Need some advice on woodchuck rifle

fishman · Apr 26, 2004

No, unfortunately that is way to far for the 17 HMR. It is at best a 200 yard gun. Wind drift at that range would make center hits challenging to say the least. While it is a neat caliber, it is in no way shape or form a 22 centerfire.

I think you already have the gun. Just get the appropriate ammo and a good scope and shoot it. As an added benefit, you'll get a lot more comfortable and accurate with a rifle that you can take deer hunting.

fishman · Apr 26, 2004

I just re-read your post and you mention shooting around the dairy cows. I wouldn't recommend shooting any rifle in the vicinity of cattle. Not only are they expensive, but it just isn't right to scare the heck out of them. You'll have to get closer to bag a woodchuck with the 17 rimfire, probably 150 yards in reality.

Robert_in_NY · Apr 26, 2004

Only way I can take that rifle deer hunting is if I find a state that allows it. It is a Browning Bar II safari. I got it for around $300 brand new and could not pass it up. I think I will try to set up the 270 then. Any idea where to get some varmit rounds as most of the gun dealers around here don't carry much rifle ammo as you can't use them for big game in a lot of NY (like my area).

Robert_in_NY · Apr 26, 2004

I know about shooting around them that is why I have to wait till they are in the barn during milking. We have not let these out to pasture yet but will by next weekend so I will continue to smoke bomb them as I go thru the fields and pick off the rest when I can (that is when the cows and the woodchucks schedules work out for me). Also, I will still have the 22 on the tractor so if I am out in the field I can take care of them given the chance.

gsganzer · Apr 26, 2004

I believe in never being under-gunned. A 470 Nitro Express double rifle would be just the ticket for those pesky critters. You won't need to hit 'em. The shock wave should be enough to make them move out. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Seriously, your .270 with light bullets should be fine topped with good glass. Or if the wife is letting you open the wallet a .223 or .22-250 is hard to beat for varmint.

I've been pretty impressed with the low end german optics (Zeiss Conquest or Swarovski (Kahles). You can buy these for comparable money as the Leupold Vari-X III or LPS.

JimR · Apr 26, 2004

( I know how much it cost!!!!

I used to shoot one (without scope) in Highpower National Matches.
200, 300 and 600 yards. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
1000 yard fun shoots! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

I wish I had a 300, 600 and 1000 yard range near me so I could have some fun too. The nearest 600 is a 2 hour drive. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

JJT · Apr 26, 2004

Robert, Your state allows rifles, you just have to head north. You live in the southern zone, (south of rt 29) and that's limited to shotgun. JT

Robert_in_NY · Apr 26, 2004

I know, that is why I said My area doesn't. However, I do not think NY allows the semi automatics like the BAR. I live quite a ways away from rifle country (actually I could hunt with rifle just by heading 40 miles south down to PA).

Deerlope · Apr 26, 2004

try a Rem 700 in 25-06 with an 87 gr Sierra spitzer. It bucks wind really well. The fun starts past 300 yards.

Hank · Apr 27, 2004

I used to shoot one (without scope) in Highpower National Matches.
200, 300 and 600 yards 

When I lived in the DC area, years ago I used to ride the bus with and chat with a member of the Army's competition rifle team (forget the exact name of that). I believe he said they shot competition out to 1,000 yards (maybe even beyond?).

Well, I knew the answer ahead of time, but joking with him I said "open sights, right". His response was "anyone can hit it with a scope" /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif