Mossberg Patriot

[pennstater]

Thinking on getting one of these in .22-250. I'm getting some good info on non-lead bullets to load up, but, I'd like to read what you shooters think of the Patriot. I'm looking at wood/blued with 22" barrel, about $380.00 from Bud's.
The bullet info is over in the "Hunting" forum, so, I thought I'd ask about the rifle itself here. Thanks.

[fightinpikey]

I have the .308 version and love it.

I got the Vortex combo for $429.00 and the scope alone is about 125 retail so if you can find one of those snatch it up.

[omgwtfbbq]

Picked one up in .308 earlier this year for $300 at a local shop (basspro had them for the same price at the time though).

I topped it with a Nikon Buckmasters II 4-12x40 scope I got on Amazon for about $120. Used Vortex Hunter 1" rings @ $20.

all in about $440 not including tax and fees and it's a tack driver. Hoping to take a deer with it this year (this weekend if things go right)

Did a DIY camo job on and here's what we have:

[quiet shooter]

I have the 308 youth...excellent light/accurate hiking/hunting rifle....shooting moa with 165 GMX Hornady factory load. My only concern for you would be the 22" barrel length which may not be optimal for that caliber.

[pennstater]

Sorry for the late reply, just got back from East coast. 'shooter, I thought about that 22" barrel on a .22-250 also. But, This would primarily be "fartin' around" rifle, occasional range rifle and maybe some coyote shooting. No extended firing, no longish ranges. And lighter than what I used to have. Something pleasant to have around. All reviews have been positive.

[Calico1404]

I have a 30.06 kryp- 22" with a Vortex 4*12*44 Great rifle

[ar15barrels]

I thought about that 22" barrel on a .22-250 also.
But, This would primarily be "fartin' around" rifle, occasional range rifle and maybe some coyote shooting.
No extended firing, no longish ranges.

Then get a 223 instead.
No need for the extra 15gr of powder in the 22-250 or the shortened barrel life if you are not stretching out beyond what a 223 can do.

[pennstater]

Randall,
Yep, good idea to be sure. Only reason I'm thinking 22-250 is, I have the dies, cases, primers. Guess I could sell/trade for .223 stuff. Hmm, will have to give that one some thought.
Randall, if I go .223, what barrel twist is good for 55gr bullets? I doubt heavier.
Oh, non lead, as I may go after coyote, but mostly plinking. Thanks.

[Calif Hunter]

Some of the non -lead ammo requires a faster twist since the "non-lead" material is lighter than the lead so the bullets are longer. (It is length of bullet, not weight, the determines what twist you should use.) I find 1 in 9" to be good for my loads as I do not load heavier than 55 gr for my uses. Heavier bullets can go 1 in 7". 1 in 12" will work for most 55 gr and under lead bullets.

For a lightweight carrying varminter for ground squirrels and coyotes, a .223 is fine. I use a CZ 527 American in .223. My son used it to kill a javelina and it worked great with 55 gr Hornadys.

You can always load the .22-250 lighter, though.

[ar15barrels]

Randall,
Yep, good idea to be sure. Only reason I'm thinking 22-250 is, I have the dies, cases, primers. Guess I could sell/trade for .223 stuff. Hmm, will have to give that one some thought.
Randall, if I go .223, what barrel twist is good for 55gr bullets? I doubt heavier.
Oh, non lead, as I may go after coyote, but mostly plinking. Thanks.

Figure out what the longest bullet you wanto to shoot and see what the manufacturer suggests.

For standard lead core 55 fmj, 1:14 is fine.
1:12 is more than you need for 55fmj's even in subzero temperatures.

The question then becomes how much longer are the specific leadfree bullets you intend to use.
That will help you figure out if 1:12 is good or if you need to go 1:11.
The longer the barrel, the slower twist you can get away with because you will get more velocity from a longer barrel and the more velocity you have, the slower the twist rate you actually NEED to stabilize the bullet.
Run the slowest twist that will stabilize your bullets and you will be rewarded with better accuracy.

[Divernhunter]

I have a 1-10 twist on my 223 and it shoots one hole groups with 40gr V-Max, 55gr SX lead core bullets. It also does super with Barnes 36 and 50gr VG bullets.
My son-in-laws 1-12 twist shoots the 50gr VG bullets like a shotgun but does well with the 36gr ones. It also shoots the 40-55gr lead core just fine.
I have not used any of the solid non-lead(TSX/TTSX Barnes or GMX Hornady) bullets. I would say if you want any of the non-lead a 1-10 or 1-9 twist would be needed and faster if you want heavier bullets. Barnes also states this.
I now have a 1-10 barrel on my 223 because that is what I wanted after I shot out the old barrel on my Rem 700 Varmint rifle. Takes a lot of squirrels to shoot one out!

My 2 cents.

[pennstater]

Thanks for the helpful replies. Still looking around what to buy, and will get something after upland season is over, so no big hurry. I will take the feedback you guys mention and factor that in. Much appreciated.

[omgwtfbbq]

Not to muddy the waters, but if you are looking mostly for a fun rig, would you be willing to consider the Ruger American Ranch Rifle in 7.62x39? Super cheap ammo, decently accurate out of a bolt gun, and not that much more $$ than the Mossberg. ($456 and change on buds)

Don't get me wrong, I love my Patriot in .308, but if I were in the market for a "ranch rifle" bolt gun, I would definitely be interested in the Ruger.