Just bought the ammo...now I just got to get the gun.

[Zachary]

I'm the moderator on the bolt-action-rifle and optics forums, but I have started getting a serious interest in rimfires lately.  In fact, I am planning on subscribing to a rimfire magazine, if there is such an animal.

In any event, I have been going back and forth between getting either a .17HMR or a .22WM.  There are pros and cons to both, depending on use.   One thing is for certain, I have decided that the gun will be a CZ 452 American.

So today I got 10 boxes of Hornady ammo for $79.99 including shipping + a $2 something dollar fee for UPS adult signature fee, whatever the heck that is....rip off.

Anyway, the price is still reasonable, and I guess I did it to kinda force myself to make a decision.  Now all I have to do is get the gun - which hopefully will be sometime this week. :grin:

Zachary

[KN]

I think you'll love it. I have two Contenders in 17HMR, one a pistol, one a carbine. Both will shoot minuet of prairie dog out to 200yds with little problem as long as the wind isn't too bad. Shot over 1000 rounds of the stuff in South Dakota this year in a day and a half. Thats quite a bit in a single shot.    KN

[Zachary]

You know....I heard that from many people...about the wind drift that is.

The thing is that I check the numbers on both the 17 and the 22WM.  According to Federal, the 22WM's bullet drifts almost as twice what they claim the .17 does.

Now that's what Federal is saying.  Are they really right?  What's the true story with wind drift between these cartridges and their respective prominent bullet weights?

Zachary

[KN]

Punch it in a ballistics program and see. Probably not a lot of difference until you get way out there. At 100 meters I can usually see about a 1 to 1-1/2" left to right descrepencys on a blustery day. Not as bad as all the nay-sayers were predicting in the beginning. On a calm day it's a real tack driver.  KN

[quickdtoo]

Here's a chart from Varmint Al's web site.  http://www.varmintal.com/17hmr.htm

[Curly]

Zachary,                                                                                                                      What prompted the CZ 452 American?   Do you have one in the larger calibers?   I have looked at these with high hopes of a lefty model comming out this fall/winter.   How is the fit/finish, and accuracy.

[Zachary]

Well Curly, I don't know as I haven't bought the gun yet.  No, I don't own a CZ in larger calibers (I usually reserve those for either Remington 700s or Tikkas or Sakos).

In any event, I have done a lot of research and spoken with many people, and everyone has only positive things to say about the CZ 452 American.  From what I have been told, quality and accuracy are outstanding.  Just ask anyone on this site and they'll likely tell you that it's the best value out there.

Zachary

[Curly]

Thanks Zachary,                                                                                                                         I was on Rimfire Central under the CZ banner, and there was a thread that they will be making a lefty in the fall.   I have high hopes.

[Zachary]

quickdtoo,

Thanks for the chart.  It kinda confirms what I thought.  However, in YOUR experience, do you find that these charts are correct?  In order words, do you think that the .17HMR has less drift than the .22WM?

Zachary

[quickdtoo]

Zachary,

I don't have a 22mag, never have or even shot one, so I can't honestly give you a personal comparison.  I have shot the 17hmr in slight breezes and the wind definately affects POI, but not by much @ 100yds, maybe .25"- .5" when the ribbons are at a 45 degree angle. The ribbons on the range I shoot at are just survey ribbons if that is any help. It doesn't take much of a breeze to move em, so they are a good indicator for shooters, particularily at 200-300yds. I've seen posts by people that have shot in much stronger wind at 200yds and were still able to keep sub moa groups. I've also read some reviews that indicated that the 17hmr was easier to hit with in windy conditions than the 22mag they were comparing it to at longer ranges because the 22mag not only required more windage adjustment, it also required more holdover because of it's tradjectory disadvantage. hth,   Tim