Thread: beginner varmint hunter

223 1:8 twist.
It depends on how far you want to shoot. If max 200 either calibre will do. But personally I wouldn't go lower than .224. Rabbits and the likes are small. high magnification scopes are good. 20+ power is good. Just keep in mind if shots are close you want a fairly low magnification too. I get by with a minimum of 6.5 power scope.
Range finding binos are good. Take a look at the Bushnell fusion. Again fairly high power is good. I think the bigger ones are 12 power.
Round count or barrel life is subjective. It depends on how tight a group you expect.
Tight groups are handy with small critters, therefore i recommend the tikka 223 1:8 twist, they usually group tight. And if you, or if you move into hand loading the 1:8 really comes into its own.
Hand loading gives you the ability to shrink those groups down further again, and use heavier higher BC bullets to better buck the wind. Or more suitable weights for the pigs you may find.