My 17HMR range report

[OptionX3]

I've been hearing raves about the 17HMR cartridge so I decided to pickup a Savage 93R17. Last sunday... I drove down to my local Inland Fish and games range, brought my new 93R17 and just scoped Yugo SKS. Keep in mind that this is my first time shooting a bolt action, and first time using a scope (yes, I'm a gun noob). I zero the scope at 50yrd.(pretty easy) and next session, took it out to 100yrds. Only needed few more clicks to zero it in. After few more round, I was pretty surprised to see 1" groups w/o too much talent on my part. So I decided to take a quarter out of my pocket and taped it to the target. Wasn't sure how big the holes were gonna be so I unload 5 rounds. Not a good idea since when I went back to the target to check, no sign of the quarter but one giant gaping hole remained. Tape up one more quarter and unload 3 rounds next time. You can see the result in the pic.
Overall, I was very impressed with the 17HMR cartridge. Best part was the cost. $185 for rifle, $47 for bushnell and $10 for CCI TNT 50pack.
I cant wait to move up to bigger cartridge.
PS> I had a horrible time trying to zero the el cheapo "Leaper" scope on the SKS.

Here's a good webpage with 17HMR info.

http://www.varmintal.com/17hmr.htm

[blacklisted]

The .17 HMR is great! I sure wish ammo cost would go down a bit though. It's a bit expensive for rimfire. The varmintal .17 HMR section is a great resource.

Here's a few groups out from when I was breaking in my Marlin 917vs (at 100 yards):





The only thing I don't like is the sh***y BSA "Sweet 17 scope". I don't know how useful the ballistic compensator is, but I do know how terrible the optics are. I don't know what I was thinking when I got it. At least it holds zero and works.

[TonyM]

Man, my grandfather collected Bicentennial quarters. He would be upset right now..

Sounds like a nice addition to your collection. Hope you enjoy it.

[Juliet Lima]

Man, my grandfather collected Bicentennial quarters. He would be upset right now..

Sounds like a nice addition to your collection. Hope you enjoy it.

I collect them too, I was born in 76. I love those "drummer boy" quarters.

I just bought a Marlin 917VS from a member here. I can't wait until next weekend to shoot. I hate the 10 day wait

[11Z50]

Glad to see another happy 17'er!

My Marlin 917V has provided me hours of shooting fun. The ammo is more expensive than I'm used to for a rimfire, but performance justifies the added expense. Accuracy is on par with match ammo, and the terminal effect on small game is devastating. The little 17 HMR is, IMHO, far more accurate and deadly than the 22 Mag or high-velocity 22LR.

You can catch some quantity deals online. Wallyworld in the areas I live around has WW for $10.88/50. I buy a couple boxes every time I'm there.

I'm so hooked on the 17 that I bought a Remington 597 in HMR, and even picked up another Marlin 917V in 17 Mach 2. Range report to follow soon!

[Hard_2_Kill]

Take a look at the laminated stock Ruger .17HMR. I use one on the ranch for thinning out the gopher and squirrel population. It's like aiming a laser beam, extremely accurate. If you have ever tried shooting squirrels you know they always seem to know when you step outside with a rifle in hand! With a .17 HMR you can zap them at 50- 100 yards no problem, and they never even know you're there.