Thoughts and opinions on the 17 HMR

[bigbore442001]

revolver.

I was contemplating in the future the possibility of obtaining a revolver chambered in the 17 Rimfire magnum. I know that Ruger makes the Single Six and they did make a Hunter model. Also Smith and Wesson made a DA revolver with it a few years ago. What would be neat to see is Dan Wesson to come back and make a Hunter pack in that caliber. I suspect it would have a niche following at best.

I know there are better calibers for hunting small and large varmints but bear in mind this is for places where you are limited to rimfire but not 22 rimfire magnum. I know it sounds stupid and it is but that is what I have to play with, so to speak. Thanks for your responses.

[tek4260]

Did they ever, or do they still, make a FMJ 17 HMR? Otherwise, a 22LR CCI Stinger would probably be better for varmints. I have had several 17 HMR's, but got rid of them all. Too many coyotes ran off after good solid hits. Tried it on the fish ponds, but the big birds would fly off with it too. The only thing they were good for IMHO was sparrows and such.

All my experience was with rifles, I can only imagine that in a revolver, it would have even less killing power.

[AxeHandle]

Buy one while they are cheap. The Single Six 17 Hunter is rare but the blue 17 single six is common. We have seen what have been called limited runs of 5.5 and 6.5 stainless 17 HMR Single Sixes.

[frontloader1]

22 mag....easy answer

[bigbore442001]

I wish it was as easy as a 22 WRM. Can't use it on some areas such as state owned land in Connecticut. I cut and pasted the regulations regarding the use of handguns for hunting on state land for small game and varmints.

Rifles and Handguns- Rifles or handguns using ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire long rifle cartridges are prohibited on state-owned land. Rifles or handguns of any caliber are prohibited on State-leased and Permit-Required Hunting Areas (see Permit-Required and State-Leased Hunting Area sections for exceptions). The use of rifles or handguns to hunt turkeys, waterfowl, or any other federally regulated migratory game bird (except crows) is prohibited. Hunting on private land with ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire long rifle during the private land shotgun/rifle deer season is prohibited unless the user has a valid private land deer season permit and landowner consent form. The use of rifles or revolvers to hunt deer is subject to additional restrictions (see Private Land Shotgun/Rifle Season). The use of ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire long rifle to hunt raccoon or opossum at night is prohibited. A person using a handgun for hunting must possess any required state/town permits to carry. Note that it is legal to use .17 caliber rimfire firearms in all situations where it is legal to use .22 caliber rimfire long rifle firearms.

[dmize]

Well you have something to thank poachers for in Conneticut too.

[steveb]

Have no use for that bore size, other than the Red Rhyder's we play with. There is already a wide range of bullet weights for the .22 LR. I only see that "niche" as a way to get into more wallets. If ya still want one, well, sure, go for it ! steve b

[Gary @ R&G]

My partner has a Ruger 77 17hmr. He bought a Single six to go with it and a Borchardt spare cylinder in 17 Mach II (which dropped in). I have a 10-22 with a 17 Mach II kit and we love them all. You just have to know their limitations. Coyotes, Prairie dogs, rabbits, squirrels and turkeys (HMR only) at reasonable distances. Both are exceptionally accurate. My 10-22 will stack them at 25-30 yards.

Not sure of the need for the 17 but the same could be said for half the calibers out there. I gladly let them get in my wallet for a new toy.

[461tim]

I have a 5.5" Single-Six in .17HMR with a second cylinder for the .17M2. I haven't messed with it a lot but haven't found it to be any more accurate than my .22lr version.

[boxhead]

Mar 7, 2011 12:54:12 GMT -5 steveb said:

Have no use for that bore size, other than the Red Rhyder's we play with. There is already a wide range of bullet weights for the .22 LR. I only see that "niche" as a way to get into more wallets. If ya still want one, well, sure, go for it ! steve b

I couldnt agree more. Too expensive for what it offers.

[steveb]

I have no use for it. There is no season on humming birds. I go the other way. I like 50gr bullets in my .22mags and full, 40 gr bullets in my .22's. Velocity alone does not impress me. Yrs back, the animal control folks in Australia were complaining, that the ever lighter and faster .22 bullets were not reliably killing thejack rabbits they have. So Winchester came back out with a full, 40gr HP, the Power Point, I believe they call it. Its whats loaded in the wifes .22 J-frame. steve b

[Markbo]

It's not just about velocity. It's about (greatly) extended range and better accuracy. I did some testing with my HMR rifle against just a couple of my custom 10/22s in .22 LR and the HMR simply extends the distances 3 fold with remarkable accuracy.

.22 LR are used on 200 yard silhouette matches, so they are certainly capable IF you know the extreme holdover required to shoot anything out past 50 yards are so. With the HMR there is no such worry. Wind however is another matter entirely.

Like all rimfires, test for ammo preference and wait until you find a great sale and purchase in bulk. I have cases of .22 and about a case each of HMR and HM2. Couldn't be happier and that amout of ammo will last a long, long time.

[DR505]

I've only used a Savage rifle in .17 HMR. I use it for prairie dogs, badgers, etc. It kills them quick, and has incredible accuracy out to about 300 yards. Further than that, I use a center fire.

[nframe]

Neat cartridge in a rifle IMO, not anything to get excited about in a revolver however, again IMO. I have a CZ 453 Varmint that is a neat little rifle. I've killed a few critters with it and I deem it a keeper. My 6-1/2" Single-Six does not have the same appeal unfortunately. I've killed some game with it, but prefer my .22 rimfires to it hands down.