Rifle Choices

Question
Hi Rod: Me again and this is the last round of questions cause I don't want to be a pain.I shoot at the range only and go for accuracy as fun. Have my Rem.700.243 which will get a scope. Likely concentrate from 50 yds to 200 max. Drooling over the Rem.BDL700 w/walnut stock in .223,a drop down dead gorgeous gun.Own an old Rem.22 pump rimfire.22LR(not made anymore,probably can't fit a scope)Considering a rimfire to round out arsenal.Shot stepson's Rem. 22LR auto.Fun! Looking at rimfire in bolt action.22Mag and.17HMR appear close in the range I'm going to shoot. If you were me and considering these calibers, what would you choose ? Trying to learn all I can, thankyou for the advice..............Glenn  

Answer
Howdy Glenn,

You are NOT being a pain. Repeat business is a good thing and I'm happy to assist.

The choices are tough, I admit. The 17 has better velocity and a bit better accuracy. The .22 mag has a heavier bullet so will buck the breezes better.

I suppose I'd go for the 17 just for the challenge. Wind can be overcome via the brain. Read the wind and do your best to compensate. That's how benchrest shooters can put 5 rounds into a hole not much larger than their bullet's diameter.

Just a bit of advice: Though the gun won't look nearly as good, the Rem 700VS .223 will outshoot the sporter model on any day of the week. Beauty is good, and of course that decision is yours, but if it's accuracy you want, the VS is the choice.

TTYL! -Rod-