.17 HMR Rifles ...A Few Questions

[VikesFan1]

I was wondering how the .17 HMR stacks up for target shooting? I got the idea from somewhere that it's not as accurate as a centerfire, because the the powder starts burning from the edge, does this sound right? Also, what can be expected of this caliber distance wise? Does it group good enough for target shooting, or can it be tricked-out to?

Also, for you guys that hunt with these, what do you hunt with them?

I shot one of these just screwing around from about 80 yards and initially, I'm impressed with it's accuracy. My expectations were low though as I was comparing it to a .22lr.

[Holland&Holland]

Not a fan of it myself, but there was a recent article in the outdoors section of the Star Tribune on Snow Shoe Hare hunting in late winter that touted this as the best round for that endevor to answer your question about what to hunt with it.

[sochr000]

A friend of mine has a .17HMR and he seems to like it, supposedly it shoots better than a .22lr and is used for about the same things. Not sure on effective range, but he uses it for about 50yd shots or less.

[VikesFan1]

Thanks fellas. The fact that it's a rim-fire and it's smaller than a .22lr is also what led me to the .22lr comparisons. It seemed to outperform the .22 considerably though, which is what has got me wondering what it's capabilities are.

Anybody ever put these puppies to the test?

Also, this will seem like a dumb question but, is it legal to use these below the rifle line? I'm pretty sure it's .22 caliber and under but it's been awhile...

Thanks again.

[WastingAmmo]

i own a savage .17hmr rifle.

the gun /caliber is crazy accurate at 50 yards.. as in one hole grouops. at 100 yds it is more like 1" gropus, and at 150 it gets 2-4" quickly.

i mostly poke holes in paper, but have executed a few starlings with it.. very effective!

the pic posted(hornady brand) is the most accurate in my rifle by far..

fun and cheap gun if you want a little more zing than a .22lr

[VikesFan1]

Thanks, WastingAmmo. That's exactly what I was looking for.

So the conclusion I'm drawing is that it will eat a .22's breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it won't replace anything else in your arsenal.

[Rem700]

Ammo is cheaper then center fire but nowhere as cheap as bulk 22LR.

[JFettig]

You should compare .17 HMR to .22 WMR.

You might find that .17 isn't really all that great to the new stuff.

Jon

[Ironbear]

Assorted articles here:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2l_rimfire.htm

[Belgiboy]

I have the savage mod 93. Pretty much the same experience as Wastingammo. Over 50 yards any breeze will make that little bullet drift, so you may get 0.2" groups at 50 yards opening up to 1" and more at 100. They are very effective critterkillers, but you do get some meat destruction. Within a reasonable distance and with calm windconditions it is more than accurate enough to dish out headshots. I have hit crows with 22 lr through the chest to see them fly away and croke in mid-air. That will not happen with the .17 HMR. It's not a targetround, but a very good small game round.

[trblmaker]

I think they are a blast to shoot, accurate as all get out with the right ammo and deadly on critters from woodchucks on down.
My sons each have a crow to their credit both at the 200 yard mark, they didn't realize the distance just held on the neck and watched the feathers fly.
It's great to shoot targets or critters and see the results instantly, the gun doesn't move.
No it's not a 22mag, better distance (150 yds flat as a table) but the mag has better punch woodchucks, fox, close in coyotes. I've shot all 3 with the mag.
I haven't tried the 20 grain game point, don't know if it will improve terminal performance on fox much.
If you don't have a 22mag and don't need the additional thump go get a 17 HMR.
I've got 2 22mags and a 17 HMR but I also have 2 teenage sons, cheaper target practice at 100 yds. plus than plinking with center fires.

[hornswaggle]

I shot a friends savage .17 topped with a 4-10x scope and I want one! Took it to a sand pit and stepped off about 100 yards, laid in across the hood of his truck and was punching close to 1" groups with a couple holes touching. Weather was calm and I'm sure with a cross wind it would drift a lot but that was fun.

[VikesFan1]

I agree. Those little suckers ziiiiiiiiiiiiiip