In my estimation the perfect rat rifle needs have a lesser report(so as not to scare the ones within 100 yards into their burrows), low recoil(to see the hit in the scope :twisted
, easily changed and loaded magazines(to keep the rate of fire up; it's a target rich environment 8), shoot 1/2MOA groups(rats are small targets out at 300yds). I think the 17Hornet is about the best cartridge but both platforms I've tried have left me wanting more. The Ruger 77/17 had the accuracy and the magazine question answered but being a rear lug action it was hard to bed and it's lock up bothered me for some reason. Sent it down the road and am now playing with a CZ527. The 527 is pretty accurate, has the mini mauser action, great single set trigger but the magazine is hard to load and has issues with the rimmed cartridge. So I'm scratching my head to come up with the "perfect" solution. I'm thinking of going to the 17Fireball or the 17x223 and use the Rem7 -Rem700 platform. I've tried the 204 in a heavy varmint but it had to much muzzle blast and recoil. The same for the .223. I might consider going with a suppressor; that would help those issues. I often shoot 300-400 rounds a day and often have to clean the barrel at midday so I like clean burning loads(CFE).
Does anybody know if the 17 fireball will feed out of a 223 mag in a bolt action? I know it's got the same case head and diameter but the round is a bit shorter. I'd love to shoot it out of a Rem 7 with 10rnd mags. If not, maybe I'll go with the 17x223 and load it down. Suppressors my be the answer but I can put a nice rifle together for what they cost to acquire and license.
Scott
, easily changed and loaded magazines(to keep the rate of fire up; it's a target rich environment 8), shoot 1/2MOA groups(rats are small targets out at 300yds). I think the 17Hornet is about the best cartridge but both platforms I've tried have left me wanting more. The Ruger 77/17 had the accuracy and the magazine question answered but being a rear lug action it was hard to bed and it's lock up bothered me for some reason. Sent it down the road and am now playing with a CZ527. The 527 is pretty accurate, has the mini mauser action, great single set trigger but the magazine is hard to load and has issues with the rimmed cartridge. So I'm scratching my head to come up with the "perfect" solution. I'm thinking of going to the 17Fireball or the 17x223 and use the Rem7 -Rem700 platform. I've tried the 204 in a heavy varmint but it had to much muzzle blast and recoil. The same for the .223. I might consider going with a suppressor; that would help those issues. I often shoot 300-400 rounds a day and often have to clean the barrel at midday so I like clean burning loads(CFE).Does anybody know if the 17 fireball will feed out of a 223 mag in a bolt action? I know it's got the same case head and diameter but the round is a bit shorter. I'd love to shoot it out of a Rem 7 with 10rnd mags. If not, maybe I'll go with the 17x223 and load it down. Suppressors my be the answer but I can put a nice rifle together for what they cost to acquire and license.
Scott
