Want a good practice rifle.

[vossman]

Aghhh, too much good info. Thanks for all the replies. I need to narrow it down a bit.

Definitely gonna go with a bolt action, may go the inexpensive route with a Marlin or Savage and a fair scope. I have my local shop checking on the CZ 452 Varmint but that is kind of expensive as is the 77/22. I know if I got either of those I'd have to put a good Nikon or Leupold scope on it.

Do you think there is a reason to go with a 22 mag or 17HMR instead of 22LR? It would be much cheaper if I stuck with the LR but will it be as accurate at 100 yrds?

[Irving]

I've heard that people like .17HMR over .22lr because the 17 is faster and flatter shooting. Personally, I have this fantasy that one day I'll get around to getting a suppressor so I'm stuck on .22lr.

[GreenScoutII]

Do you think there is a reason to go with a 22 mag or 17HMR instead of 22LR? It would be much cheaper if I stuck with the LR but will it be as accurate at 100 yrds?

In my experience .22 mag is good for varmints out to about 120 yds. .17HMR, maybe 150. .22lr with good, target ammo can be very accurate at 100 yds. The trick is slow bullets. Google "trans sonic .22lr" for a much better description than I can provide as to what happens much beyond that.

IMHO, go with the .22 lr.