.17, 22mag, or .223?

**Jeramie** · 11-09-2004, 10:40 AM

I need a varmit cartridge. I had a .223 for about a month and it moved on. I never had a chance to take it hunting, just plinking.

Im now in the market and I have the option of either a 22mag, .223, or a .17hmr. The largest game being a yote at roughly 150 yards, what would you suggest?

Im leaning a little more toward the .223 because of the velocity and price of ammo but the .17 is getting such hot press and the .22mag has been around forever and is an old favorite. Its a hard decision.

The .223 is an H&R Single shot with a 3x9x32 scope already mounted for $186. The .17 is a Savage bolt, and the .22mag is also a Savage bolt.

What say ye?

**huntinsonovagun** · 11-09-2004, 10:48 AM

Don't buy the .223 just for the scope. 32mm is not very big. You can get a new H&R for somewhere around 150 I think....wish I could remember. Just put a decent scope on there.

I like the .223, but I would like to try the .17 someday. .223 ammo is cheap. If it were me, I would probably go with the .223.

**Jeramie** · 11-09-2004, 10:55 AM

Yeah, I have the same sized scope on my 30-06. It will get the job done so I would probably buy it and put it on a ML or something. I would eventually upgrade to a larger scope.

The scope really isn't the deciding factor although it would probably work nicely on one of my .22 rim fires.

**huntinsonovagun** · 11-09-2004, 11:11 AM

[ QUOTE ]
it would probably work nicely on one of my .22 rim fires.

[/ QUOTE ]

There ya go!! Good thinking Einstein.

ronin · 11-09-2004, 01:37 PM

I like the .17 HMR out to about 75-80 yards then it starts losing a lot of ummph. Wind also affects it quite a bit. I've never shot a Rem. 17 but I believe thats a different story. I think the 22 Mag is also good for short distance. I just picked up a Savage .222 Remington for a pretty good price and its a tack driver. I learned this cartridge is the precourser to the .223 and doesn't quite have the ballistics of the more modern catridge, (223). There were several things that impressed me though: Accurate as all get out, 150 yards seems to be no problem for it at all, and you can pick them up cheap in a used rifle because they're considered obsolete by most standards. I just got my first bobcat with it yesterday and I was very happy with the stopping power. Look at the rifle in my bobcat photo, Savage, meet bob II. The whole package was about $250.

**sureshot** · 11-11-2004, 06:32 AM

.223 no second thoughts!! The .22 mag or the .17 rimfire does not have enough at 150 yards!! My buddy just bought one and last week shot a coyote at at abotu 120 yards and it took off right by me as I was sittign abotu 100 yards away, I dropped him with the .223, all his shell did was enter and not exit, the coyote would of died but how far? only prob took out 1 lung! I liek the .223 out to at least 300 yards, I shot about 100 coyotes last winter and a dozen or so this year with it, great coyote gun and cheap to shoot!!

**Jeramie** · 11-15-2004, 11:18 AM

Thanks gang, the .223 was officially put on my wish list. I will be getting one for Christmas. The scope that is coming factory on the Rifle will have to suffice for a few months but I doubt Ill ever take a shot over 100 yards so its good to go!

Thanks again!

**jerdanmagic** · 11-28-2004, 05:19 PM

I shoot a Remington 17 hmr and it is absolutly a tack driver at u9 to about 150 yrds. FAst accurate and reliable!!! I love it

**struttinhoyt** · 11-29-2004, 11:00 PM

I have a Simmons 8 point 3-9X40 on my .223 its a sweet shootin little combo for 50 bucks its a bad arse scope......i think i have $300 tops in my NEF 223 and scope combo.......

223 alll the way man!!!!!!