RIMFIRES RIMFIRES RIMFIRES

Recently been getting a little nostalgic and pulling the rimfires out of the gun safe again. Specifically a Marlin bolt action model 8821 in .22 Mag fitted with a Nikon 2X7X32 Prostaff scope. The gun seems to have a perference for CCI 40 grain maxi mag JHP loads. It shoots just at or slightly under one inch off the bench at 100 yards for 3 shot groups. The same 40 grain HP in Federal persuasion do not do nearly as well, running around 1.5 inches on average. The gun shot well enough though that it has spoiled me from wanting a .17 HMR (at least temporarily). I really liked the looks of the newer Savage .17HMR with the accu-trigger and understand from what is in print and talking to other shooters, that this rifle is a tack driver. For crows, woodchucks etc. the .17 HMR seems to be the ticket where noise reduction is an issue or where there are housing developments on what used to be farm land (when you were a kid). I do have reservations however about the 17 grain bullets and wind drift. I believe that for the occasional coyote under 75 yards, the .22 mag is a more effective choice. I decided though after a few range sessions with the Marlin .22 Mag that for my purposes , I could reach out a little farther with authority on a big woodchuck etc. If I lived in the west and mainly hunted smaller varmits, the .17 HMR might get the nod.

I have no issue with the .17HMR. Who knows, I may buy one at some point. Right now, between the Ruger 10/22 with the stinger load, the .22 mag and the Savage .243, I pretty much have the varmint field covered. The .22 mag is a lot of fun and it shoots so well, I am having an after market adjustable trigger installed in it which will make it even more fun to shoot. I am also following the re-incarnated 5MM rimfire that Aguila has recently began making ammunition for again. I almost purchased one of these back in 1970 and if it takes off like I think it will, I may pick one of these up later on instead of the .17HMR. One of life's little regrets is letting a Sako .222 Rem go a few years ago. Not one of my brighter moments as that gun was perhaps the most accurate rifle I ever owned. The .222 has somewhat faded from the scene thanks in part to the .223, however if you handload and can find one, it is still a very effective varmint gun out to 250 yards plus. The .22 mag in the interim is definitely here to stay and ammunition is readily available at a good price.

Dan
www.deer-hunting-information.com

Acts 1:11..........Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven"