Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Ruger 77/357 or CZ 527 ML - 223

Hi folks!
I have hard time to sell my beloved CZ 452 zkm in 22 WMR. I love it, use it for small game hunting - birds, rabbits, small predators. But quality round like RWS SP are selling now for 0.70 usd - 70 cents. Even CCI Gamepoit, who I prefer for medium birds hunting is now selling for 0.45usd.
So I decide to ssell it and buy center fire rifle, because I reload. I need it for small game, bird (partridge, pheasant) and small predator - foxes hunting. Ranges are from 20m to about 150-250 meters.
I have Ruger GP 100q 4" barrel who love and use for back up when hunting, and think to buy Ruger 77/357. I know how to reload 38 spec/357 mag, have brass and dies, recipes and all I need to reload it. But here, in Bulgaria 77/357 is about 1000 usd! Then I look to CZ 527 Lux - 223 rem. Prize is 700 usd. I know that 223 is some over power for my needs, but I think to download it - velocity about 2200-2300 fps. I can use it with full power ammo if need to reach predator - coyote or roe deer in greater range.
If I think only for rifle then CZ 527 is more rifle than 77/357, but will be nice to have rifle with same ammo like my GP 100.

So I need your adwise - wich one to buy?
Keep in mind that I have left scope from my cz 452. It is Meopta meopro 4-12x50 with BDC scale wich I love. So I hope to use this scope with my new center fire rifle.
Thanks!

.223, without reservations. But I must admit my prejudice against bolt action rifles for handgun calibers.

I find the .223 useful and have three versions: a TC Contender single shot, a Ruger Mini-14 semi-automatic, and a CZ 527.



Here, the 527 comes in three or four versions. I bought the light varmint, but if I had it to do over, I would have gone with the Lux or the American sporter.

I don't think there would be a problem loading the 223 with lighter bullets at lower velocity. I have not done it because I use a .218 Bee for lighter loading.

Best wishes,

Jack

Thanks a lot for answer Jack!
My personal preferences are for CZ 527. A time ago I saw CZ 527 Exclusive Ebony in 223 and fall in love! Prize here is about 1000 usd!

.223 for certain, if it's legal for the roebuck in your country and legal or you to own guns chambered for military rounds.

I don't know what powders are available to you, but there are a number that will let you make up .22 and .22 Magnum-level loads for the small stuff.

I'm a huge fan of the 77/357. I have two of them. However, for what you want to use it for, I like the .223. the CZ 527 is a nice little gun.

.223...MUCH more versatile

Think the CZ in 223 would fit the bill nicely. That 527 Ebony you mentioned sure sounds nice.

Did you sell the cz452?

If not I'm in the market for another 452 and a 22mag would be great

I am looking at a CZ 527 carbine in 22 Hornet. Fine rifle gun!

So, I'm a huge .35 fan....from 357 on up. However, the mag and throat length in that 357/77 are gonna limit you getting true versatility and the most rifle performance from the 357 mag. The 223 and stout softpoints is the more versatile rig, and has a better performance window on medium game, period. If we were talking 357 Maximum, maybe a different story...but get the 223 here. JMO

Bottle neck subloads can be tricky, but the .223 has had a lot of such load developement, I've seen at least one load article recently. If appropriate components are available go for the CZ.

223 is legal for roe here, and our military rounds are 7,62X39 and 7,62X54.
Available powders are from Hodgon, Imr, Winchester, Ramshot, Vihta, ReloadSwiss, Lovex (similiar to accurate powders), and some serbian military powders.

Yes I sold it. But I do not live in US, so may be it will be hard to sell it from EU to USA.

Thanks for all replays!
I will take cz 527 in 223.
223 ammo is wide available here - hunting ammo from quality makers, some russian barnaul, serbian ppu are too on market.
I think about 22 hornet. Do not have experience with it. Read that is more difficult to reload. Here in Bulgaria cz rifles - 527 in 223 and 22 hornet are same prize. But for 223 in one of largest gunshop in my town have more than 50 kinds of ammo, for 22 hornet are only 2-3 kinds. One of top quality ammo here are this from RWS. RWS 223 (RWS .223 Rem. 55gr)is about 0.95usd.
RWS .22 HORNET TM is about 1.35 usd.
Cheap PPU are about 0.54 usd for 22 hornet and for 223 rem.
Can you give me advise - What twist rate is better for 223 reduced loads - 1:12 or 1:9?
When say reduced load I mean about 2200-2400 fps. Not under 2200.
Sorry for my bad English language.

Stay with the 1:9 and even faster twist, if possible. 1:12 will have issues stabilizing heavier than 55gr.

Thanks! I will stay with the 1:9!

Well, I buy it!

And today shoot with her.
Scope is Meopta meopro 4-12x50
Like a lot of ammo in 55 gr range.
Here are groups with GECO .223 REM. EXPRESS 56 GR

If you want or need longer range go for the .223. I have never tried a .357 in a rifle, but have a .44 Mag in a 24" Marlin. It is a completely different animal in a rifle as compared to the same round and load in a pistol.

Great choice, I have a 527 carbine in 7.62x39 and it's a dandy little rifle!