Looking for a new rifle....want something unique or a bit different. I have a Weatherby Vanguard in .243 and a marlin 22 mag. So I was interested in the .17 hornet for something with more oomph but the only options are the CZ which I don’t really love and the ruger 77/17 which has had mixed reviews. Plus no one around here has any to look at, only online....I already have those two bolt actions so wanted something different so Was thinking TC encore but would need aftermarket barrel .... then I found this Winchester 1885 which is gorgeous! But comes in only .17 wsm. Certainly a step up from the 22mag but well below the hornet. Then was looking at Old Sako l46 in .218 bee but those are hard to find. Main goals for this rifle would be something nice and cheaper to shoot than the .243 and not as loud with less Terminal range for shooting on my property. Mostly pest control, raccoon, voles, squirrel, target shooting. Any thoughts on original cool guns to look around for? Thanks!
Rifle suggestions? .17 wsm, hornet, .218
- Thread starter makey98
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SlickerThanSnot
New member
Originally Posted By: makey98 So I was interested in the .17 hornet for something with more oomph but the only options are the CZ which I don’t really love and the ruger 77/17 which has had mixed reviews.
there is at least one more option. a savage model 25. i have one and it is a shooter. a real good shooter. had a cz also and it shot real good. cz is a more refined rifle and looks better. but the accuracy is not any better.
there is at least one more option. a savage model 25. i have one and it is a shooter. a real good shooter. had a cz also and it shot real good. cz is a more refined rifle and looks better. but the accuracy is not any better.
Originally Posted By: RustydustThis will be a bit easier for me and likely others to answer if I know if you are reloader or not.
I have a Lee Classic loader, only done pistol cartridges at this point. That was my first attraction to the .17 hornet. But is seems like cases are expensive and hard to find as well?? But to answer your question, I would be interested in reloading any rifle that I find.
I have a Lee Classic loader, only done pistol cartridges at this point. That was my first attraction to the .17 hornet. But is seems like cases are expensive and hard to find as well?? But to answer your question, I would be interested in reloading any rifle that I find.
Rustydust
Active member
If you are going to reload for it then I have to say the .17 Hornet is your best bet. I bought my CZ 527 Varmint in that chambering late last summer and right off the bat I just amazed myself with how accurate it was. Several different handloads as well as the factory 20 grain ammo would give me 5 shots touching at 100 yards. So far this year it has been the main gun that I take out for ground squirrels. Zeroed at 200 yards with the 20 grain Vmax I hardly have to hold over a bit to flip them over at 300 yards. All my brass for it has been from shooting factory ammo in it or what nice people have sent me since I bought the gun. I keep my loads about .5 grains under max and so far brass life has been good.
I have been shooting .17 calibers for almost 40 years with most of that being a .17 Remington. But I really think that the .17 Hornet is just about the best mix of accuracy and speed and efficiency there is for this bore. Sure glad I bought mine. Wish I had not waited so long to get me one.
I have been shooting .17 calibers for almost 40 years with most of that being a .17 Remington. But I really think that the .17 Hornet is just about the best mix of accuracy and speed and efficiency there is for this bore. Sure glad I bought mine. Wish I had not waited so long to get me one.
Originally Posted By: RePeteYou need to rethink your dislike for CZ and get 527 American in 17 Hornet.
Not totally set against it and may end up going that route, but wanted to look at other options before I decide. The cz have a great reputation for accuracy, nice set trigger and are well built. Plus the price is right which would allow for a better scope. If I could see one in person it might seal the deal but I never see them anywhere. On the negatives, I don’t love the detached magazine, prefer floor plate, and you can’t load a round in the action, must load the magazine.
Not totally set against it and may end up going that route, but wanted to look at other options before I decide. The cz have a great reputation for accuracy, nice set trigger and are well built. Plus the price is right which would allow for a better scope. If I could see one in person it might seal the deal but I never see them anywhere. On the negatives, I don’t love the detached magazine, prefer floor plate, and you can’t load a round in the action, must load the magazine.
Rustydust
Active member
Originally Posted By: makey98 and you can’t load a round in the action, must load the magazine.
I dont know who told you that but most of the time I single load my CZ 527 rifles. James Calhoon makes single shot adapters as well.
Since I always shoot off a bench of some sort I just load my rifles one shot at a time as I have no need for fast repeat shots.
I dont know who told you that but most of the time I single load my CZ 527 rifles. James Calhoon makes single shot adapters as well.
Since I always shoot off a bench of some sort I just load my rifles one shot at a time as I have no need for fast repeat shots.
RePete
New member
Originally Posted By: makey98Originally Posted By: RePeteYou need to rethink your dislike for CZ and get 527 American in 17 Hornet.
Not totally set against it and may end up going that route, but wanted to look at other options before I decide. The cz have a great reputation for accuracy, nice set trigger and are well built. Plus the price is right which would allow for a better scope. If I could see one in person it might seal the deal but I never see them anywhere. On the negatives, I don’t love the detached magazine, prefer floor plate, and you can’t load a round in the action, must load the magazine.
You'll get used to the magazine and depending on the laws in your state you'll appreciate the ease of unloading if you're not allowed to have a loaded gun in your truck.
PS....if you want to shoot it single shot James Calhoon makes a single shot follower which eliminates the need to load the chamber from a magazine.
Not totally set against it and may end up going that route, but wanted to look at other options before I decide. The cz have a great reputation for accuracy, nice set trigger and are well built. Plus the price is right which would allow for a better scope. If I could see one in person it might seal the deal but I never see them anywhere. On the negatives, I don’t love the detached magazine, prefer floor plate, and you can’t load a round in the action, must load the magazine.
You'll get used to the magazine and depending on the laws in your state you'll appreciate the ease of unloading if you're not allowed to have a loaded gun in your truck.
PS....if you want to shoot it single shot James Calhoon makes a single shot follower which eliminates the need to load the chamber from a magazine.
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I have a 17 WSM and a couple CZ 527 17 Hornets, both are Varmint models. Also have a couple 17 HMR's.
The 17 WSM is a nice step up from the 17 HMR for very little difference in ammo cost but to be honest, I don't really notice a great deal of difference in splat factor between those two until you start getting out past 100 yards, then the 17 WSM definitely shows its extra horsepower. The jump from 17 WSM to 17 Hornet is similar to the jump from 17 HMR to 17 WSM, but, the 17 Hornet has noticeably more splat factor than does my 17 WSM.
The 17 WSM is definitely the king of the rimfires but it's still a rimfire so even though ammo is certainly cheaper it's still rimfire quality and the consistency of rimfire ammo is not even close to what centerfires are capable of.
If small to medium sized critters at ranges inside of 200 yards, with most shots well under that, is your objective, you'll likely be very happy with the 17 WSM but if you want to do more precision shooting and you'll be making many of your shots at those further distances, you will be happier with the 17 Hornet.
The 17 WSM is a nice step up from the 17 HMR for very little difference in ammo cost but to be honest, I don't really notice a great deal of difference in splat factor between those two until you start getting out past 100 yards, then the 17 WSM definitely shows its extra horsepower. The jump from 17 WSM to 17 Hornet is similar to the jump from 17 HMR to 17 WSM, but, the 17 Hornet has noticeably more splat factor than does my 17 WSM.
The 17 WSM is definitely the king of the rimfires but it's still a rimfire so even though ammo is certainly cheaper it's still rimfire quality and the consistency of rimfire ammo is not even close to what centerfires are capable of.
If small to medium sized critters at ranges inside of 200 yards, with most shots well under that, is your objective, you'll likely be very happy with the 17 WSM but if you want to do more precision shooting and you'll be making many of your shots at those further distances, you will be happier with the 17 Hornet.
Originally Posted By: RustydustOriginally Posted By: makey98 and you can’t load a round in the action, must load the magazine.
I dont know who told you that but most of the time I single load my CZ 527 rifles. James Calhoon makes single shot adapters as well.
Since I always shoot off a bench of some sort I just load my rifles one shot at a time as I have no need for fast repeat shots.
Russ is correct, James Calhoon makes a really nice single shot follower that replaces the magazine and is ramped so even though the CZ 527 is a controlled round feed, it works well. I have one for both of mine. Even though they don't feed smooth as better, I don't know any rimmed case that does, I prefer to use the magazine but my dad much prefers to use the single shot follower and hates using the magazine.
I dont know who told you that but most of the time I single load my CZ 527 rifles. James Calhoon makes single shot adapters as well.
Since I always shoot off a bench of some sort I just load my rifles one shot at a time as I have no need for fast repeat shots.
Russ is correct, James Calhoon makes a really nice single shot follower that replaces the magazine and is ramped so even though the CZ 527 is a controlled round feed, it works well. I have one for both of mine. Even though they don't feed smooth as better, I don't know any rimmed case that does, I prefer to use the magazine but my dad much prefers to use the single shot follower and hates using the magazine.
Originally Posted By: RustydustOriginally Posted By: makey98 and you can’t load a round in the action, must load the magazine.
I dont know who told you that but most of the time I single load my CZ 527 rifles. James Calhoon makes single shot adapters as well.
Since I always shoot off a bench of some sort I just load my rifles one shot at a time as I have no need for fast repeat shots.
I read that in a review somewhere. Must have been mistaken. I will check out the single shot follower option, that’s looks like a great option to have a flush fit. Thanks!!
I dont know who told you that but most of the time I single load my CZ 527 rifles. James Calhoon makes single shot adapters as well.
Since I always shoot off a bench of some sort I just load my rifles one shot at a time as I have no need for fast repeat shots.
I read that in a review somewhere. Must have been mistaken. I will check out the single shot follower option, that’s looks like a great option to have a flush fit. Thanks!!
Originally Posted By: makey98Originally Posted By: RustydustOriginally Posted By: makey98 and you can’t load a round in the action, must load the magazine.
I dont know who told you that but most of the time I single load my CZ 527 rifles. James Calhoon makes single shot adapters as well.
Since I always shoot off a bench of some sort I just load my rifles one shot at a time as I have no need for fast repeat shots.
I read that in a review somewhere. Must have been mistaken. I will check out the single shot follower option, that’s looks like a great option to have a flush fit. Thanks!!
I don't recall who does it but there is someone out there on the good ole interweb that cuts the magazine down so it's almost a flush fit magazine. I've seen pictures of one and it looked nice but I don't have a problem with how the factory 5 rounder looks. Boyyyy you sure don't want to get James Calhoon started on how the factory mag looks in these CZ 527's because he is not shy about giving you his opinion. He's a real character to chat with.
Found it. http://rvbprecision.com/shooting/cz-527-rifle-magazine-conversion.html
I dont know who told you that but most of the time I single load my CZ 527 rifles. James Calhoon makes single shot adapters as well.
Since I always shoot off a bench of some sort I just load my rifles one shot at a time as I have no need for fast repeat shots.
I read that in a review somewhere. Must have been mistaken. I will check out the single shot follower option, that’s looks like a great option to have a flush fit. Thanks!!
I don't recall who does it but there is someone out there on the good ole interweb that cuts the magazine down so it's almost a flush fit magazine. I've seen pictures of one and it looked nice but I don't have a problem with how the factory 5 rounder looks. Boyyyy you sure don't want to get James Calhoon started on how the factory mag looks in these CZ 527's because he is not shy about giving you his opinion. He's a real character to chat with.
Found it. http://rvbprecision.com/shooting/cz-527-rifle-magazine-conversion.html
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Eric_Mayer
Active member
Buy the CZ 527 in .17 Hornet.
The Winchester 1885 is a nice rifle, but lacks a bit in the accuracy department.
The .218 Bee is my favorite round, but there are no new rifles readily available.
The CZ makes a extremely accurate .17 Hornet rifle and even with the extended magazine, it is still very comfortable to shoot (unfortunately, the company B23 linked no longer works on any rimmed cartridge).
I also single-load when I shoot (even some of my ARs) and the 527 has no issues if you want to do so.
The Winchester 1885 is a nice rifle, but lacks a bit in the accuracy department.
The .218 Bee is my favorite round, but there are no new rifles readily available.
The CZ makes a extremely accurate .17 Hornet rifle and even with the extended magazine, it is still very comfortable to shoot (unfortunately, the company B23 linked no longer works on any rimmed cartridge).
I also single-load when I shoot (even some of my ARs) and the 527 has no issues if you want to do so.
AWS
Custom Accessory Maker & Retired PM Staff
The Winchester Model 43 came in 218 Bee as does the Marlin 1894 CL in your price range. I think a Sako l-46 in 218 Bee is a very rare one and if you know of one it might be a good investment if you can get it cheap.
I shoot a Marlin in 218 Bee and it is a great little round for close in coyotes, fox and bobcat.
I shoot a Marlin in 218 Bee and it is a great little round for close in coyotes, fox and bobcat.
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Originally Posted By: Eric_MayerBuy the CZ 527 in .17 Hornet
This seems to be the nearly universal opinion!
Originally Posted By: Eric_Mayer
The .218 Bee is my favorite round, but there are no new rifles readily available.
Too bad. I like those older lesser known calibers.
Thanks!
Being able to single load and that Calhoun single mag is a big argument towards the Cz. It seems like the only option for some other quality rifles is to step up to a .204 which is really a whole different ballgame and don’t really need that kind of range.
This seems to be the nearly universal opinion!
Originally Posted By: Eric_Mayer
The .218 Bee is my favorite round, but there are no new rifles readily available.
Too bad. I like those older lesser known calibers.
Thanks!
Being able to single load and that Calhoun single mag is a big argument towards the Cz. It seems like the only option for some other quality rifles is to step up to a .204 which is really a whole different ballgame and don’t really need that kind of range.
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