Thread: Is the .223 the most versatile cartridge?

Originally Posted by Tussock

Cases are not "accurate". Not to the degree factory ammo can be better or worse. Rifles can be, but anything mass produces varies from the first rifle after new tooling to the last rifle after new tooling. We are not calling a spade a spade here.

What does the word "versatile" mean.

Say I invite you to a South Island rabbit shoot tomorrow. You can only bring one rifle. There are also deer and the odd goat on the property (very real scenario, seen all three shot in one day with a .223). Does everyone have reloading gear? No. Can everyone get it in one day? No.

Are you going to bring your (insert centerfire here) the 300 rounds you will need, minimum, to shoot bunny covered faces all day?

.223 is the most versatile. You can get bulk ammo any ware, or a wide variety of factory ammo anywhere, you can take it on any hunt, for any game in New Zealand from the smallest in large quantities to the biggest.

This is not the "which caliber is the best for everything" question. 22-250 is a barrel burner. So that accolade goes to the compact 6.5s and 6mm rounds. Creedbore probably holds that title. The most boringly practical round ever invented.

If it was not for the region that is Otago and South Canterbury, then I would concede on the others. But these districts exist and there is a vast amount of fun to be had. You will need a bulk varmint rifle though.

If everyone hand loaded, I would concede on the 22-250 but it is also a barrel burner. Try shooting 30 rounds at a face multiple times, till the thing is white hot and see how long your barrel lasts. I put 30 rounds through my .223 two nights ago in a hurry and it was only warm. I have had a 22-250 (and will get another). I know the difference.

@Tussock I am 'outing' you. On another thread you asked about tips for raising your daughter. Good on you for that all power. But now this plug for the girly 223. I have it all figured out, tying the two threads together, I reckon you are thinking too the future and having your daughter shoot and want us to justify your unmanly choice now your wife has limited you to one rifle !!!

Originally Posted by Cordite

ERMA did a gas operated .22WMR M1 Carbine in the 1980s.

Are there many of these in NZ? That would be a nice little rifle if still available. Would be great if someone would manufacture more.

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

@Tussock I am 'outing' you. On another thread you asked about tips for raising your daughter. Good on you for that all power. But now this plug for the girly 223. I have it all figured out, tying the two threads together, I reckon you are thinking too the future and having your daughter shoot and want us to justify your unmanly choice now your wife has limited you to one rifle !!!

You actually have it pretty accurate. There will be a nice .223 waiting for her when she is big enough, and the wife will definitely enjoy this rifle. Though without being called a liberal, I'm not to sure about this whole "girly" thing. My daughter appears to like the taste of gun oil and I'm willing to bet as she is my daughter she will shooting clean barreled magnums with Papa

But yeah, it is a perfect girls gun and I did think of that, so you got me

(I am a liberal)

Originally Posted by Tussock

You actually have it pretty accurate. There will be a nice .223 waiting for her when she is big enough, and the wife will definitely enjoy this rifle. Though without being called a liberal, I'm not to sure about this whole "girly" thing. My daughter appears to like the taste of gun oil and I'm willing to bet as she is my daughter she will shooting clean barreled magnums with Papa

But yeah, it is a perfect girls gun and I did think of that, so you got me

(I am a liberal)

Funny thing that. The girls here generally loathe the smell of makeup/perfumes but love the smell of Hoppes (love potion) #9.

Originally Posted by gadgetman

Funny thing that. The girls here generally loathe the smell of makeup/perfumes but love the smell of Hoppes (love potion) #9.

Well @gadjetman if you had let your daughters sleep in the house like normal people instead of shut in cabinets in the Gun Room they may have turned out differently !!

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

Well @gadjetman if you had let your daughters sleep in the house like normal people instead of shut in cabinets in the Gun Room they may have turned out differently !!

Bugger that, the rifles are in the best location on the property. They live in the luxury accomodation. It's all about priorities.