CZ decisions 17, 223 or 204?

[aHFo3]

I'm a lefty and I really, really like my CZ 452 Lux 22LR. I like the accuracy, and the quality. I'd love to add a 2nd CZ to the collection. As a lefty I'm limited in my bolt action choices. I've leaned toward lever guns up until I acquired the 452. I would use the gun for range and coyote hunting. I noticed bud's has a few left handed CZ's in stock and each of them is appealing. I'm looking at the 452 American in 17HMR, the 527 American in 223/5.56 or 204 Ruger. I'm a hand loader as well. Which would you choose and why. I'm not too concerned about the cost difference.

 

[redneck2]

I just got back from a prairie dog hunt in Montana. We had a couple of .17's, three .223 AR's, a bolt .223, and my CZ 527 in .204. Left my .22-250 at home.

If I were gonna take just one, it would be the .204. Less muzzle blast than the 250, but shoots just as flat. The .17's have too light a bullet to hit a bigger coyote hard enough IMO. I use 39 Blitzkings over 27.0 of Varget. Shoots .4's.

My CZ .22 and the .204 both have the single set trigger, which is absolutely excellent

You might go to The Varmint's Den and check there. Lots of .204 shooters.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

what about the .221 Fireball?

 

[Furncliff]

I have the cz varmint in 17hmr, (and a Win 70 in .22-250) I would recommend against the 17 for the use you describe.

 

[aHFo3]

Thanks for the input. The 17 is out and now its a decision between the 204 and the 223. I kinda like the 223 because of the sheer volume of ammo made in 223/556.

 

[627PCFan]

Fixed it for you

"between the 204 and the 223. I kinda like the 204 because of the sheer lack of ammo availibity of 223/556 right now"

 

[viking499]

Both are great. The 223 is cheaper to shoot. I think the 204 is a little ballistic better.

 

[tuj]

how far are you looking to shoot, and how accurate? 17HMR is amazing out to 100 yards, easily shooting sub-MOA with any of the factory ammos (which are all made by CCI anyway). I love the 17hmr, no recoil and super accurate, and about the same price as reloaded .223 or maybe a little more.

This is what my Savage 17hmr could do off a bipod at 100 yards:

 

[mr.trooper]

Had a 527 American in 204 Ruger - it was an absolute laser.

3/4" groups at 100 yards bone stock, off a bag with Hornady Ammunition. Never had a rifle print groups that small for me before or since.

 

[viking499]

Had or still have?

 

[HOOfan_1]

.223 ammo really isn't hard to find anymore

 

[Coltdriver]

The appeal of the 204 Ruger to me is the 4000+ fps you can get from one. They do shoot flat right out to 300 yards and are inherently accurate.

But the .223 has ammo aplenty out there.

If you reload I'd take the 204.

But first a check of the twist rate on each rifle should be done. I have owned several CZ's and for some reason they are always slow on twist.

 

[ExAgoradzo]

I wouldn't mind having a #1 in the 204, but I'd take the 223 for availability.
My $.02.

Greg

 

[aHFo3]

CZ-USA.com shows the twist rate to be 1 in 12 for both calibers.

 

[I6turbo]

I recommend the 527 in .223 (or .204 if that round appeals to you). I have several 452s, a 527 and a couple of 550s, and some BRNOs. The 527 is a VERY sweet gun, and my 527 FS .223 is perhaps my favorite to shoot. Since you already have what's arguably the best all around 452, get the centerfire. You're ready to start expanding the CZ collection.

 

[I6turbo]

.223 ammo really isn't hard to find anymore

True. I don't think I've been in a store in the past couple of months that DIDN'T have some, and I get e-mails every day from the online sellers hawking it. No shortage at this point in time.

 

[AABEN]

A 223 bolt by Savage Hog gun. There is a lot of 223 ammo out there and reloading supply. Rem has a new gun 783 out for around 375.00 In different caliber that is a good buy.

 

[Teachu2]

I recommend the 527 in .223 (or .204 if that round appeals to you). I have several 452s, a 527 and a couple of 550s, and some BRNOs. The 527 is a VERY sweet gun, and my 527 FS .223 is perhaps my favorite to shoot. Since you already have what's arguably the best all around 452, get the centerfire. You're ready to start expanding the CZ collection.

+1. Outstanding .223 right out of the box.

 

[redneck2]

I'm a hand loader as well.

I think too many are missing this part. The .204 is just as cheap and just as easy to load as the .223, but there is a real difference in performance. The .204 gives results close to the 22-250 with less muzzle blast and zero recoil so you can see your hits.

If it was gonna be factory ammo, different story. Wish you could have been on our hunt. You'd already know.