CZ 457 varmint MTR + Meopta Meopro 3.5-10x44 RD test shooting was conducted in February 23 2019, by three different shooters.
The test shooting was carried out on the 100 meter outdoor range, using the Caldwell shooting rest. The weather for the test
day was overcast -1 °C, wind 2-4 m/s. The CZ 457 varmint MTR Rifle test was submitted by the CZ-weapons importer, Aseliike Remes.
Ammunition
Cartridge 1: .17 HMR Hornady V-Max (1,1 g / 17 gr)
Cartridge 2: .17 HMR Winchester Varmint HV (1,1 g / 17 gr)
Cartridge 3: .17 HMR Federal V-Shok (1,1 g / 17 gr)
Cartridge 4: .17 HMR CCI FMJ (1,3 g / 20 gr)
Cartridge 5: .17 HMR CCI Gamepoint (1,3 g / 20 gr)
Cartridge 6: .17 HMR CCI V-Max (1,1 g / 17 gr)
Test procedure
The test weapon and the ammunition functioned properly during the test. There were no misfires during the test. The test
shots were executed by shooting three shots with each ammunition type. The muzzle velocity was measured with the Labradar
projectiles velocity radar.
Test shooting – February 23, 2019
Weather: (-1 °C, 1011 hPA, 4 m/s, 99%)
Cartridge
Bullet
Factory
1727F
CZ 457
Min
Max
Avg
(g)
(m/s)
(m/s)
(m/s)
(mm)
(mm)
(mm)
- Hornady V-Max
1,1
777
824-830
814-823
24,53
32,32
28,87
- Winchester HV
1,1
777
801-813
720-737
33,77
45,38
37,22
- Federal V-Shok
1,1
771
785-812
787-797
27,55
46,52
36,05
- CCI FMJ
1,3
724
711-722
716-723
7,67
27,81
19,42
- CCI Gamepoint
1,3
724
767-783
741-744
16,11
30,17
23,32
- CCI V-Max
1,1
777
814-823
793-801
17,67
33,11
25,56
*) CZ 457 varmint MTR barrel length 525 mm
*) Anschütz 1727F barrel length 558 mm
Observations of the test results
On the basis of the test done using CZ 457 varmint MTR rifle .17 HMR barrel is best suited for CCI FMJ and CCI Gamepoint
cartridges, with bullet weight slightly higher and muzzle velocity slightly lower compared to other test cartridges. The
best grouping of the test was achieved with a CCI FMJ cartridge. The test groupings might have been slightly smaller,
unless the constantly varying 2-4 m/s side wind would have hindered the test shooting.
Bullet muzzle velocity comparison
Anschütz Mod. 1727F rifle (table point 1727F) was used as a control weapon when measuring the muzzle velocities. Anschütz
Mod 1727F rifle has a bit longer barrel than the CZ 457 rifle. With the CCI FMJ cartridge, the muzzle velocities were exactly
the same. Winchester Varmint HV cartridge had the highest muzzle velocity deviation. With a slightly longer barrel, Anschütz's,
muzzle velocities were about 60-70 m/s faster. As expected, when shooting a longer gun barrel with other ammunition, the speeds
were approximately 10-20 m/s higher.
Interesting observations!
It was a little surprising, that the bullet muzzle velocities with the CZ 457 rifle were greater than the muzzle velocities
announced by the factory. Winchester Varmint and CCI FMJ cartridges were exception.
It was also interesting that there were relatively large differences in the muzzle velocities of the bullets between the different
cartridges. For example, with the CCI Gamepoint cartridge, the muzzle velocity of the second production batch was up to 35-40 m/s,
from the corresponding cartridges of the second manufacturing batch. The cartridges in the second cartridge box had speeds of
741-744 m/s and a second box with cartridges of 728-771 m/s. Such deviations from the muzzle velocities will influence to any
weapon accuracy.
Attention
It should always be remembered, that the result of the shooting test is specific for test weapon. The suitability of different
manufacturers cartridges for the test weapon, has its own consequences (example bullet weight and shape, and output rate). The
magnitude of the human impact also varies slightly from one shooting series to the next one, especially when shooter using weapons
iron sights.