Taurus Model 72C-SS Purchased

[targshooter]

:-D
Well, I just purchased a Taurus Model 72C-SS. This is the .22 WMR, stainless steel version of their Model 62 pump action carbine. We have had a good experience with  my son's little Model 62 carbine in .22 LR over the past 4 years. I have not owned a .22WMR for 20+ years, and the different loadings offered is quite extensive in this cartridge. As this will be a camp rifle sighted fo 25 yards, I am looking for any comments regarding the 50 grain Federal load. The heavier bullet should give pretty good penetration if needed relative to the other loadings. I will write some comments once I pick up (the gun shop had to order it) and shoot the rifle.
Regards

[targshooter]

:grin:
Got to shoot the little rifle today. Shot offhand at 25 yards using factory iron sights. Used WW 40 grain HP and CCI 40 grain Maxi Mag TMJ. Drifted the sights slightly to the right, no problem, usual amount of friction and force required. Had to use the third notch for elevation. The 40 grain HP load is dead center and the TMJ may be about 1/2 to 1 inch left. I got offhand groups with the TMJ of about 1 1/2 inch, with the WW hovering at about 2 to 2 1/2 inches. This is the 72C (Carbine), having a 16.5 inch long barrel. Also stainless. So, it seems like a very good trail companion with a little extra ooomph if needed from the .22 mag.

[Bowhunter57]

targshooter,
Congradulations on your new purchase!

I purchased one in the rifle/blued/model 72 and it has been a great shooting rifle. It has been my main rifle for groundhogs around barns and out buildings. As with all rimfire rifles, they tend to like a particular brand of ammo and this one is no exception. My Marlin 25MN liked Winchester Supreme ammo, but this Taurus likes PMC Predator ammo.

Good hunting, Bowhunter57

[targshooter]

Well, my 72C likes CCI Maxi Mag 40 grain TMJ better than the WW 40 JHP. At 25 yards, shooting offhand, the WW gave 2 inch groups (this for 10 shots) whereas the CCI gave very close to 1 inch with equal numbers. At 50 yards the CCI gave about 3 inch groups and the WW about 4. Not bad, considering it was blustery at the 50 yards set up. They shoot close enough together at 50 yards such that no sight change is needed. This is adequate accuracy for a backpacking camp rifle, at least for me.
Bowhunter57,
What weight bullet is loaded in the PMC Predator round? What kind of accuracy does it give? I had a Mossberg bolt action .22 WMR in the 1960s, and it was fairly accurate but very large and cumbersome. The round worked very well on woodchucks out to 100 or so yards. I sold it when I switched over to a Remington 788 in .222 Remington in the 70s. Shot the barrel out of that rifle and sold it in the 80s. Haven't woodchuck hunted in almost 20 years. I like the .22 WMR and figure it offers a little more power than the .22LR in a very handy firearm as per this little rifle. Ideal for backpacking.