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.

Thanks for the email and I also have a question. I am seriously  looking at a remington 700 for varmint hunting and use as my deer hunting rifle. The question is what caliber would be effective for whitetail in fairly heavy brush as well as open fields? Im not looking to shoot over 150 yards but something that will push 300 might be useful for varmints.  I am not to worried about the kick (if 308) but would like to be able to use my arm after a bit of practice? Do any of you hunt deer & varmints with a heavy barrel Remington 700?

Thanks Danny in San Jose

If  a varmint hunter wants to use FMJ in my state they may do so including JSP, JHP, hard cast lead, basically anything. My question is would you ever/want consider using full metal jacket ammunition for varmint, pest and nuisance animal hunting? List reasons why, or why not if you don’t mind. I already have a mindset on this topic, and I’m curious what others thoughts are on this topic?

My new huntin blind. I was looking online at the prices for hunting blinds and due to the budget state of mind we are all in I thought it would be an excellent idea to give it a shot and build one myself. Tell me what you think and looking forward to getting it done for some fall coyote hunting.

Hello all thought i’d share my Coyote hunting photos in Montana. It was a great day and as you see a successful varmint hunting day.

Varmint groundhog hunting photos. I’ve been working on a farmer for deer hunting access and haven’t come out and asked yet. I have hunted coyotes and they told me to get rid of every groundhog they have. Making a terrible mess under their out buildings burrowing like mad. I suppose I could (and will soon) just ask for deer permission, but I also enjoy just shooting the groundhogs and attempting to call in coyotes. Tonight was the first night I had a chance to get out all spring. Not complaining, but work has been busy. Gotta pay the bills before we play.

The scoop. Eased my way around the barns in stealth mode. Was pretty much thinking it was not going to happen because despite the obvious burrowing activity, there wasn’t anything moving. However, with the earlier storms, and now sun trying to peak out just about 5pm, I thought it would be prime time for the hogs. I had already checked this side of the barn. First place I checked. Decided I better give it one more look. Crept over the stones to the grass and peaked around the corner. Couldn’t believe my eyes. Less than 10 yards and she didn’t even budge. No clue I was there. Raised the Savage 17hmr and squeezed off a round. Felt pretty darn good to take my first groundhog of the year!

Snapped some pics and one of my buddies laughed and sent me a picture of some lady in the checkout of the grocery store in Nashville. She was more of a fox than a hog, but I laughed too. One of my employees called on the company phone and said his wife just got a picture on their personal phone “Phil sent a picture of something that looks like a dead groundhog”. I had to laugh at that return call too. Made for an enjoyable moment. Please tell me I am not the only one that drives around town with a groundhog strapped to the hood of his station wagon???

The classic “You got me!” pose. Can’t believe it made it 3-5′ back to the barn really. I guess when all you have is a neck shot, you take it or the head. I took neck for bigger target with my rusty hunting skills.

Looks like I should have gotten her about a month ago before she had her litter. Oh well. Guess there are more waiting on their lead poisoning now.

Savage 17HMR VS Groundhog recently purchased Savage 17HMR out for a spin this morning and was able to connect on my first groundhog. I wish I had some great story about a 200+ yard shot but actually I crept up to a partial fence row 20 yards from an abandoned farm house and saw #1 sitting at the entrance to his burrow and dropped him. Went up took pictures and walked towards the back of the house to pitch him in the weeds and saw #2 scurry to into an outbuilding but leaving a portion of it’s self exposed. Then I dialed the scope down and the 1st shot it was still twitching and the 2nd shot rolled it over on it’s back. From nothing to a double in a matter of minutes.

I think this is a testament to how quite the 17hmr is.