Is 17 HMR a round that warrants a heavy barrel? I've read so many positive things about the round and also the Savage 93R17 that I think I might buy one. There isn't a huge price increase for the heavy barrel but I'd rather save the weight if there's no real benefit.
17 HMR - Benefits of a heavy barrel?
- Thread starter evan the cdn
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Not much of a weight difference, imho. The "heavy" barrel helps with heat dissipation if you do a lot of shooting. Some people will tell you that they believe the "heavy" barrels are more accurate.
Personally, I do a lot of shooting. So most times, I will pick the "heavy" barrel if it's available.
Personally, I do a lot of shooting. So most times, I will pick the "heavy" barrel if it's available.
All I've ever owned is heavy-barreled HMRs, so I don't know whether or not a skinny HMR barrel changes much. I did buy varmint gun last year without a heavy barrel and when I shoot prone with it (so far) it seems like it's a little more work to keep it steady than my heavy-barreled .223. I prefer carrying the lighter barrel, and it's WAY nicer to glass a field with it while standing offhand...but when it's time to get down to business with a bipod, heavy barrels rule in my mind.
I've been out of the HMR scene for a while, and just picked one up a couple of weeks ago. A heavy barrel. So, there is my vote I guess.
I've been out of the HMR scene for a while, and just picked one up a couple of weeks ago. A heavy barrel. So, there is my vote I guess.
CZ makes a .17 hmr in 2 barrel profiles.
455 American
455 Varmint
the varmint has a heavier barrel but the American I would say still has a medium heavy contour
A heavy barrel will be stiffer which is conducive to precision but not the only factor. I thinner barrel can potentially shoot just as well but will heat up a lot faster if your shooting a lot
455 American
455 Varmint
the varmint has a heavier barrel but the American I would say still has a medium heavy contour
A heavy barrel will be stiffer which is conducive to precision but not the only factor. I thinner barrel can potentially shoot just as well but will heat up a lot faster if your shooting a lot
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Had a savage fv shot ok was apically heavy and a real pig to carry all day. Sold it and picked up a 452 american. It's a lot lighter, shoots better, I think it looks better and can carry it all day and not be wanting to leave it in the field because you are tired of carrying a 10 pound gun around
Hmr does heat up pretty quick. WAY more than .22lr. What are you planning on doing with it? Lots of walking and offhand hunting or bipod at the range? If your target shooting I'd get the heavy barrel. My brother has a marlin with a laminate stock and it is excellent. He had extraction problems with cheap Winchester ammo. I believe it was the cci that worked much better.
I have a light barreled (xt17sr) marlin 17 hmr, it heats up pretty quick compared to a 22. I didn't notice and change in POI when I warmed it up though. I carry it a lot more then shoot it, hence the lighter barrel, open sights were a bonus for me too.
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I've heard that the extra weight also reduces muzzle jump, letting you reacquire your target quicker. I'm not sure I've noticed it- never really shot a light barrel and heavy barrel side by side to gauge it.
Though now that I think of it, that wouldn't make much of a difference with a bolt-action.
Though now that I think of it, that wouldn't make much of a difference with a bolt-action.
They all will shoot 1" or better. My CZ Varmint shot better than a CZ American, but it could be just manufacturing tolerances. If you walk all day and are wee, get a regular barrel, otherwise get the heavy. They usually shoot better in .22, so why not in .17HMR??
