Which Rifle?

[Alsone 789]

I wouldn't call .17 HMR ammo expensive at a 50 block for around £17. By comparison .17 / .22 Hornet is @ £20 for 25 rounds, .222 comes in at @ £25 for 20. Obviously if you're going to reload, those costs come down anyway.

 

If you're shooting close / medium range fox, medium range small game, I'd lean towards the Hornets. However, as it sounds like you intend a lot of rabbiting, HMR is probably more your thing as cost seams important.

 

Bottom line with any of it though, is the more powerful you go, the more expensive it gets.

 

For really cheap there are really only 2 choices, .22 LR and hmr. Could also throw in .22 WMR as well although reach isn't that much more than LR.

 

As for .222 and .243 being related, your dealer is talking absolute bullsh*t! .222 is based on it's own case! .243 is based on .308! It's a completely different round in every aspect, not least of which powder capacity and energy - double that of .222. Saying .243 is an upgraded .222 is like saying .375 H&H is an upgraded .243, or a nuke missile is an upgraded .375!

Edited May 12, 2016 by Alsone

[Deker 3,478]

Who knows quite what you will want, only time will tell, but my HMR is very useful and my WMR is most distinctly a BIG step up from a .22lr.

 

ATB!

[Deker 3,478]

 

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?

 

 

NOBODY has cured HMR ammo issues, if they had it would be front page news and shouted from the rooftops!

 

Who knows what he is suggesting, the .243 could be described as more versatile than a .222, but so what, if you don't have a need for a .243 then the .222 is a cracking calibre, so to is the .223, etc etc, it goes on!

Edited May 11, 2016 by Deker

[Born Hunter 17,798]

I wouldn't call .17 HMR ammo expensive at a 50 block for around £17. By comparison .17 / .22 Hornet is @ £20 for 25 rounds, .222 comes in at @ £25 for 20. Obviously if you're going to reload, those costs come down anyway.

 

 

Where the feck are you buying hmr ammo at that price? LOL

 

My local does it at 12 quid a box! http://hadfieldguns.com/ammunition/bullets/rimfire.html

[Alsone 789]

Ha ha. Yeah I accidentally looked at the fmj price. V Max varmint express £12.95 where I looked (Dauntsey Guns). Even less excuse to call it expensive!

[Born Hunter 17,798]

Ha ha. Yeah I accidentally looked at the fmj price. V Max varmint express £12.95 where I looked (Dauntsey Guns). Even less excuse to call it expensive!

 

Most expensive place I've been to was Sportsman Gun Center. I can't remember their hmr price, think it was around £14.50? But I do remember I bought Federal 25-06 ammo from them at £36 a box, Hadfield's has the exact same at £28!

Edited May 12, 2016 by Born Hunter

[foxtrotoscar 35]

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

 

 

 

 

I've recently had a squib round and a few hangfires (less than half a sec) These were all with new ammo batches, These include Winchester Hornady and Remmington. I now check each round for splits to the neck and put aside. 10% from three hundred rounds! However this pays off and no issues since starting this regime.

[walshie 2,804]

I wouldn't call .17 HMR ammo expensive at a 50 block for around £17. By comparison .17 / .22 Hornet is @ £20 for 25 rounds, .222 comes in at @ £25 for 20. Obviously if you're going to reload, those costs come down anyway.

 

If you're shooting close / medium range fox, medium range small game, I'd lean towards the Hornets. However, as it sounds like you intend a lot of rabbiting, HMR is probably more your thing as cost seams important.

 

Bottom line with any of it though, is the more powerful you go, the more expensive it gets.

 

For really cheap there are really only 2 choices, .22 LR and hmr. Could also throw in .22 WMR as well although reach isn't that much more than LR.

 

As for .222 and .243 being related, your dealer is talking absolute bullsh*t! .222 is based on it's own case! .243 is based on .308! It's a completely different round in every aspect, not least of which powder capacity and energy - double that of .222. Saying .243 is an upgraded .222 is like saying .375 H&H is an upgraded .243, or a nuke missile is an upgraded .375!

 

I don't know where you get your prices but the proper hornet calibre (22) is £40 for 100 at my RFD.

[Deker 3,478]

 

I wouldn't call .17 HMR ammo expensive at a 50 block for around £17. By comparison .17 / .22 Hornet is @ £20 for 25 rounds, .222 comes in at @ £25 for 20. Obviously if you're going to reload, those costs come down anyway.

 

If you're shooting close / medium range fox, medium range small game, I'd lean towards the Hornets. However, as it sounds like you intend a lot of rabbiting, HMR is probably more your thing as cost seams important.

 

Bottom line with any of it though, is the more powerful you go, the more expensive it gets.

 

For really cheap there are really only 2 choices, .22 LR and hmr. Could also throw in .22 WMR as well although reach isn't that much more than LR.

 

As for .222 and .243 being related, your dealer is talking absolute bullsh*t! .222 is based on it's own case! .243 is based on .308! It's a completely different round in every aspect, not least of which powder capacity and energy - double that of .222. Saying .243 is an upgraded .222 is like saying .375 H&H is an upgraded .243, or a nuke missile is an upgraded .375!

 

I don't know where you get your prices but the proper hornet calibre (22) is £40 for 100 at my RFD.

 

 

Anywhere he can on the Internet!

 

Just the same, £40 x 100 .22 Hornet of any sort is a cracking deal, I'd buy them all up asap!

[Alsone 789]

I always look at Dauntsey Guns because they're one of the few sites that publish prices. Of course prices are going to vary from RFD to RFD as they will brand for brand. That was for Hornady. If you can get 100 Hornady for £40, I agree, buy them up!

 

If not, there are places that sell Priv soft points for £30 per 100 if you look.

[walshie 2,804]

No they aren't Hornady for that price. I expect they still kill though.