Thinking of buying a 17hmr

dante_mags

dante_mags

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I'm looking around for a good 17hmr rifle. I'd be willing to spend up to 400 bucks. As of now I think the Savage 93 with a heavy barrel and wood stock is my best option. Is there anything out there that is a better choice?
 
I picked up a Marlin XT17 with a heavy barrel off a member here, $150 and it was one of my favourite guns now...my wife like it the best out of all we have. Great little gun. I'd recommend a 17 hmr, ammo isn't that expensive to plink either.
 
Ok sweet. The main reason why I want a 17hmr is so I can shoot squirrels, rabbits and coyotes. I do have a .243 win for coyote, but I would like to be able to shoot rabbits and squirrels without destroying the meat. Mind you I did encounter a coyote when I hade my .22lr Remington speedmaster and it did the job fairly efficient.
 
The Savages are fine, made in Canada I was told but be aware you need to keep the chamber clean, not between shots but a quick brush and wipe before putting away ensures you don't get stuck brass.
 
Watch for a used CZ Varmint HMR... you can find them for around $450... it is the nicest HMR in the price range... very accurate. We have taken a number of coyotes with our Hummers... use the 20 grain XTP bullet and center the lungs... keep shots under 125 yards or so.... if you are a handloader, you can make up 58 grain squibs with Trail Boss for your .243 and shoot squirrels and rabbits with those.... we do something similar with our .223's... loading a subsonic load of 4.0 grains TB under 45 Gr. SP's... does a great job on small game.
 
dante_mags said:
I don't hand load, but that would be a great idea. Do you know if anyone sells them?
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It is not a good idea to "sell" handloads due to liability.... but maybe you have a friend or "friend of a friend" who wouldn't mind loading some for you.

As a benchmark, 8 grains of TB with a 100 SP will net a little over 1000 fps
 
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hoytcanon said:
It is not a good idea to "sell" handloads due to liability.... but maybe you have a friend or "friend of a friend" who wouldn't mind loading some for you.

As a benchmark, 8 grains of TB with a 100 SP will net a little over 1000 fps
Click to expand...

It's actually illegal to sell handloads, unless you are licensed to manufacture ammunition for commercial purposes.
 
HMR is a great round. I'd consider a Marlin over a Savage if budget is an issue. If not, Hoyt's suggestion of a 452 Varmint would top my list. I'm considering a rimfire purchase right now...but I find 22WMR to be a more versatile varmint killer here in S. Ontario. If I were out west in the land of milk and honey and gophers...I'd have at least one 17HMR.
 
The hmr is hard on edible small game unless only head shots are taken. For a coyote gun it can and will kill one but the lil bullets don't penetrate well and shot placement is very important. I have yet to see a hmr drop one on the spot. I know many will argue but I've tracked enough for hours to have a good opinion
The 17 mach2 is better for small game hunting and the 22 mag is a better option for coyotes.
These are just my experiences. I don't push my 22 mag over 75 yards and I'm very careful of shot placement.
 
I would look at a marlin for a new one. They seem better built then the savages to me at least anyway. But first I would look for a used cz. Often come up for 400-450 used. I wouldn't ever shoot a coyote with one though unless maybe could shoot em in the eyeball. Plenty of better suited calibers for dogs.
 
The 17 WSM is a cartridge of great potential, but unfortunately the rifle available for it is keeping it down. Savage makes fantastic rifles, and rimfires especially, the Bmag is NOT one of them. With any luck the SHOT show will unveil a quality Savage in a laminate stock, or something from Ruger or CZ....If the Bmag stays on as the only entry rifle (I'm not counting the VQ or Franklin), the 17 WSM is going to join my 5mm Rem Mag.
 
OP, I would highly recommend saving just a bit longer and buying yourself a CZ. I have a CZ 455 Varmint .17HMR, and I'm beyond impressed with the quality as well as the accuracy. Another nice feature is you have the ability to swap barrels on the 455.

Whatever rifle you decide on, you need a .17HMR in your collection! :)
 
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