A great all around cartridge, if you already have a .30-06, would be a .243win. A bit lighter than the 30cal, the .243win is a lil nicer on smaller game like coyotes (not as nice as that .22-250 would be), but still able to handle deer sized game, and Elk with the proper bullet, well placed. The more I hunt whitetails, the more I start to consider the .243win the optimum whitetail cartridge, and it's fantastic for reaching out and knocking down coyotes at long ranges.

EDIT: But, if you don't have a 22caliber centerfire, and you DO have a .30-06, I'd probably be looking at a 223rem or .22-250 over the .243win first, then think about bridging the gap later. The .243win will be a better all around cartridge, but since you have a deer rifle, you don't really need another, so I'd lean towards a dedicated small game rifle. Great excuse to pick up that .22-250.

I'm also a big fan of the .243 as an "all-around" chambering. That said, I agree that the fact you already own a .30-06 makes the case for a .224 centerfire more compelling. The issue I see with many factory offerings in .22-250 today is that they tend to arrive with heavy (bull) barrels. I prefer a lighter rifle when I'm walking and talking for coyotes.

Where I've found the .243 superior to the .224s has been when there's wind involved. We have lots of that out here. You may not. Those heavy 6mm bullets aren't affected as much by the wind as those little .224 bullets commonly loaded in the .223 and .22-250. I've loaded 70 gr and heavier bullets for 1:7 and 1:9 .223s, but I don't believe my 1:12 .22-250 would stabilize a bullet that heavy as well. So, in terms of pelt damage and overall versatility, I'd probably lean toward the .223 over the .22-250.

Practicality aside, there's always the "I want one" aspect of things. I have and use the .243, but I've always wanted a .257 Bob. I have and use the .30-06, but I've always wanted a .280. If you want a .22-250, go get one. I didn't "need" a .22-250, but I wanted one. That's what put one in my collection. I've no regrets.

X2!!!!
I really wish the 6MM Remington would have caught on better! It's my favorite of the .243/6MM family!

The 6mm remington is my go to rifle for varmits. I used my dad's 22/250 to I got my 6mm.

Drops deer like a box of rocks too!

When I started hunting, my first centerfire rifle was a .30-06. Back then I was living in NW Colorado, and I used my .30-06 for deer, elk, antelope and prairie dogs.

Shortly after I moved to Montana, my new hunting partner introduced me to the .22-250, and I got one. I now have several friends that hunt almost exclusively with their .22-250s up to and including elk and buffalo, but they are exceptional shots and hunters.

To bridge the gap between my .22-250 and my .30-06, I chose a .257 Ackley Improved. It is ballisticly just behind the .25-06, and to me it is a perfect "all around" varmint to medium size game round, and with proper bullets and shot placement its not bad for elk.

Since I got my .257AI thirty some years ago, I've shot prairie dogs, coyotes, almost all of my deer, antelope, and mountain sheep with it, and made one shot kills on elk and caribou with it. It is one of my favorite rifles.

that's basically what I was trying to ask..thats how I should have worded it..i have a .22 and I have a 30-06. so yes I want to bridge the gap between. Ill have to check out a .243. or a 22-250. anyone have any specific models I should check out that are reasonable priced.?

Can't beat a good remington 700' or ruger 77. Also look @ 7mm08 if you want something bigger then a 22/250. I like it better then the 243 win. The 7mm08 is available in a lot of rifles.

You would be wise to consider a .223 Rem in a boltgun; given that you have a .22lr and a .30-06.

Especially with the availability and raising cost of ammo.


http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/223.html

A bit of late input. Not much new from other posts.

This is a wildcat cartridge that caught on. I think that this cartridge was originally named the "22 Varminter". I have shot one for many years. I have loaded bullets weighing from as light as 30 gr. to as heavy as 60 gr. with good results. My favorite load is made with a 55 gr. bullet.

In general the muzzle velocities, even from factory loads, will run around 3500-3700 fps. At these ultra high velocities the life of a barrel tends to be comparitively short. But unless you shoot a ton, the barrel should last a "lifetime".

My opinion .... it is not a medium game rifle, such as for deer sized game. At 22 cal. may be illegal for deer hunting in some states. For sure one can kill medium sized game with this cartridge and one of the heavier bullets it does well with, say a 55 gr. Nosler Partition .... but in my book, not a wise choice.

It is a fine varmint rifle .... coyotes, fox, bobcat and such .... but way beyond a wise use on a rabbit or squirrel that you intend to put in the pot. Hit one square-on with a 22.250 and you would not have much left to cook !!