Out to 150 yards, terminal effect on game will be pretty close (depending on projectile used).Been debating on a new woodchuck/groundhog rifle for areas too populated for 223rem. I found a used savage 93 17hmr bull barrel with 5 mags for $300. Just looking for a 150yard rifle that wont send them running back to a hole like 22lr does. Whats your experience with these?
Yeah accuracy is king. I have no use for a 2” gun at 100yards cause from what i am seeing thats a 22mag.Out to 150 yards, terminal effect on game will be pretty close (depending on projectile used).
That said the 17 HMR stomps all over the 22 magnum with respect to accuracy.
If gilt edged accuracy is part if your criteria reference shooting chucks the 17 HMR is the way to go.
I agree the 22 Mag's accuracy woes are two fold one is it's like the LR in that what a particular gun likes is an enigma and second there is a water seeks it's own level thing going on where consumers have been told to expect mediocre accuracy and ammo makers take advantage of this and most ammo will shoot accordingly.The 22 mag gets a bad rap in the accuracy dept. My old savage mdl 65m. Would print 1 inch groups at 100yds with those federal 50 grain bullets. I think most of the 22mags problem was ammo related. Not the cartridge or the gun. Today's ammo is just better. As is the rifles. But, a 17hmr isn't a wrong choice
I don't doubt that you can't hit chucks out to 150 yards with the 17 hmr. But does it have enough power to kill a chuck ethically at that distance? I have only shot a 17 a few times and only at paper and clays.I have a 93 bull barrel 17hmr. It's a great shooter. I can hit clays set up out to 200 yards. I don't see any issues with hitting chucks out to 150 yards. I run a decent scope on mine. I also have a Ruger American too in 17 HMR. Same scope. https://www.burrisoptics.com/riflescopes/fullfield-iv-6-24x50mm
I used my 223 with reduced loads quite a bit and they filled that niche pretty well. My personal problem with that approach is that I just couldn't stand leaving that much potential on the table. I don't generally run my "stuff" to the maximum; but I like to run it to the optimum.I find .223 55 grain with 9 grains of red dot to be accurate.