What's the buzz with 17 HMR?

[karodger]

I'm looking at getting rid of my second 22 for a new gun and found the 17HMR interesting. What's the big deal? What are the best uses? If so what brands and ammo are most reliable and the best value? I'm only looking for bolt action guns. Thanks!

[standeford]

Fun for small varmint hunting as it shoot flatter than flat. Ammo is more expensive than 22LR, on par with 22 Mag. Bullet selection has gotten a lot better in the last couple of years.

[SouthBendIN]

Whats the range on the 17 vs. the .22? Also does the .22 "penetrate" better than the .17 or is it the other way around? I find the .17 interesting too but I have no experience with it.

[target64]

The 17HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire)is a good varmit round IMHO.The 17grV-max runs out at 2550 FPS with the muzzle energy at 245 FT-LBS

The 17HMR does much more damage to small game compared to a 22lr. So take that into consideration if you plan on hunting for food, and not just varmit controll.

The round is capable of dispatching small game/varmits well beyond 100yds. They are adequate on yotes...at short ranges, but might require a follow up shot.

I have a Savage 9317HMR bolt action rifle. It is a joy to shoot, but more expensive than the 10/22.

[target64]

Concerning the 17 HMR ammo,I pulled this from another site.

***CCI, Federal, Winchester, Remington and Hornady all loaded here at CCI in Lewiston, Idaho with a V-max bullet are identical, with the exception of tip color. Manufactured on the same equip, to the same ballistic specs, using the same components other than color of the tip of the bullets. Obviously the shellcase 'head stamp' and packaging would be different on the various products. ***

Linda Olin
CCI/Speer Technical Services
2299 Snake River Ave.
Lewiston, ID 83501
.

[karodger]

Awesome info thanks! What about choices of guns? I've looked at the savage a little but what other options do I have? Price isn't really an issue.

[OneBadV8]

Savage, Marlin are the big ones and I think H&R makes a single shot.

Magnum Research makes a semi-auto version based on the 10/22 style action and receiver.

[indykid]

I have a Ruger 77/17 and love it. An unbelieveable tack driver. You also can't go wrong with either the Henry, Savage, or Marlin. All great rifles. The best bet would be to try to find a store with each, or do some driving around to find them, and see which one fits you best, or just calls your name!

[66chevelle]

I sighted my savage 17hmr in at 50 yards at first to make sure eveythring was good and it was on. At 100 yards I was 1/2" high with cci 20 grain. We did the same thing to my buddys savage when he got it to see if it was the same and it was. His seems to like the 17 grain better then the 20 grain.

[DRob]

The HMR is a great little round. I have had several and they were all very accurate. Different brand guns all shooting the same round very accurately tells me the round itself is inherently accurate.

Take a look at a CZ before you buy. I have a scoped 452 Trainer in HMR. On a calm day, head shots at 100 yards on prairie dogs are easy.