17grain .17hmr VS 20grain .17hmr?

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pavmentsurfer

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Whats the actual difference? I fired both today and noticed a big difference in the way the 17grain fired VS the 20. It SEEMED the 17 grain had a bit more "umph". Would that make sense? Both rounds were hornady but the 17 grain was a Vmax round and the 20 grain was the hollow point round (that I absolutely hate)

Just curious, ive never looked into this. I assumed higher grain meant more power... but maybe its like wire... less is more.
 
The 20gr bullets are heavier and slower than the 17gr. In theory they should buck the wind better, and hold their speed and energy out further, but they are slower to start with, so take that for what it's worth. 100 yards or under it probably will not make much of a difference, and you probably don't want to shoot anything much over 100 yards with one anyway :)

I find that the 20 grainers are less accurate out of my marlin 917. They shoot about 2" at 100 yards. 17gr will stay under 1/2" if i do my part. Wind seems to have the same effect on both weights, openign the groups up about an inch to an inch and a half with a 30km gusty day.

Another note about the 20 grainers, be careful. I find that roughly one in 3 splits the case on firing. some just split the neck, some from the neck all the way to the rim down one side, and not where the primer was struck. Never had a problem with the 17gr loads. YMMV.
 
The 20's don't seem to be as accurate in my CZ453. Might be a better bullet construction for tougher animals. I know guys that use 22 wmr on beaver, and I'm wondering if 17hmr with the 20gr bullet might be effective, and have more penetration.
 
I've found that the 20 grainers blow right through a gopher sized target, but obviously not an issue with v-maxes.
 
I found the 20's to be very inaccurate from my savage. 2-3 inch groups VS 3/4 with the 17 grain immediately after, same conditions. I wish I didn't buy 10 boxes.
 
crud said:
I've found that the 20 grainers blow right through a gopher sized target, but obviously not an issue with v-maxes.
Click to expand...

Exactly, I almost never use 20s for gophers because they just don't expand. Better suited to larger varmints, like jacks.

Where it really shines is in shots out past 150yds. I've found that it has less drop and retains more energy at farther distances. I'm sure if you look around you can find a chart comparing the trajectory, velocity, and how hard it hits.

My savage 93 likes the winchester 20gr best.
 
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