I am now looking forjustvarmint /target rifle. I will use it to crush woodchucks and crows etc and she will learn to shoot with it.
I like the idea of beaing able to see the bullet hit the woodchuck through the scope, is this realistic with a 22-250 or should I go smaller?
With the parameters you have laid out ie..
varmint/target I would opt for the 223 Rem. It has relatively low recoil, practice/cheap ammo is abundant and it's a easy round to master. You mentioned about the 400 yd shot not real probable so it's ok if you pass on an ocasional shot like that with a 223. Witha few 22 calcenterfires, rifle weight and gun hold is going to matter on recoil ruining the chance to see bullet impact. My gun hold,for the most part is a benchrest technique and my 8lb 223 jumps enough not to see impact while my 14 1/2 lb 220 swift I can.As for the 223 being able to take a deer in a pinch, sure it can with the right shot placement and bullet.