Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Predators and Varmints Which fireball to get???

I currently have a 22 hornet and 223 but had planned to get a 221 fireball that will basically replace both. The "go to" rifle if you will. Now I'm really tempted to go with the 17 fireball. For those who have had both, help me out. Less noise and recoil of the 223 but more range than the hornet are my goals.

Expected use will be for coyotes and prairie dogs out to 200 yards, maybe 300 rarely. Winds in the 10-15mph range most days.

The rifles I'm looking at are the CZ 527 for the 221 and a remington model 7 or 700 in 17 fireball. I had planned to get a cooper, but honestly I need the extra shots of a magazine rifle. Something about coyotes on the move makes me miss the first shot more than anything else I hunt. The hornet will be going, but I will keep the 223.

Sir: I have a Rem 700 Varmint Barrel rechambered by a gunsmith with less than 200 rds through it, with brass and ammo I can set you up with.

221 Fireball

I've never shot a 17 fireball, but do own a 221 fireball in a Rem 700 LSV, and a 20 VT (20 fireball) in a cooper. I'm not sure I'd go after coyotes with a 17. I am sure it will do the job, but I like a little heavier bullet. If ground squirrels, crows and other varmints are on the menu then either one would do a great job.

I'd go with the .17 in the 700 action.

It will knock dogs on their ass and you will wonder how you ever lived without one.


Travis

Morning,
are you using your .17 Rem Deflave? for those dogs or a fireball?
I too, thought my .17 Fireball would be a little light at much distance.

Mine was a CDL 2007 limited before the different trigger and Ti got added.

wageslave,

I use a .17 Remington, but I've ran the 25 grainers at 3,800- 3,900fps a lot. They work great on dogs, gophers, PD's, woodchucks, and fox.

Either cartridge works great.


Travis

Sweet news.....Thanks.

I have a Sako custom in 221 FB and two Rem 700s in 17 FB. Both are great cartridges for PDs. I have shot coyotes with the 17s, but they are marginal in my view unless you have easy broad side shots.
I have shot coyotes with the 221 also and think it's better for that size of animal. You can't go wrong here, but if you are doing much coyote shooting, I would go with the 221.

Between the two for a go to rifle I would definately get the .221 FB. I have two, both Remington 700's. A LS and LVSF. A very economical round.

Nelson

You betcha.


Travis

i think you'd be happy with either choices.

is the .223 you're keeping in a profile that would serve well as a calling rifle (not a heavy/dedicated bench gun with huge glass) that would do well offhand?

if the .223 could handle the predator needs, i might lean towards the 17FB, just for the fun factor. it really is a hoot.

that being said, i had to have a pair of rifles in 221 to go along with my 17Fb & a handfull of .223's, just because i like the 221 quite a bit.

just get 'em all, that way you know you're covered.