Need Advice - 17HMR
- Thread starter K22
- Start date
I have one. My girlfriend had 2 different ones with a problem.
.17HMRs have a problem with splitting the cases. Some people think its no big deal. I'm not sure. I was lucky enough to get one that doesnt crack cases.
Now that that is over with. I really like the 17hmr. I have a Savage 93R17 BRJ. It shoots really well. It shoots 5 shot groups about 1/4" at 50 yards and alittle under an inch at 100. In good conditions it shoots about 4" at 300 yards. I think its right under the $500 mark. If you want the tactical look then get a Savage TR.
You might also want to look into a 22WMR. I think they foul the bore less and you don't have to worry about cracking cases.
Just my 2 cents.
.17HMRs have a problem with splitting the cases. Some people think its no big deal. I'm not sure. I was lucky enough to get one that doesnt crack cases.
Now that that is over with. I really like the 17hmr. I have a Savage 93R17 BRJ. It shoots really well. It shoots 5 shot groups about 1/4" at 50 yards and alittle under an inch at 100. In good conditions it shoots about 4" at 300 yards. I think its right under the $500 mark. If you want the tactical look then get a Savage TR.
You might also want to look into a 22WMR. I think they foul the bore less and you don't have to worry about cracking cases.
Just my 2 cents.
I have a Ruger target model and love it. I have a laminate target style Savage too and like it. The Savage is more accurate from a bench, but when hunting in the field off shooting sticks I can shoot the Ruger better. The fit and finish on the Ruger is much better. I also like the 9 shot rotary clips of the Ruger better. The Savage just feels clunky in comparison. However, the Ruger exceeds your price point by about $100. I would be delighted with the $300 Savage if I didn't have the Ruger.
Choice of ammo varies with lot #. Federal and Hornady seem to shoot the best in both.
Choice of ammo varies with lot #. Federal and Hornady seem to shoot the best in both.
I have CZ452 in 17HMR and H&R Sportster in 17HMR. Both shoot 1-1.5 MOA at 100 yards, but it strongly depends on ammo and, believe it or not, on temperature - one day they would shoot 1, and another day it would me more like 1.5.
In the end, I think H&R is a better deal. It was $170 in Cabela's (vs. 452's 350), and for the price, it is accurate, easy to maintain, and you can get extra barrels in different rimfire calibers through their factory barrel program.
I also shot Savage 93R17 (our club had a loaner from Savage), but could not get it to shoot well. Most of the time it was doing about 2MOA.
In the end, I think H&R is a better deal. It was $170 in Cabela's (vs. 452's 350), and for the price, it is accurate, easy to maintain, and you can get extra barrels in different rimfire calibers through their factory barrel program.
I also shot Savage 93R17 (our club had a loaner from Savage), but could not get it to shoot well. Most of the time it was doing about 2MOA.
I shot a Savage 93R17, and my dad has a lefty model (same gun otherwise).
On a calm day, using a bipod, my dad piled 9 shots into a 2" bulls at 200 yards. The 10th shot was 1/4" out, due to a wind pickup.
I shot a 10-shot string at 200yards last Sunday that measured 1.5" vertical and 2.9" windage. We had an avg of 5Mph winds with some gusts up to about 8Mph. I was holding off between 4" and 8" for a few of those shots.
We have both taken ground hogs out to 225 yards with or 17's. (we've hit them at longer ranges, but agreed that it's not a very 'ethical' thing to do - they all got away when shot from that distance) You MUST make a head shot for a clean kill. I've had them get away with solid chest-shots , even at 50 yards. They are great squirrel guns. Sit in a field about 75 or hundred yards from the woodline, and pick squirrels off. I don't think a squirrel has ever gotten away when hit with the 17.
For about $200, the savages that I have experience with are more than accurate enough for varmints at 100 yards. I've shot 1/4" groups at 100 yards with minimal wind. Head-shots on ground hogs at 100 yards is no problem. Just make sure you understand how much the wind moves the little 17gr and 20gr bullets at 100 yards, or you'll miss your shots in relatively light winds.
Walt
On a calm day, using a bipod, my dad piled 9 shots into a 2" bulls at 200 yards. The 10th shot was 1/4" out, due to a wind pickup.
I shot a 10-shot string at 200yards last Sunday that measured 1.5" vertical and 2.9" windage. We had an avg of 5Mph winds with some gusts up to about 8Mph. I was holding off between 4" and 8" for a few of those shots.
We have both taken ground hogs out to 225 yards with or 17's. (we've hit them at longer ranges, but agreed that it's not a very 'ethical' thing to do - they all got away when shot from that distance) You MUST make a head shot for a clean kill. I've had them get away with solid chest-shots , even at 50 yards. They are great squirrel guns. Sit in a field about 75 or hundred yards from the woodline, and pick squirrels off. I don't think a squirrel has ever gotten away when hit with the 17.
For about $200, the savages that I have experience with are more than accurate enough for varmints at 100 yards. I've shot 1/4" groups at 100 yards with minimal wind. Head-shots on ground hogs at 100 yards is no problem. Just make sure you understand how much the wind moves the little 17gr and 20gr bullets at 100 yards, or you'll miss your shots in relatively light winds.
Walt
CJ6
Silver $$ Contributor
Been there done that. Sold it all and infused the money for my 22 Mags. Much happier ;D ;D ;D. As a side note, when 17HMR ammo was $12-13 a box 22 Mag was still $6-8 a box . Now my own paranoid theory is that 22Mag ammo has gone up to NEARLY the price of 17HMR ammo to HELP prevent MASS EXODUS of 17HMR owners to the BETTER cartridge (the 22 mag) as prices are now about the same. So save youreself a trip to the Couch DR and get the 22MAG 
The rifles I had were a Ruger 9617 and an Annie.
The rifles I had were a Ruger 9617 and an Annie.
The only 17HMRs Ive owned were the heavy barrel Marlin & Savages. Both were very accurate and I have even shot past 200yds no wind though, otherwise forget it.
Very accurate to 150yds when calm.
I shot nothing but the Hornady 17g vamxes.
Ammo runs from $10.99 a box to $19, best to get ammo online from Natchez/ Midsouth or other dealer for the best prices.
Very accurate to 150yds when calm.
I shot nothing but the Hornady 17g vamxes.
Ammo runs from $10.99 a box to $19, best to get ammo online from Natchez/ Midsouth or other dealer for the best prices.
I own a CZ 452 in the 17HMR I had an aftermarket trigger springs and creep adjuster installed and it shoots like a dream. I got a super deal on 17 HMR ammo from a guy who was getting out of shooting I bought 5000 rounds for $500
But If I had to do it over I would cosider the 22 Mag...........You can still get 500 17HMR bullets from Midsouth for under $100
For ground squirrels in alfalfa fields its super.
But If I had to do it over I would cosider the 22 Mag...........You can still get 500 17HMR bullets from Midsouth for under $100
For ground squirrels in alfalfa fields its super.
Buy the Savage and dont look back, buy the .17 HMR, great round! Next month will be 6 straight years with my Savage in the dog towns, excellent! deadly accurate! Have never had a problem with the gun or any ammo issues. I like the new 30 gr V max .22 mag round, but its a much money as a .17hmr, and not as accurate from what I have seen, and shot.
+1 on the Ruger 77/17, but it will bust your budget. You will be looking at about $800 by the time you get a trigger job and put a scope on it. I really like the Ruger rotary magazines, and took my first PD with it Saturday at about 130 yards. DOA.
Sounds like lots of folks are happy with the Savage and also the CZ. If I had the money, I would put it into the Anschutz, but that is not for everyone or every budget.
I have had the best luck with the Hornady ammo, buy several types and find which one your new toy likes the best. I think the .17 HMR is here to stay, even if it is a very light bullet and just can not buck the wind well.
Sounds like lots of folks are happy with the Savage and also the CZ. If I had the money, I would put it into the Anschutz, but that is not for everyone or every budget.
I have had the best luck with the Hornady ammo, buy several types and find which one your new toy likes the best. I think the .17 HMR is here to stay, even if it is a very light bullet and just can not buck the wind well.
TheOtherZilla
Pull my finger
CJ6 said:Been there done that. Sold it all and infused the money for my 22 Mags. Much happier ;D ;D ;D. As a side note, when 17HMR ammo was $12-13 a box 22 Mag was still $6-8 a box . Now my own paranoid theory is that 22Mag ammo has gone up to NEARLY the price of 17HMR ammo to HELP prevent MASS EXODUS of 17HMR owners to the BETTER cartridge (the 22 mag) as prices are now about the same. So save youreself a trip to the Couch DR and get the 22MAG
X2.. If your dead set on a hummer, I'd go with a CZ.. I gave up on the 17 HMR and went with a 22 WMR also..
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