I am on the verge of purchasing a new Cooper Arms rifle. I am an intermediate reloader and small varmint hunter, and am attracted to the .17 and .20, both based upon the .221 Fireball. I would appreciate opinions on which caliber to order, considering that I will be shooting ground squirrels and PDs, but would hope the rifle can also be used effectively if a coyote wanders onto the scene.
I know that the muzzle velocity of the .17 is greater than that of the .20, but my concern is that of reloading difficulties that would make the .17 a PITA vs. reloading the .20,or vice versa), a tendency of either cartridge to lose velocity more than the other,i.e., which one generally has the greater B.C.), availability of bullets, etc. I know that dies, etc., are available for each caliber.
I have read that there is a tendency for shooters to purchase calibers that deliver a higher muzzle velocity,the .204 Rugers, Tact 20s, etc.), but I am attracted to the smaller cased variety because I am well familiar with barrel heat, plus I have read that there is less throat erosion with the .221 Fireball-based cartridges and that the barrels do not foul as much....in general. I now shoot a Remington .222 40XBBR and a Darrell Holland-built .22-250.
Which of these two rifles,.17 Mach IV or .20VT) would you choose, and why?
I know that the muzzle velocity of the .17 is greater than that of the .20, but my concern is that of reloading difficulties that would make the .17 a PITA vs. reloading the .20,or vice versa), a tendency of either cartridge to lose velocity more than the other,i.e., which one generally has the greater B.C.), availability of bullets, etc. I know that dies, etc., are available for each caliber.
I have read that there is a tendency for shooters to purchase calibers that deliver a higher muzzle velocity,the .204 Rugers, Tact 20s, etc.), but I am attracted to the smaller cased variety because I am well familiar with barrel heat, plus I have read that there is less throat erosion with the .221 Fireball-based cartridges and that the barrels do not foul as much....in general. I now shoot a Remington .222 40XBBR and a Darrell Holland-built .22-250.
Which of these two rifles,.17 Mach IV or .20VT) would you choose, and why?
