Thinking of a .17

[11Z50]

I've been a little stagnant in my gun adventures lately. In search of something new, I happened to notice a .17 HMR on clearance at SportzAuth. This got me thinking, and researching the new .17 rimfires. 25-30% higher velocity than a .22 Mag?

I am thinking now of either converting a 10/22 to .17 Mach 2, or just buying the Marlin .17 HMR that's on sale. The 10/22 will be less powerful, but probably more fun. Then again, the Marlin will be a little more powerful, and probably more accurate. Costs are about the same for either option....maybe I'll do both!

Anybody have some input? Project guns are my thing, and this .17 thing has me going!

[mds2004]

My little brother is using a Savage Arms .17hmr as his first rifle. It sure as hell is a lot more fun than our .22's. Ammo costs more though, about $12/pack of 50.

[blkA4alb]

My little brother is using a Savage Arms .17hmr as his first rifle. It sure as hell is a lot more fun than our .22's. Ammo costs more though, about $12/pack of 50.

Thats how much I paid for 223! 120 per 500, 240 per 1000. I didn't think it was that much more, personally i would rather have a little less velocity and shoot all day for 12 bucks for a brick.

[Spent Shell]

My little brother is using a Savage Arms .17hmr as his first rifle. It sure as hell is a lot more fun than our .22's. Ammo costs more though, about $12/pack of 50.

I have the Savage as well and that thing is a blast to shoot. My 100 yard groups are better than any 50 yard group I've got with a .22. I'm no competition shooter but this thing makes me look good, and it's stock right now. Just be sure to get the accutrigger model or do a trigger kit to somthing else. I'm building a benchrest stock for it right now.

$12 for a box of ammo is full price, like most ammo if ya look around you can do alot better. I usually pay $9-$10/bx and the best I've seen online has been $7.50/bx. Now you're getting down to the price of competition .22 ammo, and if you want long range accuracy you sure can't beat that.

Of course if you're not looking at benchrest shooting or varmint hunting and want a higher power (than .22) plinker you may want to consider the HM2 round, as it has similar performance (although less velocity) and cost is about the same as buying stingers.

I can't believe how much fun I've had with the 93, and bull barrel stainless can be had for under $300.

[xenophobe]

With an accurate barrel, nice trigger and good shooting, 1/2" groups can be common with a .17HMR or .17M2...

It's a great round for practicing your shooting skills and training for accuracy. It's also great for squirrels. Cost of ammo isn't really bad when you're getting match ammo accuracy out of them. Sure beats shooting .308 Black Hills or Gold Metal Match at a buck a round.

[Fjold]

I like the 17 HMR, I have the left handed Savage bull barrel 93, bolt gun. It will shoot sub MOA at 100 yards easily as long as the wind isn't up.

Ammo runs about $8.95/50 from any of the mail order houses.

[scootergmc]

I have two, a Marlin 917v .17 HMR and a Marlin 717 Mach II. Pretty much the only things I've shot since pheasant season ended. The Marlin has a Rifle Basix trigger and Revival Industries Tundra blue stock topped with a Simmons Whitetail Classic. Rabbit death machine.

I wouldn't convert a 10/22 to Mach II after buying my 717. Sure, you can get a lot of trick parts for a 10/22 conversion, but out of the box accuracy leaves just a little to be desired and you'll have a ton of $$ into it. Now for $200, you have a semi-auto off the shelf gun capable of good groups and years of fun... and the guilt free feeling you'll have when you scratch the stock or whatever. Besides, the $ you'll save off the conversion can buy lots and lots and lots of ammo.

And if you're worried about ammo prices, order online. I just paid $3.99/50 for my last Mach II order. Happy shooting.

[Harbinger]

I can do sub-MOA with my CZ-452 Varmint ALL DAY LONG. .17HMR has an amazingly flat trajectory, and these Hornady V-Max rounds make squirrels go boom.

[Boondocksaint]

I've got a Savage too. Coupled with the BSA "Sweet 17" scope and Hornady V-match's, it's a GREAT little rifle.

Tons of fun without watching hundreds of dollars flung from your extractor.

[11Z50]

OK, I went and bought the Marlin from Snorkel Bob. $209 before all the PRK fees and tariffs. Not bad. In 10 days I'll be picking it up! In the emanwhile, some research into ammo and accessories is in order.

[scootergmc]

https://www.rimfirecentral.com

It's a good forum, a lot of rimfire geeks and the like...

[csarel]

I have the same as boondocksaint,

+1. Awesome little rifle and scope!