Thinking of buying a 17hmr

I bought the savage 93 with the wood stock and heavy barrel. Its been great. My cousin has the Marlin and they are very similar. I bought it as a cheaper alternative to hone my skills at 100-150 yards with the intent of increasing my effective range with a center-fire.
 
I have owned a 17HMR, but I sold it, and I will never own another one, or a 17WSM. I can justify the 17mach2 , because I purchased most of my ammunition stockpile at very good prices, in the $6 to $7 per box range, which is half the price of 17HMR ammunition. At the cost of 17HMR ammunition, and even moreso 17WSM ammunition, I can load my small centerfires like my 20 Vartarg, and 20 Tactical, and enjoy far superior ballistics to even the 17WSM. As well, I can develop loads for my rifles that offer accuracy far superior to the 17HMR, and 17WSM.
 
I have owned a 17HMR, but I sold it, and I will never own another one, or a 17WSM. I can justify the 17mach2 , because I purchased most of my ammunition stockpile at very good prices, in the $6 to $7 per box range, which is half the price of 17HMR ammunition. At the cost of 17HMR ammunition, and even moreso 17WSM ammunition, I can load my small centerfires like my 20 Vartarg, and 20 Tactical, and enjoy far superior ballistics to even the 17WSM. As well, I can develop loads for my rifles that offer accuracy far superior to the 17HMR, and 17WSM.

To each their own. Glad to see you're having fun with what you have.
 
Over here the police manage our licensing or rather mis manage and the is a big push onto the frangible bullet calibres and away from .22lr solely down to ricochet risk. Where we live its chalky with loads of flint. One upside is its made the demand for the calibre more and the prices are coming down and choices are going up.
 
The .17hmr is a LOT of fun. I have a CZ 455 and it is a blast. I shoot more .22lr to be honest- but I'd never consider letting the hmr go. The ammo is a bit more expensive- but you can normally find someone selling it for $15/box of 50 which won't break the bank. Lebaron had the Winchester ammo on for $10/box, but I found it didn't shoot very well for me so I stick with Hornady and CCI.

For larger critters the 20gr softpoints would probably work better- they mushroom and penetrate. The 17gr vmax bullets are explosive- I've shot water bottles that just come apart with the vmax, while the 20gr bullets go right through. I don't shoot critters so I'm not an expert but the bullets definitely have different behaviours. I wouldn't think a coyote would be an "easy" kill with the little pill- I'd keep it under 100 yards and use the heavy bullets. There are better options for >60lb animals I would say.

I don't think you would regret a .17hmr. It is between the .22lr and the small centerfires. It is true that you can reload a small centerfire for a little more money- but for a little more money you can reload a medium sized centerfire- and then for just a little more money you can reload a large calibre and so-on etc...
 
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