 Howa heavy barrel jumps to mind immediately. Fits all your requirements. Affordable and accurate.

And the Howa price tag is always agreeable.