CZ 457 Varmint MTR... How do you like yours? Ammo compatibility? 16in vs 20in?

CanuckShooter

CanuckShooter

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I'm about the pull the trigger on a CZ 457 Varmint MTR chambered in .22LR and was wondering if any of you MTR owners could chime in with your experience with the rifle. I've consumed as much information as I could find on the internet, here, and rimfirecentral. I'm very familiar with CZs as I own several 452s and a 457 Pro Varmint, so I know all of the specs. Just curious about the following...

1. How does your MTR do with cheaper ammo like CCI and Federal? Any chambering issues? Poor accuracy?

2. Which ammo does your MTR excel with?

3. Do you have the 16" or 20" barrel and what's your opinion on which is better?

4. How does your MTR shoot relative to your other 457s?

5. Do you feel the positives of the match chamber outweigh any negatives? Would you buy it again if you could do it over?


I thought the stock was too chunky and blocky at first, but it has really grown on me. I really like it now after seeing it more, and handling it a couple times. I'm concerned hearing some reports of CCI not chambering, or giving very poor accuracy (worse than a non-match 457) as CCI and Federal are kind of my go to plinking ammo. I'm just not sure how I would feel about having a rifle that will ONLY shoot expensive ammo well. It's not that I'm too cheap to buy something mid-range like RWS, or SK, it's more so the scarcity of these brands that concerns me. I want to be able to still enjoy my rifle shooting low priced ammo when the good stuff is unavailable.

Thanks
 
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mine likes sk rifle match

20"

The match chamber is awesome, she can shoot. I need to get out with it soon


Cheap ammo for me is ruger 10/22 grade
 
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I really enjoy my MTR...
Competition shooting or paper punching...
plain old CCI Blazer LRN nets less than dime size groups at 50 yards.
For Gophers... HP CCI mini mags
 
Mtr 20 inch
Sk std plus and sk rifle match
Shoot very well and reliable
Only missfire i had was with eley match
 
Your questions are the exact same as the ones I had when debating to buy or not.
I do not own an MTR but let me answer some of your questions based on my range buddies experience:

1. Cheaper ammo:
- ammo variability makes it tough to say how well will it group. It’s not going to shoot cheaper ammo any worse than a non match grade rifle but due to the variations in cheaper ammo you are likely not going to see any improvements.
-I have seen mixed things with chambering/extractions: some ammo like CCi is tougher to chamber…in SOME MTRs, ammo like CCi may have issues to extract….in SOME MTRs. I have seen 3 MTRs run it flawlessly and I have seen 1 have issues closing the bolt (by issues I just mean it requires more force but still works). I have not seen any have failures to extract yet.

2. Ammo it’s good with
-SK Match seems to be the ticket with many but varies pending on gun

3. 16 or 20
-everyone I know has the 20 since they are using it in PRS style shooting and prefer the balance of a 20”
-If you plan to do PRS get the 20”
-if you plan to put it in a chassis get the 20”
-if you plan to leave it in the same stock and shoot gophers I think either would work
-if you will debate if your accuracy could be better if you got the 20 just get the 20 and save yourself the headache (even though it might not even make a difference between the 2, I know guys shooting out to 350 yards with a 16” not match grade barrel and they are consistently ranking in the top shooters during events)

4. How does it shoot relative
-this is where my input may help you. I went down the same rabbit hole you did. I ended up buying the 20” varmint (not the match grade) I did this for 2 main reasons - cost and concerns about cheaper ammo issues. I had a limited budget and for my intent (PRS matches) I felt having an extra 350-400$ would do me better if I could upgrade my bipod or chassis.
-I was disappointed shooting cheap ammo 0.75-1” groups at 50 yards (too many flyers), bought a pack of SK+, and dropped my trigger weight down with a YoDave spring and was impressed (averaging 0.3-0.4” when shooting 10x 5 shots groups at 50 yards).
-Are my buddies with the MTRs shooting better at 50 - sometimes
-Are my buddies hitting more steel than me during matches - sometimes but it’s not because of their gun
-Can I hit targets out to 350 yards with my non match grade - absolutely
-100 yard accuracy - hard to tell due to wind and my own availability but with a really good 10 shot groups I am floating just over 1”
-What I don’t know and what makes me question my purchase is how much better will the MTR group when using different lot#s compared to my non match grade (is the non match grade more ammo picky?)

5. Final thoughts
-part of my reasoning to not get the match grade (probably the biggest) was potential issues with cheap ammo. However now that I have tried match grade ammo I don’t find myself shooting the cheaper stuff. That being said I still like the idea that when I am just practicing positional shooting (offhand, barricades…etc) I can use whatever cheap stuff I have flawlessly. From what I have seen people with the MTR so far have all been able to use CCI but some have found it harder to chamber. I have as well heard issues regarding extraction but I have not personally seen it.

I am very happy with my non match grade CZ.
I think I would have also been very happy if I bought the MTR.
 
I don’t have a CZ yet, I went T1X, but my wife will probably get a CZ. After 30K rounds of practice I don’t buy 22s to shoot CCISV. SKS+ and above is what you will end up using anyway.
 
Regardless if it has a match chamber or is very expensive, no rifle will make cheaper ammo shoot like the good stuff.

No one brand of ammo will shoot the same from rifle to rifle -- or for that matter from lot to lot.

The length of the barrel won't affect its performance on target. Shooters should get the one that best meets their needs.

The CZ match chamber will be less welcoming to more varieties of ammo than the standard CZ chamber. If you want to economize on the cost of ammunition, seriously consider models that don't have the CZ match chamber.

For accuracy, more important than the chamber is the quality of the barrel itself. Not all CZ barrels are equal, and this is true of any mass produced and custom barrels.
 
machohugeaxe said:
Gonna hijack this a bit since I'm also looking at the same rifle, anyone can make comparisons to Savage B22 precision? or are they not really in the same class
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I've never shot a B22, but having owned a number of both makes, I'm going to say I believe the CZ would have the advantage accuracy-wise. I think it's safe to say CZs and Savage are not in the same class, but that doesn't mean Savages don't shoot well. I've been very impressed with the accuracy of their centerfires, far less so with their .22s.

RE: the stock on the CZ 457 Varmint MTR, I see the OP has handled one...that was going to be my recommendation if he/she hadn't. I believe that stock is a dedicated bench shooter and for me, I would probably find that far too limiting. To each, their own as they say. I really like 457s having spent some time shooting one now, but I'd pick a regular varmint over the MTR=for both stock and chamber. I like to play with expensive ammo from time to time but as a rule, I don't shoot anything over SK Rifle Match. Usually, not even that stuff. lol

I find the Tikka T1x to be far more forgiving of a wide variety of ammo than any CZ I've owned, but maybe mine is an oddball. Certainly not as handsome as any wood-stocked CZ, but if I could only have 1 x 22LR...it would be a Tikka.
 
1. How does your MTR do with cheaper ammo like CCI and Federal? Any chambering issues? Poor accuracy?

Mine does not like CCI, hard to chamber. Any SK/Lapua shoots well

2. Which ammo does your MTR excel with?

Mine shoots SK Rifle match well, especially rounds with 0.042' rims

3. Do you have the 16" or 20" barrel and what's your opinion on which is better?

I have the 20", great balance for PRS use.

5. Do you feel the positives of the match chamber outweigh any negatives? Would you buy it again if you could do it over?

I have not found any negatives. I only shoot cheap and copper plated bulk through my 10/22. Match rifles should run match ammo, I would not expect to put regular fuel in an F1 car and it perform as intended.

I wish I bought this rifle when it first came out. This is my 3rd rifle I've used in PRS shooting over the last 4years - hands down the best of them.
 
CanuckShooter said:
I'm about the pull the trigger on a CZ 457 Varmint MTR chambered in .22LR and was wondering if any of you MTR owners could chime in with your experience with the rifle. I've consumed as much information as I could find on the internet, here, and rimfirecentral. I'm very familiar with CZs as I own several 452s and a 457 Pro Varmint, so I know all of the specs. Just curious about the following...

1. How does your MTR do with cheaper ammo like CCI and Federal? Any chambering issues? Poor accuracy?

2. Which ammo does your MTR excel with?

3. Do you have the 16" or 20" barrel and what's your opinion on which is better?

4. How does your MTR shoot relative to your other 457s?

5. Do you feel the positives of the match chamber outweigh any negatives? Would you buy it again if you could do it over?


I thought the stock was too chunky and blocky at first, but it has really grown on me. I really like it now after seeing it more, and handling it a couple times. I'm concerned hearing some reports of CCI not chambering, or giving very poor accuracy (worse than a non-match 457) as CCI and Federal are kind of my go to plinking ammo. I'm just not sure how I would feel about having a rifle that will ONLY shoot expensive ammo well. It's not that I'm too cheap to buy something mid-range like RWS, or SK, it's more so the scarcity of these brands that concerns me. I want to be able to still enjoy my rifle shooting low priced ammo when the good stuff is unavailable.

Thanks
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The CZ-457 Varmint MTR is one tack driver for sure.
I've shot it with Eley Tenex, Lapua Center-X and SK Standard Plus, all within 2" at 100m.
No chambering issues with any of the above mentioned ammo.
See attached, 5 shots from 25m, 10 shots each ammo from 100m at outdoor range and video at 25m.
Highly recommend this rifle!
Well, I guess I have to have more posts before I can show pics and videos...
This is the video link, edit the URL by removing the spaces:
ht tps:/ /ww w.you tube.com/watch?v=SRzfsq9Ze4I
Will upload pics when i have permission to do so.
**Image and video linking functions will be enabled after you have contributed more to the forum**
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CanuckShooter said:
I'm about the pull the trigger on a CZ 457 Varmint MTR chambered in .22LR and was wondering if any of you MTR owners could chime in with your experience with the rifle. I've consumed as much information as I could find on the internet, here, and rimfirecentral. I'm very familiar with CZs as I own several 452s and a 457 Pro Varmint, so I know all of the specs. Just curious about the following...

1. How does your MTR do with cheaper ammo like CCI and Federal? Any chambering issues? Poor accuracy?

2. Which ammo does your MTR excel with?

3. Do you have the 16" or 20" barrel and what's your opinion on which is better?

4. How does your MTR shoot relative to your other 457s?

5. Do you feel the positives of the match chamber outweigh any negatives? Would you buy it again if you could do it over?


I thought the stock was too chunky and blocky at first, but it has really grown on me. I really like it now after seeing it more, and handling it a couple times. I'm concerned hearing some reports of CCI not chambering, or giving very poor accuracy (worse than a non-match 457) as CCI and Federal are kind of my go to plinking ammo. I'm just not sure how I would feel about having a rifle that will ONLY shoot expensive ammo well. It's not that I'm too cheap to buy something mid-range like RWS, or SK, it's more so the scarcity of these brands that concerns me. I want to be able to still enjoy my rifle shooting low priced ammo when the good stuff is unavailable.

Thanks
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1 - Cheapest I've tried is CCI Standard and even some 40g Aguila. CCI isn't to bad to shoot. I had the Aguila to burn up and wouldn't recommend it

2 - Anything SK does really well. I did have some Aguila Rifle Match I've held on too for years and it shot great as well.

3 - Own and only shot the 20"

4 - Can't say

5 - I love the accuracy and the look of the rifle but I struggle with a repeatable cheek weld. It's a combination of the scope height and eye relief. I've only had the rifle 3 months and I know I'm not done tweaking it to fit me better. 100% would purchase again. And IMO SK ammo isn't super expensive so I don't have any issues with the match chamber.
 
Cz mtr

I got my first MTR in .17 HMR , 20 '' Barrel , liked it sooo
much I went and got the .22 MTR 20'' ..
(I did try the 16'' first , didnt care for the looks )

I have not heard any real negative comments on
the MTR other than some don't care for the stock , well
that is what makes it stand out IMO .

The .22 doesn't chamber CCI ammo ,I don't feed any
of my rifles CCI .
She loves SK Standard plus.

The .17 HMR shoots V-Max 17 gr & XTP 20 gr Hornady
equally well.

Both have the stock triggers set down to 300 gr (10 oz) .

CZ 457's best bang for any buck , MTR's Best 457.

Go for it ... skwerl
 

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Thanks for all of the replies so far. Lots of very in depth and detailed information which has been very helpful. I'm definitely going to purchase the rifle. I just wanted to have a heads up on what to expect as far as ammo compatibility goes.

Only thing I'm struggling with is the decision between the 16" and 20" barrel. The information comparing accuracy that I've found so far has been conflicting and unclear to say the least. It's clear that the longer barrel produces a bit more velocity in the videos I've seen, which will make a difference if shooting longer distances. Beyond comparing velocity though, it gets hazy. Seems to be weight and looks that end up being the deciding factors.
 
CanuckShooter said:
Thanks for all of the replies so far. Lots of very in depth and detailed information which has been very helpful. I'm definitely going to purchase the rifle. I just wanted to have a heads up on what to expect as far as ammo compatibility goes.

Only thing I'm struggling with is the decision between the 16" and 20" barrel. The information comparing accuracy that I've found so far has been conflicting and unclear to say the least. It's clear that the longer barrel produces a bit more velocity in the videos I've seen, which will make a difference if shooting longer distances. Beyond comparing velocity though, it gets hazy. Seems to be weight and looks that end up being the deciding factors.
Click to expand...

From what I've seen you wont really gain anymore velocity with 20" over 16", Powder burn is typically done around 13 to 14 inches with SV ammo. My 16" MTR shows little to no difference over the chrono with 18.5 and 20" barrels. Noise on the other hand its noticeably different. Some guys like the balance of a 20" barrel over 16" I don't notice it shooting from bench/bipod/barricade which is most of my shooting with precision 22. To each their own!

As others have stated, Mine doesn't like CCI ammo.
I seem to get better groups with SK Standard + over other SK offerings, Even better groups yet with Lapua Center X, I haven't tried anymore expensive ammo from SK/Lapua than that, but I wouldn't be surprised if Midas + or Xact gave even better groups!

This is a target from when I first got my rifle, My shooting has improved since this, Iam sure they would all be in the .3's now. Also I now no longer shoot out my POA, I move it up 1" into the proper square. First target is 25 foulers, followed by 5 Five shots groups at 50 yards.

uKHXfYT.jpg
 
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Saw 1 of the 20" version left at Shooter's Choice for 820$ NEW, which is more than 100$ cheaper than anywhere else, so I had to pick it up. Tried it out today, wow, I love it. Accurate and the quality of the stock, action etc, all great.
 
I've got a 16" and a 20", been a while since I've shot them. IIRC, the 16" outshoots the 20" .390" to .41" average. The 16" was 15fps slower with the same ammo I think. The GF likes the shorter barrel.
 
Brettbabin4460 said:
Strongly between this and the t1x. Can't decide
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I’ve got a T1X with an IBI barrel mounted in an MDT ACC. Performance wise it does great. I would go for the CZ for ease of barrel changes. You will probably eventually want an IBI 12T. Chambering the last rnd out of my mag is a specific learned skill because of how Tikka mounts the barrel to the receiver(big hole, glued in place). Yes my rifle will put 10 shots of mid range ammo in less than an inch at 100 on a regular basis, but like a custom performance car, there are daily use procedures that are not for the load and shoot crew. Maybe CZs are the same. I know Voodoos have similar specific requirements for reliability, and still some struggle. What we are asking for is a lot more than was expected of a 22 only a few years ago.
 
PGW Steve said:
I've got a 16" and a 20", been a while since I've shot them. IIRC, the 16" outshoots the 20" .390" to .41" average. The 16" was 15fps slower with the same ammo I think. The GF likes the shorter barrel.
Click to expand...

My 20” MTR is shooting my current lot of pistol match very well.

When am I coming out to show you how to hit the sideways length of your barn?
 
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