Having problems picking a caliber in the 11 vt

[ccw007]

This is my first post and I hope it is not controversial. I am planning on getting a 11 vt from Dick's this weekend and I am having a heck of a time making my mind up on the caliber. I am torn between the 223, 22-250, and the 243. This gun will be 99.9% punching paper for fun at the 100 and 200 yard range. That is currently the longest range I will have access to in the foreseeable future. My problem is that I see the strengths and weaknesses in all 3 of these calibers .

223 is cheap but has the most drop and wind drift
22-250 is slightly more or close to shoot as the 243 and has better ballistics than the 223 and most that have both seem to like it better than the 223
243 seems to be the best of them all but it costs the most to shoot. If money was no object it would be my choice because it would double as a deer gun not that I need one.

I am leaning towards the 223 because I can shoot it more for less money. I do not reload because of space so I am stuck buying factory ammo. It will reload again some day. I had a 223 varmint gun years ago and sold it because I did not have a good place to shoot it, and part of me wants something different.

Shooting at 200 yard is one really going to be better and more accurate?

[dfrosch]

Welcome to the forum.

All are fine cartridges. Out to 200 yards, you probably wouldn't notice any differences in ballistics. But, the economics of the 223 sounds like a factor. It would also be the easiest shooting and you would likely see the impacts more with it.

Good luck with your decision.

[LongRange]

Im not a 223 fan but ill tell you I seen a guy last saturday shoot a 545 in a 600yds F-class match...best part of all...it was a gas gun..so im guessing a 223 bolt gun will do just as well or better.

[charb52]

sounds like your leaning towards 223. I think they are all great. Im not 100% but I think you'll get shorter barrel life out of the .243 but if your like me that doesnt matter because I dont get to shoot enough

[Stockrex]

What twist is on the 223?
223 all the way.
Cheap, accurate, fun plus if you have bald spots it will help with hair regrowth.

[psharon97]

For 200 yards, the 223 is more than sufficient.

[justinp61]

Another vote for the 223, cheap ammo and you don't reload, more bangs for the buck equals more fun.

[ccw007]

Thanks guys you have confirmed what I was thinking

The twist rate on the Barrel is 1:9 for the 223 and I think 1:10 on the 242

[GTOHunter]

Go with a .204 or drop some coin on a .20 VarTarg! :D


You can't beat a .223 and surely You aren't in a State that is that windy?

[BoilerUP]

Wind really isn't a significant factor at 200, even with a 223.

[Steelhead]

Wind really isn't a significant factor at 200, even with a 223.

This.

Of your choices listed at the distances listed 223 for sure.

[McGee68]

I have VTs in .223, .243 and .308. All great guns and all very accurate with handloads. I use the .223 for shooting eggs at 200 at a local gun range competition. It's a blast to shoot and cheap too. Any 3 of these guns would work for it but the little gun is just fun. Updated the stock with a Choate and the scope with a 36x42 sightron and it's like shooting fish in a barrel :)

[300rem7]

Thanks guys you have confirmed what I was thinking

The twist rate on the Barrel is 1:9 for the 223 and I think 1:10 on the 242

The 243 is a 9.25 twist. Confirmed by savage customer service.