17 HMR...Dang!

[Free Trapper]

I have never showed much interest in the 17 HMR, but got a chance to buy one from a fellow OSA member a couple days ago, so I thought I would try one.

It takes a lot to impress this old Social Security age soul, but I am impressed!

Top pic shows a hit on one of my 22 silhouette (1/4 inch mild steel)...line up a bunch of these on a railroad tie and my grandkids can show you how to make a box of 22's disappear before you can say it ...they have taken many a 22 hits without even a dent, but the 17 made a definite impression.

Second pic is a good size bulge on the back.

Accuracy from my 35 yard bench was certainly acceptable. I am somewhat of an accuracy freak, so this group made me smile.

17 grains with polymer tip moving at 2550 FPS.

I can't imagine what a head shot would be like on one of our big Creek County Red tree rats,
and the next time I catch one of our many prarie poodles circling my chicken house, I think I will put one between his ears and see what happens.

Yep, this one has earned a permanent place in my gun vault.

Happy shooting!

 

[adamsredlines]

17HMR is an awesome little round...17WSM (20gr at 3000fps) is more awesome.
Both will devastate small game (prairie dogs and the like) and still take out things like Coyote with a well placed shot.

Get on youtube and search 17hmr explosion (or 17wsm explosion for that matter) to watch what they do to little critters...they just fragment upon impact.

 

[RETOKSQUID]

Nice grouping. Been itching to get a .17 for a while as well, looks like it would be a good choice for chipmunks.

 

[deerwhacker444]

I've been tickled pink with mine, bought a cheap savage with a 3-9 Nikon prostaff a decade ago, haven't really shot it much.

Just fooling around from the bench, I'm sure I could do better with more magnification, my eyes not so bueno..

 

[Free Trapper]

I've been tickled pink with mine, bought a cheap savage with a 3-9 Nikon prostaff a decade ago, haven't really shot it much.

Just fooling around from the bench, I'm sure I could do better with more magnification, my eyes not so bueno..

Deerwhacker,

Very good groups, indeed.

I plan to try out this little thing at 100 yard prone. I would love to do as well as you did at 100. Maybe even today if I can get the rest of my corn planted.

I didn't mention in the OP, but I also shot a steel 22 size chicken, which flew over the berm back into the weeds and brush...I never did find it.

BTW...Love your avatar

 

[TwoForFlinching]

After 7 years plinking, the humble 17HMR is still my favorite rifle round. While it's fun to stretch out the 6.5x47 to a grand, nothing feels better than putting a prairie dog down with that little rimfire cartridge.

 

[rawhide]

After 7 years plinking, the humble 17HMR is still my favorite rifle round. While it's fun to stretch out the 6.5x47 to a grand, nothing feels better than putting a prairie dog down with that little rimfire cartridge.

Bought a CZ 17 hmr in December that I like very much. Haven't had a chance to shoot it since adding a scope.