.17 HMR

[LePetomane]

Does anyone have any experience with a .17 HMR for target shooting? It looks like a good alternative to the .223 with all of the panic that is going on. Any thoughts?

[OldmanFCSA]

Makes small holes.

Good to 100, after 150 - wind causes many near misses.

[sgruenhagen44]

they are fun as hell. I'm far from an experienced rifle shooter but I did manage to shoot multiple rodents in the head at 100 yards with one. I felt like it was more accurate then a .22 but thats just me. The only lame part is that a lot of indoor ranges won't let ya shoot em.

[LePetomane]

Thanks. I was wondering about the indoor ranges allowing them. I'd be shooting it outside when the weather improves.

[xd ED]

For target shooting I prefer the 22lr. Even high quality match ammo is typically less expensive than 17HMR , and there's a far greater selection of ammo to experiment with in 22lr. Maybe for critters @ 100yds + the 17 would be better choice, but for the price of ammo nothing beats an afternoon on the 100 with a 22.

[LarryFlew]

Have not taken my poor little 22 out for couple of years since my 17 is now the family favorite.

[LePetomane]

I gave my .22 Browning to my daughter and am looking to replace it. We have a small place in Wyoming near a ranch where the owner will let you set up targets and shoot as long as one doesn't leave a mess. I use my Kimber .223 but with the ammo crisis will need an alternative. I'll probably pick up another .22 caliber.

[aht_six]

I've had a couple .17 HMR rifles. On a calm day with the right ammo, the Ruger 17/77 would shoot tiny groups, 5 shots under 3/4 inch at 100 yards. However, it didn't take too much wind adversely affect the accuracy. To maintain accuracy, the .17 also seemed to require cleaning much more often than .22 calibers.

My biggest disappoint with the .17 HMR was the terminal performance, I tried every available load on prairie dogs, I was not impressed.

[turbolesstom]

I use my Savage .17HMR for every type of varmint hunting. It is exceptionally accurate and deadly on most critters up to a coyote. Good shot placement is a must for yotes. Wind does have an effect on the 17, but I've killed many things with 15 mph wind. Prairie dogs have died at ranges up to 300 yards. Granted, it takes a few shots to get the bullet drop right, but the bullet will still kill at that range. I shoot only hornady rounds. Have not had good luck with other brands. All in all it is a great gun to kill small animals with and I will never own another 22 again.

If all you are doing is shooting paper, a .22 would be cheaper.