17hmr or 22

[25 Sharps]

The OP is applying for a 243 to get the 243 he must have good reason, having permission with deer present, paid for stalks or a severe fox problem is all thats needed, the HO guidelines (soon to be legally binding in England and Wales) say that if the criteria is met a certificate must be issued

Are you seriously suggesting that all someone needs is ground with deer on where they have permission, cleared for .308, no medical or criminal record and they must be given a .308, even if they've never fired even an air rifle?????

Because that's how it reads

Im not suggesting anything of the sort however not having had previous experience of handling firearms is not a valid reason for not granting a FAC when all other criteria has been met.

Ian.

It certainly reads that way! I'll leave it at that, apologies to the OP for dragging this off topic, .243, .22WMR & 22LR, job done!

 

[themolecatcher]

Thank you gentlemen for your answers. I did not want to cause any disputes between people but it did make interesting reading ! To answer a few of the queries I am a mature novice , only being on paid stalks . I have passed DSC1. I am fortunate to own land and have access to a number of farms belonging to friends. The 17hmr or 22 is for pest control . I have still to make up my mind which calibre to choose but I appreciate the information everyone has shared with me. Thank you once again

 

[User00035]

I'd have a .22 lr come what may. Every cabinet should have one, its about the most useful cartridge ever made. But I'd back it up with a longer range small bore vermin round as well. I like my HMR. I haven't had the ammo problems but I only shoot Winchesters as that's what my rifle likes.

If you shoot large volumes of rabbits the HMR is a very useful round and cheap, especially if you don't reload. (If you do reload then the .17 Hornet would just as cheap). Out to 150 yards its pinpoint accurate and delivers a clean saleable carcase if head-shot. Particularly good for rattling off boxes of ammo from a fixed position when cleaning out hot-spots which you've pinged for range. Its like shelling peas. If you can avoid ammo problems the only down side really is the HMR can be finicky when it comes to cleaning and its disproportionately load for its performance. A moderated .222 or .223 sound indistinguishable from than a modded HMR.
For a walk-about gun when shots of opportunity rather than amassing big bags are the order of the day and when you can't control range or wind conditions because you're on the move a CF is better. I loved my .222 for this. A .222 or a .223 would be ideal. You'll have the authority for foxes and either will buck the wind and be point and shoot to 200 + yards. .223 if you've not a reloader as you'll get better availability of factory ammo.

 

[Roedeer 1962]

so mole catcher what have you decided after all the banter

 

[tarponhead]

.22wmr is a better rimfire bet until you are ready for centrefire

 

[spandit]

It's a pity RWS don't offer a 17 Hornet switch barrel as an option for my Titan 3 otherwise I'd be applying for a variation right now.

From reading this thread the consensus seems to be:

1) go for a .22LR
2) go for something else as well

 

[themolecatcher]

The decision is made as I don't want to a cabinet full of rifles. The shotgun cabinet is full and I only use the 20 bore now ! The new cabinet will contain a tikka t3 243 for deer and a 22lr (manufacturer yet unknown) for the bunnies.
Thank you gentleman for sharing your knowledge and time with me it is appreciated

 

[DAVIDAIKEN]

If go out and shoot ten rabbits with either the LR or my HMR I don't for one moment concern myself over the difference in cost between the two rounds ...Call me frivolous.

Lucky you However, we are not all in your situation. I visit my gun club once a week (.22lr) Bisley monthly (.22lr, .223, & .308) shoot my permissions twice a week plus fit in monthly practical shotgun, and pigeon / vermin with my shotgun. If I were to shoot rabbits with .17HMR when the far cheaper .22lr round will do I'd run out of money / ammunition and not be able to shoot as much as I do.

 

[Ben rodge]

I would apply for both then buy a switch barrel sako quad and only have one gun in the cabinet

 

[Lewis T3]

get both if you can!

 

[Harry Brown]

Lucky you However, we are not all in your situation. I visit my gun club once a week (.22lr) Bisley monthly (.22lr, .223, & .308) shoot my permissions twice a week plus fit in monthly practical shotgun, and pigeon / vermin with my shotgun. If I were to shoot rabbits with .17HMR when the far cheaper .22lr round will do I'd run out of money / ammunition and not be able to shoot as much as I do.

 

[geordieh]

Ask for both. Job done.
.243 is a big cal for first time application.

Not if you want to shoot deer