rimfires .22 or .17

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rimfires .22 or .17
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shaun

Joined: 29 Nov 2004
Posts: 13

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 04 9:46 am Post subject: rimfires .22 or .17

Iam in the process of applying for my FAC, although a lifelong shotgunner i thought its about time (and i have the need due to vermin control problems) to get a rifle. Like most my shooting career started with air rifles so i am familiar with handling rifles, setting up 'scopes, safe backgrounds etc. What i am looking for is some recomendations for either .17 rifles (which i prefer) or .22 as long as the model is value for money and has a good trigger.

sean
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 42219
Location: North Devon

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 04 1:15 pm Post subject:
Just so you realise this isn't being ignored. Deerstalker, who is our resident expert on these matters isn't around at the moment. I'm sure he'll present you with a cogent answer on the pros and cons of your choices when he gets back.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 04 2:15 pm Post subject:

What sort of animal are you going to shoot and at what sort of range? I am in a similar situation, although I plan to apply for a FAC and shotgun cert at the same time.

As far a I can gather the most popular .17 is the .17HMR round. It seems to fly quite flat and accurately, according to the stats. However, many people say that, as the bullet is very light, it is affected far more by winds or even a blade of grass.

A .22 rimfire is a more traditional round, but some feel this doesn't have as much energy to kill a rabbit at a reasonable range.

The favourite seems to be one of the .22 centre fire calibres with an appropriate weighted bullet for the target.

There are several shooters who'll hopefully be along a little later, let us know how you get on.

shaun

Joined: 29 Nov 2004
Posts: 13

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 04 6:14 pm Post subject:
Rabbits will be the main quarry with the occasional fox when the need arises. When i spoke to the man from BASC for a bit of advice he said that most Police forces prefer the .17 as it disintigrates on deflection so in theory an be a safer round.

anneka

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 158

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 04 6:21 pm Post subject: firearms choice
You should use a .223 for a fox - I use .22 rimfire for rabbits - plenty effective it makes a big difference what kind of ammunition you use. Deerstalker will be along later and give you his (very comprehensive) advice. I would be wary of general police reccomendations without talking to someone who really understands ballistics though - i.e. DS. Sorry I can't help more all the best. Anneka

Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 04 6:22 pm Post subject:
I don't think you can use .17 or .22 rimfire rifles on foxes, it would be worth checking with BASC on that. If you have a good reason for the FAC I wouldn't have thought it would be a problem getting a .22 cetre fire rifle, provided you have somewhere to use it. It does depend a fair bit on your location.

shaun

Joined: 29 Nov 2004
Posts: 13

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 04 6:36 pm Post subject:

I have read on a web site linked to yorkshire shootin supplies of an american who swears by the .17 for fox control. Plus there was a keeper that once wrote in sporting shooter that he had shot a fox with a .22 but he did state that range was an issue. With regards to the .17 for rabbits, if all the hype is to be beleived it shoots further and flatter than the .22 so it should be a handy tool in the right hands.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 04 7:11 pm Post subject:

I wouldn't necessarily use examples from the USA.

Different laws, animals, etc.

If the police are happier for people to own a .17 due to the bullets fragmenting easily, then they will probably disintegrate far to soon to kill a fox outright and instantly.

A .17 may be very accurate in ideal conditions, but you don't often get them. I've not used one but I did think it would be ideal for me as a target and rabbit rifle. I've changed my mind now because of what I've read.

Smudge

Joined: 11 Jan 2005
Posts: 6
Location: North East

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 05 9:22 pm Post subject:
I would go for a .17 as .22 bullets are very dodgey for recoshaying (dunno if thats how its spelt).

shaun

Joined: 29 Nov 2004
Posts: 13

Posted: Mon Jan 17, 05 3:16 pm Post subject:

Taking on board what advice has been offered i will be asking for a .22 rimfire as rabbits will be the main quarry so i will not be requiring a centre fire just yet. But no-one has answered the second part of my question for the recomendation of a good value for money, accurate rifle with a decent trigger. Most advice to date is to avoid semi-autos and stick to a bolt action. i fancy an anshutz or sako finnfire but will listen to any good advice.