Best small center fire caliber

[Bull72]

Not sure of what to buy I am wanting a small center fire I have a rimfire 5mm and 22 but I want something faster and I already have a 257 Weatherby so I am thinking about a 204 what's everyone's favorite and why

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[JuglansRegia]

.233/5.56 for sure

 

[Xaevian]

.17 fireball...most of the velocity, with much less powder, which makes good sense these days since powder is getting expensive. Plus, less fouling.

 

[arakboss]

.233/5.56 for sure

Agreed, most versatile and afforable of small bore cf cartridges, imho.

 

[WWShooter]

Define "small."

 

[po18guy]

.220 Swift. Just because. Have a Ruger 77V, but I'd like an AR10 chambered in it. Except for semi-rim, it would be a go.

 

[oremike]

It depends on what you want to do with it. Here in Oregon .22 center fire is the smallest caliber legal to hunt Deer with. For varmints the .17's are popular. I was looking for a left handed .204 Ruger and couldn't find one so got a .223 instead.

 

[po18guy]

Some would even go so far as to recommend the .22 Varminter. Mostly old guys.
Bottom line is the intended use.

 

[tac]

The choice of a small centrefire is HUGE.

It depends on whether you want something commonplace, or somewhat odd. There are both.

 

[Mark W.]

22-250 you can load it down to mimic .223 or up to almost reach .220 swift. All for the same cost.

 

[po18guy]

22-250 you can load it down to mimic .223 or up to almost reach .220 swift. All for the same cost.

Already had a Swift, but got tired ot the endless harping about the .22-250, so I traded into one of those as well. But, when you think that 4110 FPS was available in 1935. The latest and greatest have only recently broken that - and not by much.

 

[Rlynn]

Depends if you are looking for low cost, unique or interesting. Also if you are a reloader or not. I think the 20y is a very interesting choice. I have a 222 Remington magnum and if forced me to become a reloader.

 

[Rlynn]

Sorry, should be 204, not 20y

 

[Darren Summers]

I shoot steers with 22tcm great low cost cartridge. I load 50 grain jsp and it drops large bulls and old cows just fine. I guess it depends on your need. I own several 22cal. Center fire rifles and each has its pros and cons. I also have a couple 22wmr but you cannot reload which I enjoy very much.
just buy one of each you won't be disappointed!!!

 

[titsonritz]

"Best" at what?

.223/5.56 works for me.

 

[Member 34319]

22 jet or 22 hornet would be a good one.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

I'm not sure what is best...but what I like and owned or do own is :
.22 Hornet
5.56
.25-35
.32-20
Andy

 

[DirectDrive]

17 Hornet

22 K-Hornet


Or one of the .19 Calhoons

James Calhoon Fine Shootin' Bullets Main Page

 

[flashpan]

Have to love the terrific 20's...esp if you want to go fast. If you dont reload, then the 204R is a great accurate cartridge choice. If you reload, have a look at the 20practical...and the 20Vartarg is as sweet as it gets.

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[matts]

.223, handloads with 35-40 grain varmint loads are fast, and sweet killers...