CZ 455 Varmint... Should I buy a .22 LR or .17 HMR?

[Mr.Cip]

I'm in the market for a highly accurate rim fire rifle. I'm seriously considering the CZ 455 Varmint. But I am undecided on .22 LR or .17 HMR.
The high cost of .17 ammo worth it?


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[Canucky]

Accurate, go with the 17. Fun little round.

[RookieShooter]

I have a CZ 455 American Combo in .22LR, .17 HMR, and .22 WMR barrels.
Just swap out the barrel with a torq wrench and you're set to go.

[Mr.Cip]

I have a CZ 455 American Combo in .22LR, .17 HMR, and .22 WMR barrels.
Just swap out the barrel with a torq wrench and you're set to go.

I was attracted to the heavy barrel of the Varmint as compared to the tapered barrel of the American. Is there a significant difference in accuracy?

[FeuerFrei]

I have a 452 American in 17 hmr and accuracy is scary good.
Many a ground squirrel has met their demise because of it.

*Cheaper than shooting them with a 223/556 and ears are optional with a 17 IMO.

[helpfuljack]

Ammo costs 2-3x as much if you go with .17hmr, so if you're going to be doing a lot of plinking, a .22 may be the way to go.

[speedrrracer]

If you're buying the same quality ammo, the caliber won't determine the accuracy, assuming a reasonable distance for both calibers.

Having said that, I find 17 to be easier to shoot. It's got a really flat trajectory compared to 22, which I like.

The two calibers tend to have similar BCs, so assuming that holds for your particular choices, the greater velocity of the 17 means it will experience less wind drift, which also makes your life as a shooter easier.

[bcsquare]

I've got the CZ 455 Varmint in 22 LR. I would suggest just getting it in 22 and purchasing the 17HMR barrel if you really want it. They can be had for a reasonable price in forums and Gunbroker. The ability to change barrels is a key feature when CZ went from the 452 to 455.

The American is nice, more of a classic hunting style rifle. I personally didn't see an accuracy difference in the barrels when I checked them out. I went with the Varmint based on aesthetics and the heavier weight. Otherwise ammo choice would be the biggest factor in accuracy aside from the shooter.

[Teachu2]

I was attracted to the heavy barrel of the Varmint as compared to the tapered barrel of the American. Is there a significant difference in accuracy?

Bud's has the spare Varmint barrels w/mag and tool kit in stock for $134. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...G+%26+TOOL+KIT
The .22lr 455V is $426. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...22+Walnut+Blue

$560 for both....

[Mr.Cip]

Thank you all... I think I'm going go ahead and get the CZ 455 Varmint as a .22, and as someone suggested to get the .17 barrel later if I felt it necessary.
Anyone have experience with the Lilja barrels?


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[MarikinaMan]

I have the American. I plan to hunt rabbits with mine and the lighter weight is an attraction. If I were to lug around a Varmint, I might as well carry a lighter 308 The accuracy is really good as well.


Hunerd yards using a Nikon 2-7 with no parallax adjustment

[cusco19]

I was attracted to the heavy barrel of the Varmint as compared to the tapered barrel of the American. Is there a significant difference in accuracy?

i have both and no.. no difference in accuracy. and i do find my 455s LOVE LOVE LOVE Norma Tac22 ammo. but be warned it does get boring to shoot after awhile...

I have the American. I plan to hunt rabbits with mine and the weight is an attraction. The accuracy is really good as well.

where do you go to hunt rabbits? i heard hunting in CA need to use unleaded bullets or something? that's what i wanna do with my 455 american.

[damon1272]

The difference between 17 and 22 is that 17 has been available and the price has not doubled in the last few years can't say the same about 22. Get the 17. Longer range, accurate and fun to shoot.

[Teachu2]

The difference between 17 and 22 is that 17 has been available and the price has not doubled in the last few years can't say the same about 22. Get the 17. Longer range, accurate and fun to shoot.

Unless you need shorter, quieter shooting. I shoot .22lr standard velocity in my backyard without disturbing the neighbors (we're on 5ac lots) but I don't do much .17 at home - and call the neighbors first on anything above .22lr. Longest clear shot with good backstop is under 80 yards.