I have a savage in 17 hmr and a ruger 10/22 in 22 mag. I like to do lots of gopher hunting and was looking at a stevens in 223. I dont hand load thats why I have the rimfires. Is it worth looking into the 223 or just stick with what I have?
17 HMR or .223
- Thread starter jayz
- Start date
Sask_Hunter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Saskatchewan
the 223 will get you another 100+ yrds than the 17 hmr. if you can shoot it well the 223 is a good long range rifle. if you want a 223 for a gopher gun get something more heavy than the stevens. it will help hold steadyer and take longer for the barrel to heat up.
Jasonsmack
CGN Regular
- Location
- Sask - Southwest
I have both calibers and both are lots of fun. If you shop around you can often find 223 bullets for not much more money than a 17HMR. I am sure there are lots of GunNutz willing to buy your spent 223 brass off you if you do not reload your ammo. I agree with Sask Hunter about the range and the heavier barrels. If you have Savage in 17 and like it you might be better off with a Savage in 223 too.
You can get 45gr win white box for $15 and change from Walmart. It is accurate and rather hot ammo. The 223 will give rather dramatic results read explosive while the 17 leaves no marks and is much quieter. Cost wise it is a tie, if the people letting you hunt don't like a lot of noise your decision is made.
Brian
Brian
- Location
- Hillbilly shack in the boonies
No, not unless you plan on going after bigger game
Or want to cap 'em at longer distances
Frank
Or want to cap 'em at longer distances Frank
