![17hmr varmint](wp-content/my-images/huntreportDEFDFgoWFl4WDxERAURYQkJMBVdcTkZBTgEKCk1UW0FLQEcKX1hdRUxTVVJUGwcIGVNRUFwTHEcCEAgNV0UYBlQFT1QCDBdcEwY.jpg "\\"17hmr")
Maybe I am a little late and on the rush for a 17 HMR but I do have a question? I’ve heard read a lot of mixed reviews on this caliber. I just wanted to get the Pro’s -Con’s on why you do or do NOT like them? I am in the market for a rimfire rifle and thought I’d ask here from the email invitation. Also, if I buy one are they good for squirrels and groundhogs?
Finally, what manufacturer/gun maker would you suggest?
Thanks!
Jon in WV.
The .17 is no better than the .22 Magnum, which is available just about everywhere. The ballistics between the two are similar. However, look around for ammo in your area before you decide because the .22 magnum is a bit loud for some.
I’ve nailed groundhogs at 150 yards and dropped them in their tracks. The 17 HMR rifles can be bought reasonably cheap,and 50 rounds of ammo will cost about $14.So my answer is yes, Its a very good varmint gun for the money.And carefully placed shot will drop a coyote out to 200 yards too. I’ve heard of guys shooting deer in the neck with them and dropping them almost in their tracks, but that’s illegal with a rimfire round and I definitely don’t recommend that.,but its just a testimonial as to what the little 17 is capable of
The only problem I have with the .17hmr is it’s very wind sensitive and being a rimfire it’s pressure limitations and I personally seen the bullet blow up on a twig before it hit the target and the ammunition can be quite expensive, most gun writers will disagree with me but they just want you to buy into there hype
The 17hmr is devastating on squirrels and groundhogs, but a bet light if your going up to foxes and coyotes, then I’d opt for a .22 magnum or bigger.
Pros: rimfire so even though its still expensive its cheap.
even though it is a rimfire its still pretty actuate out to 150 yards give or take
fast hot little round
low recoil shoot it all day
Cons: it does tend to destroy small targets like squirrels
it is affected by wind quite a bit
it is expensive for being a rimfire
Great little round for squirrels and prairie dogs, but marginal coyotes even using the heavier bullets. Prairie dogs out to 400, yes! Also, .17 HMR is an excellent gun for ground squirrels, it will shoot very flat and a 17 gr bullet leaves the muzzle at about 2,550 fps.
There’s some great comparisons of different features of different bullet weights, as well as other calibers at There’s some good videos there, too!
V