Which Rifle?

[toxo 160]

I know it's been done to death. I've tried to work it out but still only have half a clue.

 

Just got a new permission, a farm at last. Now I have an excuse to buy a shotgun and something with more reach than my .22lr.

 

.17 HMR? Ammo problems when you can find some and relatively expensive (ammo). But for this it would do nicely.

 

.222? Don't know much about it but might be a good fit. Ammo cost?

 

.17/.22 Hornet? Again, don't know much about it. What I do know makes me want one, Can be reloaded but what's the cost?

 

Not planning on any deer stalking, Just want something that's flat and accurate with some reach to it.

 

Is there a website that highlights all the pros and cons of all the calibers?

[Born Hunter 17,832]

If it's rabbits and such then the 17 is a cracking caliber. IMO the 'ammo problem' hype is just that. It's realistically a very comfortable 150 yard small game caliber and cheap. Some people really manage to hate it though. IMO it's the most overstated caliber out there with claims of regular 300 yard kills, no ricochets and all sorts of garbage. Haters are forever comparing it to centerfire calibers and the fantasists to their air rifles. As a consequence it attracts a lot of hate for unrealistic comparisons. Taking it for what it is, I find it VERY useful.

 

I can't see past it for rabbit etc. Time and a place for all calibers but the hmr suits me for that job.

 

I'd like a triple two for longer range stuff and cheaper to run than my 25-06.

Edited May 10, 2016 by Born Hunter

[Underdog 2,337]

What kind of distances do you envisage?

What is the prey?

 

U.

[Paulnix 426]

 

 

Not planning on any deer stalking, Just want something that's flat and accurate with some reach to it.

 

 

 

Thats the HMR then.

Born hunter sums it up pretty well though i'd add it also a good fox round at a reasonable range.

[toxo 160]

If it's rabbits and such then the 17 is a cracking caliber. IMO the 'ammo problem' hype is just that. It's realistically a very comfortable 150 yard small game caliber and cheap. Some people really manage to hate it though. IMO it's the most overstated caliber out there with claims of regular 300 yard kills, no ricochets and all sorts of garbage. Haters are forever comparing it to centerfire calibers and the fantasists to their air rifles. As a consequence it attracts a lot of hate for unrealistic comparisons. Taking it for what it is, I find it VERY useful.

 

I can't see past it for rabbit etc. Time and a place for all calibers but the hmr suits me for that job.

 

I'd like a triple two for longer range stuff and cheaper to run than my 25-06.

 

My thoughts too. Called my nearest RFD today and he said they've cured the missfires (which I take with a pinch of salt because the problem is not being able to anneal rimfire because the primer is already in the case) and they no longer have a problem with supply and they have loads in. A couple of months back they had none and couldn't get any.

He also said that the 243 is an uprated 222 and has many more cartridge variations which make it a better buy. Which is the more versatile?

[bob.243 9,159]

Do you plan to shoot foxes?

[Born Hunter 17,832]

 

If it's rabbits and such then the 17 is a cracking caliber. IMO the 'ammo problem' hype is just that. It's realistically a very comfortable 150 yard small game caliber and cheap. Some people really manage to hate it though. IMO it's the most overstated caliber out there with claims of regular 300 yard kills, no ricochets and all sorts of garbage. Haters are forever comparing it to centerfire calibers and the fantasists to their air rifles. As a consequence it attracts a lot of hate for unrealistic comparisons. Taking it for what it is, I find it VERY useful.

 

I can't see past it for rabbit etc. Time and a place for all calibers but the hmr suits me for that job.

 

I'd like a triple two for longer range stuff and cheaper to run than my 25-06.

 

My thoughts too. Called my nearest RFD today and he said they've cured the missfires (which I take with a pinch of salt because the problem is not being able to anneal rimfire because the primer is already in the case) and they no longer have a problem with supply and they have loads in. A couple of months back they had none and couldn't get any.

He also said that the 243 is an uprated 222 and has many more cartridge variations which make it a better buy. Which is the more versatile?

Everyone has their own experiences but honestly I have never found hmr ammo a problem, either sourcing it or shooting it. It's a common caliber now and every where stocks it right next to the twenty two.

 

Some folks will find another round more suitable for them but I really rate the hmr for no nonsense effective small game rifle work.

 

I'll let somebody else talk you over the 222/243 question.

[jacknife 2,005]

I have the Hmr and love it for rabbits and foxes

 

I've had one bullet stuck in the barrel and quite a few hang fires

 

But all these problems happened with rounds from several years ago....all rounds bought in more recent years no problem

[toxo 160]

Bob.

I don't shoot anything for no reason. My main perm at the moment has Foxes but I don't shoot them because the owner wants the rabbits gone. There's no livestock anywhere near to worry about. A few nights ago I was hunkered down waiting for some bunnies to appear and four Foxes passed within 40yds with one of em so close I think I could have touched it. couldn't tell how lose because I was watching through the night vision. I do know his head filled the viewfinder on 4x before he realised something wasn't right and shot off.

This new perm being a farm is a completely different ball game. He's already asked me to shoot any Foxes and so I will. I won't be looking to shoot em at 300 yds though so HMR will do to start with I suppose, followed by maybe a .243 later. I'm just excited at getting among the bunnies (including black ones) and the pigeons. Never had a pigeon shoot and there's loads of em.

Edited May 10, 2016 by toxo

[toxo 160]

OK so let's say we're going with the HMR. With things being a bit tight at the moment, we're probably looking at a CZ. Which one? What size barrel? What weight of barrel? Is it worth taking a risk with a second hand one?

[Underdog 2,337]

Re the story about the 243 being an up graded 222!

That sounds like a bit of rubbish.

 

Two completely different rounds.

Smells like sales pitch.

 

One thing about the hmr is keeping the barrel clean. Getting copper out the tiny bore is not too bad. Detecting it is difficult. Short of an accuracy loss.

 

WMR no good?

[andyf 144]

Foxing, any 22 centrefire is more than enough, you should get what you fancy, probably the actual make/model of rifle will sell

you on it more than the calibre.

Only comments on my experience, .222 can be hard to find but always not much choice in brand or bullet weight, unless of

course you reload (forget that for the moment). 22 Hornet again not much choice and not always easy to get, and (my opinion

only) a bit 'whimpy' when .223 & 22.250 are so much more powerful and ammo is available everywhere at similar cost.

That leaves the .223 & 22.250 both spot on, I've had both and currently have a 22.250, 55 grain Sierra hollow point BT reloads

don't take any prisoners, and good out to 350 yds plus, if your up to it.

[toxo 160]

Foxing, any 22 centrefire is more than enough, you should get what you fancy, probably the actual make/model of rifle will sell

you on it more than the calibre.

Only comments on my experience, .222 can be hard to find but always not much choice in brand or bullet weight, unless of

course you reload (forget that for the moment). 22 Hornet again not much choice and not always easy to get, and (my opinion

only) a bit 'whimpy' when .223 & 22.250 are so much more powerful and ammo is available everywhere at similar cost.

That leaves the .223 & 22.250 both spot on, I've had both and currently have a 22.250, 55 grain Sierra hollow point BT reloads

don't take any prisoners, and good out to 350 yds plus, if your up to it.

 

That's the logic the RFD was using. He said I can probably show you 5 different 222 rounds and 20 243.

[toxo 160]

Re the story about the 243 being an up graded 222!

That sounds like a bit of rubbish.

 

Two completely different rounds.

Smells like sales pitch.

 

One thing about the hmr is keeping the barrel clean. Getting copper out the tiny bore is not too bad. Detecting it is difficult. Short of an accuracy loss.

 

WMR no good?

 

Good to know re the cleaning. This exactly what forums are for. Thanks UD

 

WMR? I seem to have got the impression they're not that accurate, or is that wrong? I know the heavier bullet handles the wind better but does it have the reach? How does it compare noise wise to the HMR?

[Underdog 2,337]

Similar noise.

Range, well I just get closer, still getting as many done as my centerfire days, just that, well, I seem to mis less. Being closer I guess.

You already mentioned how close you got the other night!

 

Personally, I recon long range rifles have contributed to lampshy foxes over the last thirty years more than any shotgun or 22 used at night!

 

My WMR often does inch groups without much effort.