I'm torn, 17H, 222,223???

[Smellydog]

The way things are going I'm contemplating should the lead ban happen but the rumour the small bores be exempt to switch from HMR for night work to something I can control ammunition better than how HMR is being churned out. I would consider 22hornet but rifles seem thin on the ground.

I've never heard a 223 or 222 used with a mod on. How does a moderated 22 or 223 compare to a moderated HMR? Would it be close to a 22hv kind of level?

Thanks.

 

[Liveonce]

.223 loud .17 hornet like a .17hmr. Changed from .17hmr to .17hornet and have never regretted it.

 

[Smellydog]

.223 loud .17 hornet like a .17hmr. Changed from .17hmr to .17hornet and have never regretted it.

Very tempted for the safety aspect.

 

[Foxyboy43]

For gawd’s sake man - no and I mean NO contest - the sainted triple deuce with a decent moderator (Utra which you can pass down to your grandkids with the triple or the even lighter Stalon) will see you and probably them out……
It is not a well-known fact so keep it to yourself that the ‘mericans copied it when they came up with laser-guided artillery which is pretty good but just not as good!
Trust me!

 

[Stumpy2]

Lots of variables such as powder charge, barrel length, velocity, sound moderator design etc etc across the calibres and cartridges suggested.

For sheer number of options for components and load information I’d go 223 with a long barrel, fast twist, good mod and low charges for quiet. You can stoke it up if needed.

If you want it to be an ‘interesting’ rifle then get a custom built to your specifications, or a rebarrel?

 

[Len the dog]

I took my son and his girlfriend out to one of the farms a couple of days ago as she expressed an interest in shooting sporting rifles, she also has an interest in learning more about farming.
I had returned to the car for something and was walking back when they started using the 22-250, now when I fire it, it sounds like a cannon going off but I was maybe 20 or 30 yards behind them and it actually sounded rather quiet.

Or am I just losing my hearing from using a 22-250?

 

[David.evans]

What was that len .!

 

[Len the dog]

As a footnote, they finished off by ‘detonating’ a couple of watermelons each using Vmax & Blitzkings, Christ on a bike they didn’t half explode.

 

[old 30-06]

I am a 222 man. I love it. It is just so intrinsically accurate. As an aging calibre the cost of the rifles second hand is minimal. My eyes are old but I can do better than a one inch group at a hundred yards, at night, off my wing mirror, using a torch on top. If you load your own it is no problem. I also have a non lead load which works well in it. If you do not load your own, or you wish to shoot further than four hundred yards, then the 223 will be the one for you.

 

[Dodder]

Another vote for the humble .222 - great round and reasonably easy to suppress. But I'm also going to throw in the .17 Fireball - not so many rifles about, but a cracking round - I love mine.

 

[MagicLantern]

Me, I'd be using my 17WSM. Quieter than the hmr and 223, but with ammo so short in supply I don't waste it on rabbits, it drops foxes just fine at 100m. Have you considered 204? Mine's quiet-ish with a Wildcat mod. I don't reload yet, so again it's pricey on rabbits, just for Charlie.

I've gone full circle back to the hmr, haven't I, but like you, I'm not keen on the non-toxic offering. Mine groups 100mm at 100m using NTX. Not good at all.

 

[BenBhoy]

204 mate? Pop round mine & have a go with wildcat evo

 

[User00035]

I am a 222 man. I love it. It is just so intrinsically accurate. As an aging calibre the cost of the rifles second hand is minimal. My eyes are old but I can do better than a one inch group at a hundred yards, at night, off my wing mirror, using a torch on top. If you load your own it is no problem. I also have a non lead load which works well in it. If you do not load your own, or you wish to shoot further than four hundred yards, then the 223 will be the one for you.

I had my old BSA CF2 .222 zeroed at 200 yards. Zeroing off the car bonnet using Caldwell bag as a rest it would print half inch groups. And that's down to the rifle, not me. I've never had a rifle that flattered my abilities like that one and I doubt I could have reliably shot groups like that with my .308 or .243. The thing was a lazer. From a £250 30 year old rifle. Triple 2 for me every time.

 

[User00053]

The way things are going I'm contemplating should the lead ban happen but the rumour the small bores be exempt to switch from HMR for night work to something I can control ammunition better than how HMR is being churned out. I would consider 22hornet but rifles seem thin on the ground.

I've never heard a 223 or 222 used with a mod on. How does a moderated 22 or 223 compare to a moderated HMR? Would it be close to a 22hv kind of level?

Thanks.

Have 222 and 223 both moderated and both louder than hmr but in general terms of perceived noise level and bothering others unless shooting at bottom of their garden not worth thinking about and if they had tv on would not notice.
Not wishing to presume but think you would embrace the 222 as I do far more especially if you are drawn to home loading, for general foxing perfect as is the 223.

 

[User00035]

Have 222 and 223 both moderated and both louder than hmr but in general terms of perceived noise level and bothering others unless shooting at bottom of their garden not worth thinking about and if they had tv on would not notice.
Not wishing to presume but think you would embrace the 222 as I do far more especially if you are drawn to home loading, for general foxing perfect as is the 223.

I've shot my HMR with a SAK mod alongside a mate with his .223 Blazer. Can't remember what mod he had on his but you could barely tell the difference. I doubt bystanders at a distance would have known they were too different guns.

 

[jall55]

Another for the .204 - Point and shoot

 

[User00053]

Don’t know how the copper “ thing” will effect the more exotic chamberings but for last few years have been using a 17 rem with 25 grain factory ammo nearly exclusively for foxs at night out past 200 yards and most drop on the spot.
Bought the 223 as thinking the future not bright and if down to one practical choice in terms of ammo etc it’s the boyo, sadly though in my case. Not to mention a very safe tool with frangible bullets unless your a fox

 

[Smellydog]

All sage comments and none the wiser.
I've owned three 222 and three 22 hornets, miss the 222's the most.

Anyone shot ppu 222 ammunition? It's quite cheap etc....

 

[User00053]

All sage comments and none the wiser.
I've owned three 222 and three 22 hornets, miss the 222's the most.

Anyone shot ppu 222 ammunition? It's quite cheap etc....

Yes, in 243 and 22/250 both my rifles liked ppu but not had in 222 but would not hesitate, be interesting to hear what folks think

 

[User00053]

All sage comments and none the wiser.
I've owned three 222 and three 22 hornets, miss the 222's the most.

Anyone shot ppu 222 ammunition? It's quite cheap etc....

Yes, a lady and a filthy one the 222