So I would assume most people that shoot 5.56 use an AR15. I do. I know Ruger makes an American Ranch in 5.56 which is a bolt action. What I don't know is what can the Ranch do that the AR15 can't? Why would someone buy the Ranch? I don't think to many people hunt with 5.56 but maybe I am wrong.
Lots of people hunt with .223. The cartridge shines as a varmint cartridge. It is adequate (and/or arguably adequate/less than adequate to some) for somewhat larger game as well. Varmint hunting is a type of hunting that is a lifetime passion for a lot of people. How one goes about varmint hunting can be as varied as their are varying firearms options. Vary the firearm, and one can greatly vary the game.
I get what your saying but it still doesn't really have a purpose other than a range gun. Am I wrong?
In a word, yes. It can be used for a lot of different purposes. For some purposes it's arguably close to being an optimal choice. For others, not so much. All rifles are compromises, in some form or fashion.
Wouldn't that have to be a big varmint? To me a good varmint rifle is a CZ 457 in 17hmr. But I am no expert when it comes to varmint hunting.
If what you want is to hunt varmints inside of 150 yards on a wind free day with a rimfire cartridge, and chambered in a well made rimfire rifle? You have yourself a good and fun combo. Decrease the range and the varmint size, and that combo arguably becomes even better still. But if your game stays the same, and your range becomes 300 yards instead, that .223 can allow for shots that the .17HMR simply can't make.
Mostly. But it is really for a SHTF situation for me. My go to for the zombies. lol.
Mine too. That's where the AR shines brightest IMO. In a varmint field, the AR isn't and would rarely be my first choice, unless I want to AR hunt varmints specifically on purpose.
Folks can (and do) debate optimal all day long. 22lr can be optimal within limited range. 17HMR is capable of rimfire performance that I had to see to believe. 22WMR is likewise a great rimfire cartridge. But all 3 are just that.....rimfire cartridges.
Want a good 200 yard low report varmint cartridge? The old 22 Hornet is a great step up from rimfire into the center fire realm. It has been around for almost a century for the niche it fills. Not too hot. Not too cold. For many applications, just right.
250 yards? .223 Remington. 300 and 400 and further? .22-250 and 220 Swift can both stretch varmint fields, as can others.
Like Biggfoot mentioned, some people like and want bolt action rifles on purpose. I have nothing but respect for the AR platform. But to me at least, a 24/7/365 daily dose of AR....over and over and God Almighty over again.... is a whole lot like kissing one's sister. Sometimes, there's better to be had.
Last edited: