Islander7 wrote:Gaznazdiak, the biggest non-sheep will be wallaby or forester (eastern grey) kangaroo. Will 17wsm be fine for that, if I do my bit? (I'm after for as humane kill as possible, don't want them to suffer).
Tassie, too late mate, already bought a small 4 gun safe (that will fit max 2 guns I believe)
Also, bladeracer mentioned .22 hornet. Being centrefire calibre is much different from .223? Worth considering at all?
Not going to reload, only factoey-made ammo. Cost of ammo is least of my concerns at this stage
Thanks everyone, heading to the 'Rimfire' section of the forum to do further research then
Islander7 wrote:Gaznazdiak, definitely safety is top priority for me, I was never going to even aim in the neighbouring properties direction to start with (I've got neighbours on only 2 sides, with other 2 sides being dense bush for 2-5 kilometres). But still I started seriously question the need of .223 for my case.
bladeracer wrote:Islander7 wrote:Gaznazdiak, the biggest non-sheep will be wallaby or forester (eastern grey) kangaroo. Will 17wsm be fine for that, if I do my bit? (I'm after for as humane kill as possible, don't want them to suffer).
Tassie, too late mate, already bought a small 4 gun safe (that will fit max 2 guns I believe)
Also, bladeracer mentioned .22 hornet. Being centrefire calibre is much different from .223? Worth considering at all?
Not going to reload, only factoey-made ammo. Cost of ammo is least of my concerns at this stage
Thanks everyone, heading to the 'Rimfire' section of the forum to do further research then
I don't shoot wallaby or 'roo, but they cull deer in the UK with the .17HMR. As long as you practice and take careful shots it'd be fine, but check if it's legal where you are. Some states have cartridge minimums for 'roo.
Just add more safes until you have enough
I like .22 Hornet, and it would be eminently suitable for what you've suggested. But I think they can be finicky to get them shooting really well. The Brno Fox Model 2 is a beautiful rifle. Yes, Hornet and .223 are quite different. The Hornet only shoots the lightest bullets - 35gn to about 50gn, the .223 shoots the light bullets as well, but also up to 80gn or more for larger game. The .223 also adds 1000fps to the bullet - about 2900fps and 3900fps for a 35gn bullet in both cartridges.
Reloading is not about cost of ammo, it's about flexibility and allows you to get maximum versatility and performance out of your firearms.
marksman wrote:bladeracer wrote:Islander7 wrote:Gaznazdiak, the biggest non-sheep will be wallaby or forester (eastern grey) kangaroo. Will 17wsm be fine for that, if I do my bit? (I'm after for as humane kill as possible, don't want them to suffer).
Tassie, too late mate, already bought a small 4 gun safe (that will fit max 2 guns I believe)
Also, bladeracer mentioned .22 hornet. Being centrefire calibre is much different from .223? Worth considering at all?
Not going to reload, only factoey-made ammo. Cost of ammo is least of my concerns at this stage
Thanks everyone, heading to the 'Rimfire' section of the forum to do further research then
I don't shoot wallaby or 'roo, but they cull deer in the UK with the .17HMR. As long as you practice and take careful shots it'd be fine, but check if it's legal where you are. Some states have cartridge minimums for 'roo.
Just add more safes until you have enough
I like .22 Hornet, and it would be eminently suitable for what you've suggested. But I think they can be finicky to get them shooting really well. The Brno Fox Model 2 is a beautiful rifle. Yes, Hornet and .223 are quite different. The Hornet only shoots the lightest bullets - 35gn to about 50gn, the .223 shoots the light bullets as well, but also up to 80gn or more for larger game. The .223 also adds 1000fps to the bullet - about 2900fps and 3900fps for a 35gn bullet in both cartridges.
Reloading is not about cost of ammo, it's about flexibility and allows you to get maximum versatility and performance out of your firearms.
can you post a link to show culling deer legally in the UK with a 17HMR
here is what I have been able to find about UK deer hunting law https://basc.org.uk/cop/deer-stalking/
Gaznazdiak wrote:Islander7 wrote:Gaznazdiak wrote:
Something nobody seems to have yet asked, at least I haven't:
Islander, how big is the farm on which you are planning to use your new rifle?
That might be your limiting factor.
A .223 is not going to be welcomed by the neighbours on a 5 acre block.
It's a 100+ acres block, however the shape and terrain of it means that I will be 'hunting' mostly on 25acres, in the area that is about 350-400m to neighbouring houses. .223 Noise is not big issue, however if I can keep it down, it would be great for everybody..
100 acres is not too small for a .223, but with your neighbours under 400m away, please bear in mind that some of us hunt with the .223 at that range and longer, I don't want to kick sand in your dinner, but remember also that the 5.56mm round was designed to bring down a human out to 600m, so we are talking serious terminal ballistics from that small projectile.
All things to consider. And safety can't be overthought.
Except in the case of bloody onion rings at Bunnings.
bigfellascott wrote:marksman wrote:bladeracer wrote:Islander7 wrote:Gaznazdiak, the biggest non-sheep will be wallaby or forester (eastern grey) kangaroo. Will 17wsm be fine for that, if I do my bit? (I'm after for as humane kill as possible, don't want them to suffer).
Tassie, too late mate, already bought a small 4 gun safe (that will fit max 2 guns I believe)
Also, bladeracer mentioned .22 hornet. Being centrefire calibre is much different from .223? Worth considering at all?
Not going to reload, only factoey-made ammo. Cost of ammo is least of my concerns at this stage
Thanks everyone, heading to the 'Rimfire' section of the forum to do further research then
I don't shoot wallaby or 'roo, but they cull deer in the UK with the .17HMR. As long as you practice and take careful shots it'd be fine, but check if it's legal where you are. Some states have cartridge minimums for 'roo.
Just add more safes until you have enough
I like .22 Hornet, and it would be eminently suitable for what you've suggested. But I think they can be finicky to get them shooting really well. The Brno Fox Model 2 is a beautiful rifle. Yes, Hornet and .223 are quite different. The Hornet only shoots the lightest bullets - 35gn to about 50gn, the .223 shoots the light bullets as well, but also up to 80gn or more for larger game. The .223 also adds 1000fps to the bullet - about 2900fps and 3900fps for a 35gn bullet in both cartridges.
Reloading is not about cost of ammo, it's about flexibility and allows you to get maximum versatility and performance out of your firearms.
can you post a link to show culling deer legally in the UK with a 17HMR
here is what I have been able to find about UK deer hunting law https://basc.org.uk/cop/deer-stalking/
Who cares, it's irrelevant to this particular situation, to the OP, just buy the 223 and a 22 that will take care of your needs, no need to overcomplicate things - trust me they will sort all of your needs out fine.
bigfellascott wrote:Your only confusing the poor bugger with all that waffle. Pretty much anything can kill a human at certain ranges, knives up close, cars, doctors etc etc, why even bring it up, I'm sure he's been told the basics when he did his test so why over complicate the whole process, all he has to remember is be aware of where his neighbours places are and to check the background behind the target before he sends one down range, bloody hell a 22 has a range of 2km or more so should we all just stick to that to kill everything from a rabbit to a buff?
TassieTiger wrote:Geez...can this reach 10 pages lol.
I’ll add my agreement to the bulk.
Buy a varmint barrel 223 with a really good quality scope 4-18 or 6-20 and buy a known .22 with a 3-9 or 4-12 scope.
I have a .22 in Bruno cz452 or cz455 (can’t recsll now but it’s small and light) and I’ve an old norinco .22 - they both shoot great / similar.
You will learn more than you can possibly ask by getting out there with a heap of ammo and just shooting 2 x firearms.
TassieTiger wrote:Geez...can this reach 10 pages lol.
I’ll add my agreement to the bulk.
Buy a varmint barrel 223 with a really good quality scope 4-18 or 6-20 and buy a known .22 with a 3-9 or 4-12 scope.
I have a .22 in Bruno cz452 or cz455 (can’t recsll now but it’s small and light) and I’ve an old norinco .22 - they both shoot great / similar.
You will learn more than you can possibly ask by getting out there with a heap of ammo and just shooting 2 x firearms.
TassieTiger wrote:Obviously just my op.
If your starting out - you don’t know what scope will best suit you, because you don’t necessarily know (understand) what your hunting situation will be...
I have a fixed leopold hunting scope that is 6 x and it’s great for what it is - but it’s definitive capabilities are very much locked in and I wouldn’t take a headshot much beyond 120m with it and it’s useless inside 50m That gives me a 70m range for a dedicated hunting scope (fixed power). Again - perfect, if I know exactly what I’m going to be encountering day in / day out.
A variable scope is more than likely to sit on the one magnification 90% of the time - but it’s bloody great to have the flexibility when you need it and if your getting a bit older, eyes aren’t what they used to be, a 18 x or thereabouts at 250m = perfect for bunny headshots, which sounds similar to what ops situation might be. It’s the Flexibility that I enjoy from a variable - the few days a year that I do enjoy target shooting for fun - i can wind up the power and still do that to a degree as well. I do agree with reticle being kept simple - busy reticle can be confusing and obscure vision - I like a simple and thin cross hair, I’ll work out my own drop compensation or not take the shot thsnks.
I’ve seen a few (amazing) rabbit shooters on here, range a Warren at say 200- 300m and then dial in and plink away. They have bulk time because of the distance involved - often the fellow bunnies don’t even move when their brother decides to lie down. Others are getting one shot off at rabbits at 60-100m before the rest scatter...if you know what x power on your scope works at what range - it takes less than a second to adjust it and enjoy best of both worlds...and with that in mind - (for sale - an exc condition Leupold M8 6 x, orig box, user manual, etc..pm if interested).
JimTom wrote:I have the 6-18x50 Meopta mate and I like it. It is on a 6.5CM, I just have a 3-9x40 3500 Bushnell Elite on my .223.
bigrich wrote:
it would be a damn good idea to have a gun shop with a range where you could test drive before you buy. sure as this exists in the US, but i haven't heard of any out here . probably WAAAAAY too much red tape with the fuzz . testing second hand if you can is a good idea as it's a lucky dip at times. i've bought some awesome firearms second hand, but i've had the odd lemon too
Uber_petey wrote:TassieTiger wrote:Obviously just my op.
If your starting out - you don’t know what scope will best suit you, because you don’t necessarily know (understand) what your hunting situation will be...
I have a fixed leopold hunting scope that is 6 x and it’s great for what it is - but it’s definitive capabilities are very much locked in and I wouldn’t take a headshot much beyond 120m with it and it’s useless inside 50m That gives me a 70m range for a dedicated hunting scope (fixed power). Again - perfect, if I know exactly what I’m going to be encountering day in / day out.
A variable scope is more than likely to sit on the one magnification 90% of the time - but it’s bloody great to have the flexibility when you need it and if your getting a bit older, eyes aren’t what they used to be, a 18 x or thereabouts at 250m = perfect for bunny headshots, which sounds similar to what ops situation might be. It’s the Flexibility that I enjoy from a variable - the few days a year that I do enjoy target shooting for fun - i can wind up the power and still do that to a degree as well. I do agree with reticle being kept simple - busy reticle can be confusing and obscure vision - I like a simple and thin cross hair, I’ll work out my own drop compensation or not take the shot thsnks.
I’ve seen a few (amazing) rabbit shooters on here, range a Warren at say 200- 300m and then dial in and plink away. They have bulk time because of the distance involved - often the fellow bunnies don’t even move when their brother decides to lie down. Others are getting one shot off at rabbits at 60-100m before the rest scatter...if you know what x power on your scope works at what range - it takes less than a second to adjust it and enjoy best of both worlds...and with that in mind - (for sale - an exc condition Leupold M8 6 x, orig box, user manual, etc..pm if interested).
Choosing a scope is a nightmare imho. I have just bought a varmint Howa 223(first and only rifle)… no scope on it yet coz I can't decide. People I know rave about the 6-18x50 meopta, and I'm actually considering that particular optic. The larger mag will be good for the range which in reality is where I will begin spending most of my time with the rifle. But the minimum magnification if 6x makes me nervous about slightly closer range hunting work. There are too many choices out there I think. I have no issue spending some coin, just want something I'll enjoy and cover some hunting and some range mucking around.
Uber_petey wrote:JimTom wrote:I have the 6-18x50 Meopta mate and I like it. It is on a 6.5CM, I just have a 3-9x40 3500 Bushnell Elite on my .223.
Nice. Have you ever considered putting a meopta on the 223? Or is the 3-9 plenty for your needs?
Uber_petey wrote:
Choosing a scope is a nightmare imho. I have just bought a varmint Howa 223(first and only rifle)… no scope on it yet coz I can't decide. People I know rave about the 6-18x50 meopta, and I'm actually considering that particular optic. The larger mag will be good for the range which in reality is where I will begin spending most of my time with the rifle. But the minimum magnification if 6x makes me nervous about slightly closer range hunting work. There are too many choices out there I think. I have no issue spending some coin, just want something I'll enjoy and cover some hunting and some range mucking around.
bigfellascott wrote:Uber_petey wrote:TassieTiger wrote:Obviously just my op.
If your starting out - you don’t know what scope will best suit you, because you don’t necessarily know (understand) what your hunting situation will be...
I have a fixed leopold hunting scope that is 6 x and it’s great for what it is - but it’s definitive capabilities are very much locked in and I wouldn’t take a headshot much beyond 120m with it and it’s useless inside 50m That gives me a 70m range for a dedicated hunting scope (fixed power). Again - perfect, if I know exactly what I’m going to be encountering day in / day out.
A variable scope is more than likely to sit on the one magnification 90% of the time - but it’s bloody great to have the flexibility when you need it and if your getting a bit older, eyes aren’t what they used to be, a 18 x or thereabouts at 250m = perfect for bunny headshots, which sounds similar to what ops situation might be. It’s the Flexibility that I enjoy from a variable - the few days a year that I do enjoy target shooting for fun - i can wind up the power and still do that to a degree as well. I do agree with reticle being kept simple - busy reticle can be confusing and obscure vision - I like a simple and thin cross hair, I’ll work out my own drop compensation or not take the shot thsnks.
I’ve seen a few (amazing) rabbit shooters on here, range a Warren at say 200- 300m and then dial in and plink away. They have bulk time because of the distance involved - often the fellow bunnies don’t even move when their brother decides to lie down. Others are getting one shot off at rabbits at 60-100m before the rest scatter...if you know what x power on your scope works at what range - it takes less than a second to adjust it and enjoy best of both worlds...and with that in mind - (for sale - an exc condition Leupold M8 6 x, orig box, user manual, etc..pm if interested).
Choosing a scope is a nightmare imho. I have just bought a varmint Howa 223(first and only rifle)… no scope on it yet coz I can't decide. People I know rave about the 6-18x50 meopta, and I'm actually considering that particular optic. The larger mag will be good for the range which in reality is where I will begin spending most of my time with the rifle. But the minimum magnification if 6x makes me nervous about slightly closer range hunting work. There are too many choices out there I think. I have no issue spending some coin, just want something I'll enjoy and cover some hunting and some range mucking around.
Why would the 6x mag make you nervous at close ranges? and what do you consider close range?
SCJ429 wrote:Uber_petey wrote:
Choosing a scope is a nightmare imho. I have just bought a varmint Howa 223(first and only rifle)… no scope on it yet coz I can't decide. People I know rave about the 6-18x50 meopta, and I'm actually considering that particular optic. The larger mag will be good for the range which in reality is where I will begin spending most of my time with the rifle. But the minimum magnification if 6x makes me nervous about slightly closer range hunting work. There are too many choices out there I think. I have no issue spending some coin, just want something I'll enjoy and cover some hunting and some range mucking around.
Choosing a scope is simple, just don't over complicate things. If you have $150 to spend then get a Bushnell, if you have $3,000 then get a Nightforce. As far as magnification goes for general hunting goes you will be walking around with minimal magnification but when you are set up for varminting you want to wind it up. Try 6 to 20 or 8 to 25.
pomemax wrote: I also have 3 223 rifles 1 is a Tikka Hunter , 2 Is a Rugger M77 mark II, 3 is a Omark 44.( I built that One still in progress)
I also have .22 Hornet .22wm 17wsm and quite a few others I do shoot a bit .
pomemax wrote: Personally if I were in your shoes I would think about getting a good quality .22 you can shoot rabbits all day long dispatch a sheep when needed and learn to shoot see if you like to shoot