Best 200yd target rimfire

[michael_aos]

The 17gr 17HMR is definitely the flattest-shooting.

I'm just grasping at the thought that maybe the 17HM2 is "good enough", whatever that means.

[Gman]

The last time I priced the .17 ammo, I wondered why I'd want to pay almost as much as I do for .223.

[michael_aos]

The last time I priced the .17 ammo, I wondered why I'd want to pay almost as much as I do for .223.

The thought definitely crossed my mind as well. That's part of the appeal of the 17HM2.

I don't think anyone makes a bolt-action .223 with a 10rd detachable box magazine, do they?

Mike

[michael_aos]

CZ lists 10rd .22LR magazines for the 452 only.

I'd like to think those same magazines would feed 10rds of .17 HM2, but it doesn't actually say that.

Mike

[newracer]

The last time I priced the .17 ammo, I wondered why I'd want to pay almost as much as I do for .223.

I have been getting mine for $7.18 per 50. Looks like it is $7.89 per 50 right now.
Midsouth

[Hoser]

Wow. 200 yards is huge for a rimfire. Kinda like shooting a 300 win mag at 1000 yards. If you miss even a 2-3 mph change in the wind, you might be off the paper. Those short slow bullets have the BC of a Suburban.

Most all competitive rimfire paper punching is done at 50 yards.

Being mag fed also hurts accuracy. Feeding that soft lead bullet in a chamber isnt good if its not done very gentle like. The jacketed bullets from a 17 might help, but at 5-6 bucks a box... Then opening a chamber up enough to make sure feeding isnt an issue, kills accuracy.

If you want a good rimfire bolt gun, look into a used 40X or Anschutz. Kimbers are also popular. Neil Johnson might have some used rimfires in stock. That or the for sale board at the OTC might have some leads. I know the CMP had some 40X barreled actions for sale.

Last I heard, one of the rimfire silhouette national champs was shooting a Lilja barreled 10/22. But thats only out to 100 meters. Lones Wigger was shooting a Kimber with Eley TenX ammo last nationals.

[michael_aos]

Looks like it is $7.89 per 50 right now.
Midsouth

That's less than I pay for a 123gr Scenar ($182.73/1000) bullets for my 260 Remington.

Mike

[michael_aos]

Wow. 200 yards is huge for a rimfire. Kinda like shooting a 300 win mag at 1000 yards. If you miss even a 2-3 mph change in the wind, you might be off the paper. Those short slow bullets have the BC of a Suburban.

With all the hype surrounding the 17HMR / 17HM2, I thought maybe 200yds was more realistic.

I have seen a couple sub-MOA groups @ 200yds posted with the 17 HMR, but generally just not much discussion >100yds.

I've seen velocities of 2600fps posted as well.

But you're right, those BC's suck.

It had just occurred to me I could shoot 17HMR for about what I can load .223, and both are a lot less-expensive to shoot than 260.

Mike

[michael_aos]

Wow. 200 yards is huge for a rimfire.

That's why I posted. I don't know this stuff.

I've "plinked" with my 10/22 out to 100yds. I was stunned to se posts from people shooting 22LR out to 200yds.

I thought maybe that 17HMR would be just the ticket.

After an evening of poking-around though, it does look like .223 is a minimum for accurate, reliable paper-punching at 200yds.

If that's the case, I'll just stick with my AR-15.

I do still really like the idea of a lightweight 6mm "no neck" BR or 243 Winchester eventually, but that's not within my budget right now.

Mike

[michael_aos]

So if we assume 200yds with a rimfire isn't such a smart idea...

Do either of the 17's buy me anything at 100yds?

As mentioned, they might feed better and the jacketed bullet is a plus.

Mike