Hey guys I am deciding on a new rim fire rifle but can't decide. I know the WSM can go out to 300y and the HMR around 150y. I was leaning towards the savage bmag WSM but I read all over that the WSM is still having problems with accuracy?? I am only planning on using it on small game. And the HMR is cheaper on ammo. What do you guys think? Thank you
.17 wsm or hmr?
- Thread starter Olllian
- Start date
17HMR. I would buy the Marlin bull barrel.
The hmr is very accurate out of the Marlin,but does have limitations.The wind plays havoc with the little bullet and the killing effect is limited.That being said I have killed coyotes with mine and have killed prairie dogs at almost 400 yards,however it took two boxes of ammo and the wind was at my back,used all the elevation on my scope and was using the fence beyond as a reference point.
You plan on using it on small game. But at what range?
I don't have any experience with the WSM, but I have a Savage 17hmr with the bull barrel. Shocking accuracy for a cheap rifle with factory ammo. If there's no wind, mine will (bench rest) consistently shoot a 5 shot group less than a nickle at 100 yards. Sometimes less than a dime. I use the 17gr vmax bullets. (have never tried any other.)
It may not have the knock down power of larger bullets, but I usually go for head shots. I will say, I've shot a few groundhogs at closer range with it. (less than 50 yards) I've been shocked at some of the damage it's done. One in particular: Heart/lung shot, but must have not hit any ribs. Pin hole in....and it blew out the other side of it's chest. Exit hole must have been the size of a baseball. Blood everywhere!
Because it's such a small/light bullet, energy drops off FAST. It may be fast and flat shooting, but it looses killing power quicker (relative) to other bullets. If I remember, the drop of a 17hmr at 150 yards (for a gun sighted in at 100 yards) is about 2.5". 125 yards is a drop of about 1.5".
And you can get HMR ammo just about anywhere. And probably considerably cheaper than the WSM.
For me, it's the perfect short range groundhog gun.
I don't have any experience with the WSM, but I have a Savage 17hmr with the bull barrel. Shocking accuracy for a cheap rifle with factory ammo. If there's no wind, mine will (bench rest) consistently shoot a 5 shot group less than a nickle at 100 yards. Sometimes less than a dime. I use the 17gr vmax bullets. (have never tried any other.)
It may not have the knock down power of larger bullets, but I usually go for head shots. I will say, I've shot a few groundhogs at closer range with it. (less than 50 yards) I've been shocked at some of the damage it's done. One in particular: Heart/lung shot, but must have not hit any ribs. Pin hole in....and it blew out the other side of it's chest. Exit hole must have been the size of a baseball. Blood everywhere!
Because it's such a small/light bullet, energy drops off FAST. It may be fast and flat shooting, but it looses killing power quicker (relative) to other bullets. If I remember, the drop of a 17hmr at 150 yards (for a gun sighted in at 100 yards) is about 2.5". 125 yards is a drop of about 1.5".
And you can get HMR ammo just about anywhere. And probably considerably cheaper than the WSM.
For me, it's the perfect short range groundhog gun.
Rick in Oregon
Gold $$ Contributor
I've used the 17HMR since it first came out but have not shot the WSM. Been shooting a Lilja barreled HMR M77/22 Mag switch barrel rifle, a CZ 452 Varmint, and these days a Anschutz 1517D HB, which is really a shooter. But for bench shooting ground squirrels and walk 'n stalk rock chucks here, my Annie HMR has connected on squirrels out past 280 yards (lasered), and to just over 200 yards on rock chucks, with head shots only on the chucks (self-imposed limitation).
As has been mentioned, HMR ammo can be found everywhere and really has quite a terminal effect on small varmints. To me at least, it also has a proven track record as long as you keep the light bullet in mind for consideration in shooting in the wind. I doubt I'll ever own a WSM. JME
As has been mentioned, HMR ammo can be found everywhere and really has quite a terminal effect on small varmints. To me at least, it also has a proven track record as long as you keep the light bullet in mind for consideration in shooting in the wind. I doubt I'll ever own a WSM. JME
hogpatrol
Gold $$ Contributor
WSM reviews are all over the place. One swears it's the greatest, next person swears his a POS. I know of one that was sent back to Savage three times and the best it can do at 100 is 1" groups when the moon is full if it falls on a Wednesday. The question is not which one, it's are you a gambler?
I've used the 17HMR since it first came out but have not shot the WSM. Been shooting a Lilja barreled HMR M77/22 Mag switch barrel rifle, a CZ 452 Varmint, and these days a Anschutz 1517D HB, which is really a shooter. But for bench shooting ground squirrels and walk 'n stalk rock chucks here, my Annie HMR has connected on squirrels out past 280 yards (lasered), and to just over 200 yards on rock chucks, with head shots only on the chucks (self-imposed limitation).
As has been mentioned, HMR ammo can be found everywhere and really has quite a terminal effect on small varmints. To me at least, it also has a proven track record as long as you keep the light bullet in mind for consideration in shooting in the wind. I doubt I'll ever own a WSM. JME
Had to comment on this great picture. The outdoors, the rifle, open skies, Except for the pile of dead varmints, it is very relaxing and should be in a book. The dead varmints are just a separate joy altogether!
snert
Silver $$ Contributor
I have a 17HMR, and several small centerfires. For what it is intended to do, the HMR is good. I find it to out-perform the 22LR, which is what it was designed to do, and holds its own against the 22mag, with better accuracy. I personally find it anemic on groundhogs at over 100 yards. Maybe I am not a good enough shot, but I feel bad when I hit a chest hit and a chuck runs thirty feet and may/may not die before it gets to the hole. On small chucks, or close big ones, it is accurate, and they are DRT. i just don't see it as a LR choice. Not enough OOOOMPH at the terminal end for my taste. I find the 20 grain CCI to do a better job on larger chucks in the east than the 17 grain vmax. The 17 Vmax is pretty cool on PD's though
On PD's the 17HMR is perfect medicine, cause they are nothing more than a fur covered water balloon. Again, assuming the wind cooperates. Otherwise you might as well toss gravel at them.
In regard to the bigger 17, i have no experience, BUT I do note that on accuracy (not fan-boy) websites it is never mentioned in a positive light. If it were me, i would skip it and buy a 17 Hornet. I think a 17 Hornet in a TC Contender would be a good idea. But again, that is me. I did hold a BMag and after looking it over i decided if I had $20 I MIGHT buy one for that. There was NOTHING appealing to me about that rifle.
Of course there are many who may disagree, and that is fine. Just one man's review and opinion.
On PD's the 17HMR is perfect medicine, cause they are nothing more than a fur covered water balloon. Again, assuming the wind cooperates. Otherwise you might as well toss gravel at them.
In regard to the bigger 17, i have no experience, BUT I do note that on accuracy (not fan-boy) websites it is never mentioned in a positive light. If it were me, i would skip it and buy a 17 Hornet. I think a 17 Hornet in a TC Contender would be a good idea. But again, that is me. I did hold a BMag and after looking it over i decided if I had $20 I MIGHT buy one for that. There was NOTHING appealing to me about that rifle.
Of course there are many who may disagree, and that is fine. Just one man's review and opinion.
I have owned a couple of 17 HMRs, I have a shooting pardner who owns both the WSM and HMR, we have been shooting ground squirrels with them for 3 years now and I do not see enough difference between them to go with the WSM.
There are some downsides to the WSM to consider also -
1 - A very limited choice of rifles chambered for it.
2 - Limited choice of ammo for it.
3 - The HMR has a well established track record, the WSM not so much.
4 - As far as the 300 yd range of the WSM - Maybe, but I have yet to see it. Not saying that it won't shoot 300 yds and maybe even kill a ground squirrel but with any wind at all the chances of hitting it are not very likely.
drover
There are some downsides to the WSM to consider also -
1 - A very limited choice of rifles chambered for it.
2 - Limited choice of ammo for it.
3 - The HMR has a well established track record, the WSM not so much.
4 - As far as the 300 yd range of the WSM - Maybe, but I have yet to see it. Not saying that it won't shoot 300 yds and maybe even kill a ground squirrel but with any wind at all the chances of hitting it are not very likely.
drover
I have 2 HMR a Savage 93 and a Thompson Contender Pistol, I shoot the A17 ammo in both I think they advertise the A17 to run around 2600 fps.
I don't have a chronograph but guessing the Savage should get about 2700. And they are more accurate at 100 yds, so you are not giving up that much to the WSM. Just my uneducated opinion.
Handi204
I don't have a chronograph but guessing the Savage should get about 2700. And they are more accurate at 100 yds, so you are not giving up that much to the WSM. Just my uneducated opinion.
Handi204
I am kinda in the same boat as you are. I have used the 22mag and 17hmr for years to hunt small critters where I live at. I am down to just the 17hmr that I have now and very happy with it. I am in the market for another small caliber to use that has some more zip and a little better in shooting out further. I know this is not a rimfire but I would look into the CZ 17 Hornet. I know several people that have them and they just plain old love them with not a bad thing to say. That is going to be the next 1 that I get.
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thekriebles
Gold $$ Contributor
As Dan Tucker stated above, the 17HMR is a very satisfying 17 cal. rimfire. And if you're seeking more range and energy, then you're likely better off pursuing a small efficient and accurate centerfire 17 such as the 17 VHA, 17 Hornady Hornet or the 17 Ack. Imp. Hornet. Each will accurately launch a 20 gr. bullet to 3,600 fps and slightly faster depending on case brand, powder, barrel, etc.
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