Long Range 17HMR

[CharlieNC]

Our "local" long range is over 3hr away, so my buddy and I don't get there often enough anymore. After checking out a few loads for the 6.5x47 out to 1000yd I had a little extra time before heading home. Remembering the 17 was in the truck, I thought it would be fun to give at a whirl out past my previous 300yd max. Fortunately another gentleman (us old retirees shooting week days) offered to spot for me. Starting at 300 and then walking out to 400 and 500yd, we were both impressed at the vertical stability on the steel targets. With only a gentle wind the hold varied from 1-2mils, meaning I was chasing it. But it was a pleasant surprise to see what this little round can do.

 

[Rem06]

i really like the 17HMR

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Count me in too on the 17HMR. My longest one-shot DRT on a sage rat with my 17HMR is 326 yards, but 500?? Wow, never tried it, but sounds lnteresting.

When I want to pop some chucks and want to keep things simple, it's grab my Annie and head out.



Great for a "no reloading" sort of day.

 

[CharlieNC]

Rick a rat is a mighty small target at these ranges. From memory, with a 100yd zero the elevation was around 24moa at 400yd and 43moa at 500yd; I have further work to calibrate my ballistic app for this since it behaves a bit strange with the very low BC of the 17gr bullet. If the rat would sit still and let you walk in the windage I bet you could do it. But it was fun and informative.

 

[B23]

If you can get a box of ammo that doesn't have huge swings in velocity, like much of the 17 HMR ammo does, and the wind, if there is any, will stay consistent, it's really fun shooting these little 17's at extended distances. The wind really dances those tiny bullets around and if it's switching on you much it can make things really challenging, but if the wind will stay somewhat consistent, you can get dialed in to it and have some fun. I don't shoot my HMR's nearly as much as I do my 17 WSM and 17 Hornets so it's kind of like cheating with those two, particularly the 17 Hornet.

You don't get the same "ratObatics" way out there with the rimfires, like you do when they are up closer, but sage rats don't take a whole lot to kill. Even with my 17 WSM, when you get out there around 300 yards and beyond, they just kinda fall over dead without any or much aerial affects. RockChucks are a lot bigger than sage rats and can absorb a pretty good hit so I'm not sure I'd feel vary comfortable using any of my rimfires or even my 17 Hornets on those at 300-300+ yards.

 

[shoot4fun]

Our "local" long range is over 3hr away, so my buddy and I don't get there often enough anymore. After checking out a few loads for the 6.5x47 out to 1000yd I had a little extra time before heading home. Remembering the 17 was in the truck, I thought it would be fun to give at a whirl out past my previous 300yd max. Fortunately another gentleman (us old retirees shooting week days) offered to spot for me. Starting at 300 and then walking out to 400 and 500yd, we were both impressed at the vertical stability on the steel targets. With only a gentle wind the hold varied from 1-2mils, meaning I was chasing it. But it was a pleasant surprise to see what this little round can do.

Tell us more about the rifle/scope combo and the ammo you're shooting for this.

 

[CharlieNC]

Tell us more about the rifle/scope combo and the ammo you're shooting for this.

Nothing fancy. Rifle is the Savage 93R17V bolt action in the laminate stock, around 9 years old. Scope is an old Bushnell Tactical 10X with the mixed moa knobs and mil dot reticle, which is adequate for the steel targets. Harris bipod and no name rear bag for shooting prone.

I have evaluated various ammo and found the Federal with Speer bullets is most accurate, meaning fewer vertical flyers. All ammo I checked shoots nominal one inch groups at 100yds, but its those one in ten flyers that ruins longer range shooting.

From all that I have read, unless you get a dog nearly all bolt action 17hmr shoot well. With 2500+ velocity the barrel time is like that of a center fire, unlike a 22lr which accentuates shooter follow through problems.

Going forward I will continue to shoot the 17 at the long range trips. I don't think I have enough scope adjustment remaining to stretch out to 600yd, even adding the mil reticle. But achieving any type of consistency at 400-500 given the impact of the wind will be a challenge. And the ammo cost is less than buying bullets alone.

 

[biggun2869]

If you can get a box of ammo that doesn't have huge swings in velocity, like much of the 17 HMR ammo does, and the wind, if there is any, will stay consistent, it's really fun shooting these little 17's at extended distances. The wind really dances those tiny bullets around and if it's switching on you much it can make things really challenging, but if the wind will stay somewhat consistent, you can get dialed in to it and have some fun. I don't shoot my HMR's nearly as much as I do my 17 WSM and 17 Hornets so it's kind of like cheating with those two, particularly the 17 Hornet.

You don't get the same "ratObatics" way out there with the rimfires, like you do when they are up closer, but sage rats don't take a whole lot to kill. Even with my 17 WSM, when you get out there around 300 yards and beyond, they just kinda fall over dead without any or much aerial affects. RockChucks are a lot bigger than sage rats and can absorb a pretty good hit so I'm not sure I'd feel vary comfortable using any of my rimfires or even my 17 Hornets on those at 300-300+ yards.

Ammo is the biggest problem. I don't own a 17 HMR but have shot with them at 100 yards. I can usually beat them pretty bad at 100 with a hornet (reloaded) but some times (this is the same guys) they can beat me. It is dependent on ammo.

 

[CharlieNC]

Ammo is the biggest problem. I don't own a 17 HMR but have shot with them at 100 yards. I can usually beat them pretty bad at 100 with a hornet (reloaded) but some times (this is the same guys) they can beat me. It is dependent on ammo.

You are right. The serious long range 17hmr shooters load their own after breaking down factory ammo. But like shooting 22lr the ammo selection does help. For me it's about managing expectations, and I'm easily satisfied because I don't expect it to shoot any better than it does. I know it is heresy, but I get tired of loading and this is a nice break too.

 

[shoot4fun]

Nothing fancy. Rifle is the Savage 93R17V bolt action in the laminate stock, around 9 years old. Scope is an old Bushnell Tactical 10X with the mixed moa knobs and mil dot reticle, which is adequate for the steel targets. Harris bipod and no name rear bag for shooting prone.

I have evaluated various ammo and found the Federal with Speer bullets is most accurate, meaning fewer vertical flyers. All ammo I checked shoots nominal one inch groups at 100yds, but its those one in ten flyers that ruins longer range shooting.

From all that I have read, unless you get a dog nearly all bolt action 17hmr shoot well. With 2500+ velocity the barrel time is like that of a center fire, unlike a 22lr which accentuates shooter follow through problems.

Going forward I will continue to shoot the 17 at the long range trips. I don't think I have enough scope adjustment remaining to stretch out to 600yd, even adding the mil reticle. But achieving any type of consistency at 400-500 given the impact of the wind will be a challenge. And the ammo cost is less than buying bullets alone.

My 17HMR is a CZ452 Varmint. It is more than 9 years old and has seen several thousand rounds of ammo. All but a few of those (zero/zero confirmation) have been at live targets. That said, I will not attempt live targets with this rifle at anything beyond 200 yards. I was on a pd trip in TX once and we stopped at a local Wallyworld for some supplies. As we perused the sporting goods an associate asked if we needed anything. My friend replied that he would be interested in the (then new) Ruger 1017 semi-auto. This WMA began to try to impress us with his knowledge by relating the story of his "friend" who routinely killed coyotes with one shot at 500 yards with the 17HMR.
I have no doubt the 17HMR can indeed reach out that far or even farther but my main interest is your choice of optic and mount. Are you using 20MOA base? That is a big range of adjustment for an inexpensive 1" tube scope. Was it all dialed up or hit the max and held the mil-dots?
I know that my (using the standard CZ rings) Nikon Buckmaster isn't capable of dialing that far but Nikon scopes have been notorious for lacking internal adjustment.

 

[CharlieNC]

My 17HMR is a CZ452 Varmint. It is more than 9 years old and has seen several thousand rounds of ammo. All but a few of those (zero/zero confirmation) have been at live targets. That said, I will not attempt live targets with this rifle at anything beyond 200 yards. I was on a pd trip in TX once and we stopped at a local Wallyworld for some supplies. As we perused the sporting goods an associate asked if we needed anything. My friend replied that he would be interested in the (then new) Ruger 1017 semi-auto. This WMA began to try to impress us with his knowledge by relating the story of his "friend" who routinely killed coyotes with one shot at 500 yards with the 17HMR.
I have no doubt the 17HMR can indeed reach out that far or even farther but my main interest is your choice of optic and mount. Are you using 20MOA base? That is a big range of adjustment for an inexpensive 1" tube scope. Was it all dialed up or hit the max and held the mil-dots?
I know that my (using the standard CZ rings) Nikon Buckmaster isn't capable of dialing that far but Nikon scopes have been notorious for lacking internal adjustment.

My base is zero moa which is why I was surprised the turret had adequate adjustment to dial up. I don't recall the total range but the 10x tactical was noted as a capable, reliable low-cost model. Newer production incorporated matching mil turrets with mil reticles. Small, lightweight, good optical quality, it's a decent little scope.

I've never shot at a live target with it, and like you would be concerned about limiting the range based on quarry. Have you tried the 20gr hollow point? It shoots pretty good for me.

 

[shoot4fun]

My base is zero moa which is why I was surprised the turret had adequate adjustment to dial up. I don't recall the total range but the 10x tactical was noted as a capable, reliable low-cost model. Newer production incorporated matching mil turrets with mil reticles. Small, lightweight, good optical quality, it's a decent little scope.

I've never shot at a live target with it, and like you would be concerned about limiting the range based on quarry. Have you tried the 20gr hollow point? It shoots pretty good for me.

I have shot the 20 grain HP but mostly the 17Vmax. Hornady has always performed best in my rifle. As for optics, I have an older Ziess Conquest 6.5-20 on a CZ527 mounted to a 25MOA base and it will not dial that many rotations either. Evidently you have an exception optic there.

 

[dgeesaman]

You are right. The serious long range 17hmr shooters load their own after breaking down factory ammo. But like shooting 22lr the ammo selection does help. For me it's about managing expectations, and I'm easily satisfied because I don't expect it to shoot any better than it does. I know it is heresy, but I get tired of loading and this is a nice break too.

I only knew of one guy doing it and he’s detailed his process on RFC.

Are there others, and what categories of competition is it for?

David

 

[CharlieNC]

I only knew of one guy doing it and he’s detailed his process on RFC.

Are there others, and what categories of competition is it for?

David

The guy has a Facebook page but not many updates. I believe he has hit targets over 1000yd and was going to attempt a mile, but it's been so long the details elude me. He uses a custom built AR style rifle and loads his bullets to achieve impressive results.

I'm not aware of competitions which cater to the 17, and no Rimfire which allow it vs 22lr. But it's fun to shoot.

 

[David Eberts]

I shoot a Savage model 93 in .17 HMR with a 24" factory bull barrel ( can't remember the twist ) and use the CCI A 17 , 200 round box. Depending on the store it's the cheapest way to go and it works outstanding in my rifle. Sometimes I'll go with the Hornady V max because of a sale or something. On the average I use this setup for 100 +or - to about 200 +or - yds on P dogs. Getting old, not that good of a shot anymore. Beyond that the .223 comes out. So don't get your panties in a wad on this one .I'm just saying what works for me. Fair winds and following seas. Phantom Phixer

 

[CharlieNC]

I shoot a Savage model 93 in .17 HMR with a 24" factory bull barrel ( can't remember the twist ) and use the CCI A 17 , 200 round box. Depending on the store it's the cheapest way to go and it works outstanding in my rifle. Sometimes I'll go with the Hornady V max because of a sale or something. On the average I use this setup for 100 +or - to about 200 +or - yds on P dogs. Getting old, not that good of a shot anymore. Beyond that the .223 comes out. So don't get your panties in a wad on this one .I'm just saying what works for me. Fair winds and following seas. Phantom Phixer

It's all about having fun!

 

[searcher]

No doubt - that guy must have encountered coyotes with major heart problems.

 

[stacy]

I'LL SHOT CROWS DRT AT 200YDS WITH 17 HMR WITH HORNADY 17GR V-MAX OUT OF A MARLIN LAMINATED HB STAINLESS