Bolt Action 17hmr or 7.62x39 for plinking?

[Last Resort]

The title says it all. I'm looking for a new bolt action rifle for cheap plinking at the range out to 200-300 yards. I already have a 22lr, and I'm looking for a round that can reach out to 300 yards (wind drift, etc. is ok). Cost is also a MAJOR factor, for both the rifle and ammunition. I've had my eyes on the CZ 527 rifle for sometime now, as it is a fine bolt action chambered in 7.62x39. Ammo for it will be cheap and plentiful, however the rifle costs over $600. I've found a variety of decent bolt action rifles chambered in 17hmr in the 300 dollar range, and 17hmr ammo appears to be very close to 7.62x39 in price. What say you guys?

[red dog]

for the distances you are listing i would go with the 7.63x39. but keep in mind cheap 7.62x39 ammo is not going to be all that at those distances either. if you want accurate shooting at those distances another caliber is needed imo.

[Last Resort]

for the distances you are listing i would go with the 7.63x39. but keep in mind cheap 7.62x39 ammo is not going to be all that at those distances either. if you want accurate shooting at those distances another caliber is needed imo.

What are your thoughts on using a bolt action 223 at those distances?

[ByAnyMeans]

What are your thoughts on using a bolt action 223 at those distances?

.223 will be more accurate at those ranges, but this has more to do with the quality of the ammo available for the .223 compared to the cheap com-block 7.62x39.


My suggestion is to look for a used CZ or if you can an even cheaper rifle and get a reloading system. This will make .223/.308/30-06 all cheaper than any commercial ammo even the com-block 7.62x39. It also allows you to tailor your load to the range and rifle. Heck even a Savage 200 or Edge shoots under an inch MOA at 100 yard if you can and feed it ammo it likes.

[spblademaker]

Two thumbs-up for the .223 as well.

[smitty56]

If I were you, I would pick up a .223 caliber Remington 700 Varmint bolt action from Dicks Sporting Goods for less than $500 since I think they are still on sale. .223 is very common and easy to reload. Win-Win. Save all your brass, pick up all the range brass you can because sooner or later, you will have some kind of AR also.
Smitty56

[rovert97]

I'd vote for .223 as well. Cheap enough that a 100 value pack of American eagle should last a few outings. With 55gr hornady v-max varmint ammo, I was able to get a sub 1/2 inch 3 shot group at 100 with my savage axis sporting a centerpoint 4-16 scope, a bipod and my fist as support in the rear. And that's with the heavy trigger on the Axis. One other thing, cleaning the gun is easy. If you already have a .22lr and a boresnake, that same boresnake will work in the .223.

[Neko456]

If you already have a Mini 30 say SKS or AK-47 I'd go with the 7.69x39 but I hear bolt action in M30 are not many and expensive when found.

So I'd say go with the 17hmr there are some very reasonable price bolt actions by Marlin and Savage that shoot that round well and at fairly long distance.

I usually choice center fire over rim fire but the 17hmr is nice little round.

[red dog]

the .223/5.56 round is a excellent choice out to 300 yds. also you have .222, 22-250 .220 swift. these are all comfortable shooters as well as known for there inherent accuracy. the above are also affordable especially if you reload.

[CBennett]

something else. id go .223