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Posted: 10/30/2010 2:19:24 PM EDT
I have recently been thinking about getting a .17 HMR rifle to really round out my small varmit rifle selection.

Gamo 890 .177 - Short range.
Marlin 795 / Ruger 10/22 DSP - Short to medium.
AR-15 / Remmy 700 (.223) - Long range.

Where I am thinking of using it is in the Med-Long ranges, up to 150 yards. I just was wondering on what the Hive mind thinks. Any good reason to pick one up or is the current selection good enough? Marlin or Savage?
Link Posted: 10/30/2010 2:53:53 PM EDT
[#1]
I would buy it because they are very accurate and fun. Your intended range can be reached but the 17gr bullets are pushed around very easily by any wind. It certainly isn't a must have weapon.
Link Posted: 10/30/2010 9:01:36 PM EDT
[#2]
My Marlin 917V shoots an honest 2600fps with both Hornady and CCI 17 grain ammo.     It's a smidge over 1MOA at 100 yards, but you never know if there's a little bit of wind going on that you're not feeling.  

It's a little expensive for a plinker, but a lot of fun to shoot.

Link Posted: 10/31/2010 1:42:34 AM EDT
[#3]
ehhh, they are not as accurate or as powerful as most would have you believe. a good .22lr will be just as accurate out to say 130 yds. i realize it will drop more but you have to take into account that even  a small gust of wind will seriously screw up the .17 once it starts shedding velocity, which it does pretty quickly. the results on game can also be less than spectacular. honestly i feel more comfortable with. a .22lr. i have seen the .17 bounce off too many skulls. youre better off with .22mag., which would fit nicely in your lineup and drop the bb gun off the list. but in case you decied you want one i have a 917v in like new condition i will sell you for 250 with scope(tasco 6-24x42 varmint/target with weaver rings, i know i know) bipod(caldwell) and hard case. i just dont see the point of it anymore.
Link Posted: 10/31/2010 7:23:02 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
ehhh, they are not as accurate or as powerful as most would have you believe. a good .22lr will be just as accurate out to say 130 yds. i realize it will drop more but you have to take into account that even  a small gust of wind will seriously screw up the .17 once it starts shedding velocity, which it does pretty quickly. the results on game can also be less than spectacular. honestly i feel more comfortable with. a .22lr. i have seen the .17 bounce off too many skulls. youre better off with .22mag., which would fit nicely in your lineup and drop the bb gun off the list. but in case you decied you want one i have a 917v in like new condition i will sell you for 250 with scope(tasco 6-24x42 varmint/target with weaver rings, i know i know) bipod(caldwell) and hard case. i just dont see the point of it anymore.


+1 to the .22 magnum part. I haven't shot a .17 but a .22 magnum was my first rifle and it is very powerful for a rimfire. You should give .22 magnum a look. I have Marlin chambered for it and like it alot, but my reading on this forum makes me want to recommend a Savage instead.
Link Posted: 10/31/2010 12:27:09 PM EDT
[#5]
i killed a coyote with one at a little over 80 yards. had a rabbit in its mouth lookin at me. hit it on the front on the chest and ran only bout 30ish yards, i dnt c a 22 doing that at thoses ranges.
Link Posted: 10/31/2010 12:54:47 PM EDT
[#6]
I always thought they were hype. Buddy of mine got one so I gave it a try. long story short, its a super fun gun and I will be picking one up soon.
Link Posted: 10/31/2010 12:57:29 PM EDT
[#7]
I think it fits a niche.  If noise is a concern it is as loud as a small centerfire.  I don't personally have a need for one, but I could see where it would had its place.
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 6:50:01 AM EDT
[#8]
It's absolute murder on varmints.  Extremely flat shooting out to 150/200 yards.  From the bench or prone it's 1-2MOA easy with a typical breeze.  I have a heavy barreled Marlin 917 with a 6-24X50 scope, upgraded trigger, harris bipod, etc.  A true pleasure to hunt with and bring to the range.  Truth be told at the range this gun gets boring because it's so accurate.  I get my accuracy kicks out of that gun.  The rest of my stuff is minute of venison, minute of bird, and minute of zombie.

I love that little cartridge.
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 10:01:50 AM EDT
[#9]
I was one of the doubters about the 17 HMR until I was around several of these my friends have.  I've never seen a 22 Mag as accurate as the 17 HMR with the rifles amongst my circle of shooting buddies.  I observed a squirrel shot out of a tree at laser ranged 138 yards.  Most of my buddies have the Savage  heavy barrel 17 HMR bolt actions with accu-trigger and they all shoot real good.  The accuracy went to pot on one of the Savage rifles until we thoroughly cleaned the barrel.  This person only used a bore snake up to that time which apparently left some fouling in the barrel.  Once we cleaned the barrel the rifles accuracy returned.  We commonly shot the 17 HMRs off a truck at target 35 to 75 yards away.  We would shoot the primers out of aluminum blazer ammo with ease and when that got boring we started trying to shoot through the plastic shell plate holes from a plastic  box of 22's.  Trying to shoot through the hole without  hitting the plastic plate is a challenge even off a bipod.  We would attach these shell plates to our cardboard target holders and could see the bullet holes through the center of the shell plate.  A buddy even shot a wasp on top of a 4X4 post at 37 yards, little critter left guts all over the place.  This round is devastating on small critters but I wouldn't use it for rabbit or squirrel hunting unless i took head shots.  Another 17 HMR advocate has used his to kill several coyotes out to at least 150 yards.  After seeing how the 17 HMR performed another buddy bought a 17 Remington to play with.  The round definitely has a following in my neighborhood.
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 10:03:33 AM EDT
[#10]


+1 for the 17 HMR, Its awesome on Praire dogs, woodchucks, squirrels, flicker tails, ground squirrels, etc. up to 200 yrds. I have a savage R 93/17 with a Nikon 3-9x 40. Its my favorite P dog rifle. It shoots 1 MOA at 100 yrds. Don't try to use it on yotes get a .22 centerfire rifle for that.

Link Posted: 12/5/2010 10:52:22 AM EDT
[#11]
That's a good point to note - the 17 HMR is way too much on squirrels, etc.  Of course - if you're holding a grudge against a particular chipmunk, you'll find great satisfaction with what a ballistic tipped 17 HMR will do to a handful of meat.
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 11:53:50 AM EDT
[#12]
Marlin 917V shooting 20 grain XTP.

50 yds on the right, 96 yds on the left. Both of these are 7 round groups.

The only mod being a drop in Rifle Basix trigger.







This little round is not "hype".



I recommend the 20 grain XTP for anything bigger than a housecat.

While the HMR is not an "optimal" round for coyotes, it is quite capable.

I recommend headshots on stationary coyotes inside 100 yards for best results consistently.



Link Posted: 12/5/2010 12:09:39 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
Marlin 917V shooting 20 grain XTP.
50 yds on the right, 96 yds on the left.  Both of these are 7 round groups.
The only mod being a drop in Rifle Basix trigger.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9756/p1010001l.jpg

This little round is not "hype".

I recommend the 20 grain XTP for anything bigger than a housecat.
I also recommend headshots on stationary coyotes for best results consistently.

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/995/hmryoteright.jpg


Damn.  Good shot.  That Rifle Basix Trigger is where the magic's at.  Marlin 917V + Scope + Rifle Basix = Awesome.
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 1:08:32 PM EDT
[#14]
I've used my .17HMR HR Handi rifle  on hundreds of ground squirrels. it's great after they get too skittish for regular .22LR. they really are spectacular performers  on under 100 yard shots and the reduced drop - better accuracy is handy out to 200 yards
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 4:14:48 PM EDT
[#15]
I kill loads of varmint with one</a>" />  this rifle was cut to 16" and threaded for my BFG can....
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 5:24:41 PM EDT
[#16]
I love the .17 HMR!  But in order to understand the difference between the HYPE and it being a HERO, you must understand it's application.

It's a goddamn LASER BEAM out to 100 yards if there is no wind, maybe even further.
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 5:36:59 PM EDT
[#17]
i wish they would get them running in a semi auto



It appears they are prone to issues in a blowback system
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 5:55:22 PM EDT
[#18]


That thing is awesome.50yds all 5 shots touching with a cheap scope lol. Savage with the adjustable trigger and bull barrel.
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 8:01:00 PM EDT
[#19]
It is very accurate and flat shooting. I think it's worth getting if you already have a .22 mag and just want to try something different.

Does it live up to the hype? Yes and no. It is usually slightly more accurate than "most" .22 mags. I stress the word "slightly". It shoots a little flatter than the .22 mag but at the ranges I consider a rimfire effective it really doesn't offer me a big advantage.

I shoot a lot of groundhogs with the 17 hmr and .22 mag.  I personally don't care to use rimfires for them but between the two I prefer the .22 mag. Just my preference though. Some consider the 17 the best thing since sliced bread. Some (not me) even claim it's a worthy coyote cartridge. ( that's a whole other can-o-worms)
Link Posted: 12/5/2010 8:38:00 PM EDT
[#20]
I love mine and it plays hell with whatever it hits
Link Posted: 12/6/2010 1:04:56 AM EDT
[#21]
sadly, i just placed my CZ 452 Varmit on the EE tonite. the CZ's are silly accurate and that little round will wreak havoc on small game.  The 17hmr/CZ combo is more accurate than im capable of.  bottomline is they are worth the money and a ton of fun!


here is 5 shots at 75 yrds..and i shake!

Link Posted: 12/6/2010 6:03:32 AM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
I love the .17 HMR!  But in order to understand the difference between the HYPE and it being a HERO, you must understand it's application.

It's a goddamn LASER BEAM out to 100 yards if there is no wind, maybe even further.


This

For target shooting and for small game hunting, I am sure it is a great round. It is also relativly inexpensive to shoot and the ammo is way light, so carrying 500 rounds is no sweat.

I never drank the kool-aid though, and I like the 22 WMR better personally. It may not be as flat shooting as the 17 HMR, but it does have the advantage of the higher energies produced by the heavier rounds.

Disclaimer: I am not trying to start a 22 WMR VS 17 HMR post, just simply stating my opinion.

Here is a pic of my 22 WMR


Magnum Research MagnumLite in 22 WMR
Nikon 5-20 X 44
TPS Low Aluminum Rings
Since this picture was taken, I have gotten the bolt radiused, pinned and headspaced, and it now sports a KIDD 2 Stage

ETA: As doc_Zox said, the 17 HMR semi's have issues. I personally wanted a semi-auto for my rifle, so it was either 22lr, 17 Mach 2 or the 22 WMR.
Link Posted: 12/6/2010 6:32:47 AM EDT
[#23]
Sounds like it's time for a delayed roller or teeny tiny gas piston setup.
Link Posted: 12/6/2010 6:42:06 AM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:
Sounds like it's time for a delayed roller or teeny tiny gas piston setup.


But then it sounds like we may be paying $700+ for a semi auto rimfire.  
Link Posted: 12/6/2010 7:13:45 AM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Sounds like it's time for a delayed roller or teeny tiny gas piston setup.


But then it sounds like we may be paying $700+ for a semi auto rimfire.  


Dont look up the price of my MR Rifle above then....

The MR did add a "gas dispersing block" thing under the barrel to help aleveate some of the presure from the 22 Mag round so the reciever wouldnt get beat to crap. It still has a bit more recoil then a 22LR, but it is pretty low on the recoil scale.
Link Posted: 12/6/2010 7:17:52 AM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
My Marlin 917V shoots an honest 2600fps with both Hornady and CCI 17 grain ammo.     It's a smidge over 1MOA at 100 yards, but you never know if there's a little bit of wind going on that you're not feeling.  

It's a little expensive for a plinker, but a lot of fun to shoot.




I also have Marlin.  

I get 1 MOA with 5 shots with any ammo I have.  I have killed two goats and two dogs with it.  It's also a good crow gun.
I bought my 20 boxes of ammo few years ago at $9.00 box.  So, I am good to go for a while.

I highly recommend it for any farmer/ranchers out there.  Much better than .22 LR for varmints
Link Posted: 12/6/2010 7:33:01 AM EDT
[#27]
love my savage .17
Link Posted: 12/8/2010 7:02:04 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
ehhh, they are not as accurate or as powerful as most would have you believe. a good .22lr will be just as accurate out to say 130 yds. i realize it will drop more but you have to take into account that even  a small gust of wind will seriously screw up the .17 once it starts shedding velocity, which it does pretty quickly. the results on game can also be less than spectacular. honestly i feel more comfortable with. a .22lr. i have seen the .17 bounce off too many skulls. youre better off with .22mag., which would fit nicely in your lineup and drop the bb gun off the list. but in case you decied you want one i have a 917v in like new condition i will sell you for 250 with scope(tasco 6-24x42 varmint/target with weaver rings, i know i know) bipod(caldwell) and hard case. i just dont see the point of it anymore.


Your screen name.  It's a perfect fit.
Link Posted: 12/9/2010 5:53:36 AM EDT
[#29]
I guess I’ll post the dissenting view…From a cost vs performance\utility POV, I don’t think the 17HMR makes much sense.

For small game out to 125yrds, the 17Hm2 (or 17 Mach2) offers the same performance, accuracy and precision at half the cost.



Beyond that range (or for larger game), I think you would be better served by the .223 Rem or a .22 Hornet. The 223 in particular offers much more flexibility, performance, bullet choices, effective range and can be reloaded for around the same cost or less than buying 17HMR.
Link Posted: 12/9/2010 6:38:37 AM EDT
[#30]
I don't think the 17HMR has any business flying beyond 150 yards....maybe 200.  The terminal ballistics and flat trajectory within 125 yards (or so) define it's popularity.

How's that chart stack up with the 22 win mag?  Thanks for posting that - I love those graphs, I stare at em for hours!
Link Posted: 12/9/2010 6:50:50 AM EDT
[#31]
Link Posted: 12/9/2010 7:10:49 AM EDT
[#32]
For small game on open areas they are wonderfull. In high grass it sucks. In high wind it sucks.
Link Posted: 12/9/2010 8:01:38 AM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
I don't think the 17HMR has any business flying beyond 150 yards....maybe 200.  The terminal ballistics and flat trajectory within 125 yards (or so) define it's popularity.

I agree, at 150yrds or further, I think it's time to step up to a centerfire round

Quoted:
How's that chart stack up with the 22 win mag?

To be honest, I don't know?

Quoted:
Thanks for posting that

No problem!

Link Posted: 12/9/2010 8:21:13 AM EDT
[#34]
Me and my friends thought the whole concept was ridiculous when the 17 HMR came out.  Then one guy bought one, and everybody had to agree that it was a blast.  It is terrific for small game and varmints; headshots become routine.  Now they all have one.
Link Posted: 12/18/2010 7:50:38 PM EDT
[#35]


I have a Marlin 917V with a Nikon 3x9 on it. Its my go everywhere do anything gun and will be my last gun Id ever part with if something happened and I had to start selling off guns. Ive shot it along side .22 mags and I can honestly say Ill never own another .22 mag. The setup in my pic goes to the farm with me everytime I go and I know itll do everything I need it to do...
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