The 22BR as General-Purpose Varmint Cartridge
Richard Franklin (who operated Richard’s Custom Rifles prior to his retirement), has built scores of varmint rifles, in many different calibers. One of Richard’s all-time favorite varmint rifles is a 14-twist, 22BR built on his model 11 stock in laminated Black Walnut and fiddleback maple. Richard says the rifle is versatile and deadly accurate out to 400 yards. Richard uses a Leupold 8.5-25x50mm LRT with varmint reticle.
“This is my light walking varminter. It’s built on a blueprinted SS Remington 700 short action and chambered as a no-turn 22 BR for Lapua brass. The bolt handle is a Dave Kiff replacement and I’ve fitted a Jewel BR trigger with bottom safety. Barrel is a Lilja, 1:14″ # 6 contour with a muzzle diameter of .750″. I shoot the 40gr V-Max in the rifle at 4000 FPS. Its tough on hogs if you don’t try them too far. 400 yards is about the max with it. Accuracy is outstanding and with Roy, Mike, my grandson and myself shooting this rifle I don’t believe it has missed more than 3 hogs out of over 100 shot at this summer. This rifle is carried in a ceiling rack in the truck where its handy and is used by the first person that grabs it when a hog is sighted if we are moving between setups. The Varmint reticle on the Leupold is nice for quick hold-overs as you change distances.”
Detail of Model 11 Stock (Different Rifle in Birdseye Maple)
22BR Rivals 22-250 Performance
With bullets in the 40gr to 60gr weight range, the 22BR gives up very little in velocity to a 22-250, despite burning quite a bit less powder (30-32 grains for the 22BR vs. 35-38 grains for the 22-250). With a match-quality chamber, the 22BR will probably have an edge in accuracy over a 22-250, and you should experience longer barrel life. Here are some recommended 22BR loads for 40-60gr bullets:
For more info on the 22BR for varminting, read our 22BR Cartridge Guide
Similar Posts:
- 22BR — Great Choice for Walk-Around Varminter
- The 22 BR — Great, Ultra-Accurate Varmint Cartridge
- The 22 BR — Versatile, Ultra-Accurate Varmint Cartridge
- Franklin's 4000 FPS 30-Cal Varminter Is a Hit with Hunters
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Tags: 22BR, Richard Franklin, Varmint, Wood Stock
I built a 22 Rem BR on a Savage Left hand model 16 & it’s Deadly on prairie dogs here in Wyoming. I also like the Lapua brass better than the Remington. With the Lapua I just run it into the trim die then run a standard Wilson 6mm reamer in to clean it up. I end up with a fitted neck that works great in a standard chamber.I shoot 52 grain in a 1 in 12 barrel with AA2460 right out of the measure it shoots in the low .2’s.
One advantage that BRs have is the availability of Harrell’s FL dies, which are a real value, and are fitted to your chamber. IMO this is a significant advantage, as compared with other varmint cartridges. Having dies that match your chamber is important, if you like small groups.