Which .17 HMR rifle?

[NorzelKid]

So, I've been trying to decide which .17 HMR rifle to purchase. This will be strictly for killing paper, anywhere from 25 to 100 yards. Shooting will be from a bench, either with a bipod or resting on a bag. I'm considering the following models for the reasons listed:

Savage 93R17--Comes with heavy barrel (I'm thinking this would be good to keep the barrel from heating up too much during long plinking sessions), and has left handed models available (since I'm a lefty).

Ruger American--Can choose between using iron sights and scope, and has modular stock system with interchangeable length of pull and comb height. Lots of readily-available aftermarket accessories and stocks.

CZ 455 American--with interchangeable barrels, this system seems to allow the most caliber versatility. Also like that I could swap into a heavy barrel for long plinking sessions. I already have the CZ 452 Scout in .22 LR for off-hand plinking, and love the smoothness and quality feel of the CZ bolts.

So, what say you regarding which model is best? All opinions and thoughts are welcome!

[Bikertrash]

Have 3 savage's. 2 in .17HMR & 1 in .22WMR.

No other choice. I like that the .17 & .22WMR share the same Magazines

[FeuerFrei]

IMO if you're gonna just shoot from a bench you'll probably be disappointed with a 17hmr.
Where the 17hmr shines is out in the field splashing ground squirrels or other legal targets of opportunity.
If you're gonna shoot paper then buy a big @zz powered scope and spotting scope.
Teenie tiny hole is hard to spot even with shoot n see targets.
CZ or Savage for rifle to use depending on your budget. I love my CZ!

[1911Luvr]

IMO if you're gonna just shoot from a bench you'll probably be disappointed with a 17hmr.
Where the 17hmr shines is out in the field splashing ground squirrels or other legal targets of opportunity.
If you're gonna shoot paper then buy a big @zz powered scope and spotting scope.
Teenie tiny hole is hard to spot even with shoot n see targets.
CZ or Savage for rifle to use depending on your budget. I love my CZ!

^^Dead on. I can't see the holes at 100 yards but I love shooting potatoes at that distance because they explode with Hornaday Varmint tips! If I was only shooting 25-100 yards I'd either go 22 magnum or 22lr so I can see the holes the paper and have a wider choice of ammo.

That said, if you buy one and want to do some varmint hunting, it is AWESOME! I have the Ruger American Rimfire in .17hmr with a Vortex Viper 4-16x scope and love it.

[NorzelKid]

The more I read about the CZ Varmint, the more I like it:

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-455-varmint-22-lr-5-rd-mag/

I'm really leaning towards this one, based on the interchangeable barrel system. Any CZ 455 Varmint owners out there who can comment on this rifle?

[SB1964]

CZ is a slamdunk!

[1911Luvr]

Which .17 HMR rifle?

Two friends of mine just got the Volquartsen .17hmr that is a much improved copy of the Ruger 10/22 magnum design. Here's two magazines shot through one (18 rounds) at 50 yards using Hornaday .17hmr 17grain varmint loads:

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1455609635.487096.jpg

The sandbag slipped and you can see the one flyer it caused

[1911Luvr]

Two friends of mine just got the Volquartsen .17hmr that is a much improved copy of the Ruger 10/22 magnum design. Here's two magazines shot through one (18 rounds) at 50 yards using Hornaday .17hmr 17grain varmint loads:

[ATTACH]481900[/ATTACH]

The sandbag slipped and you can see the one flyer it caused.

[MongooseV8]

Savage or CZ can't go wrong.

Even for paper the 17HMR has been known to be stupid accurate. Pick a rifle and have some fun.

[NorzelKid]

Two friends of mine just got the Volquartsen .17hmr that is a much improved copy of the Ruger 10/22 magnum design. Here's two magazines shot through one (18 rounds) at 50 yards using Hornaday .17hmr 17grain varmint loads:

[ATTACH]481900[/ATTACH]

The sandbag slipped and you can see the one flyer it caused

That's a great group, from what looks like an awesome rifle! Volquartsens are pretty pricey though, unfortunately more than I am able to spend...

[NorzelKid]

Savage or CZ can't go wrong.

Even for paper the 17HMR has been known to be stupid accurate. Pick a rifle and have some fun.

I went ahead and put down a deposit on the CZ 455 Varmint in 22 LR. I'll get that in hand, and then pick up the .17 HMR barrel for double the fun! Looks like the CZ was ahead in the poll, so Calgunners must like the CZ! Can't wait to get it and start shooting!

[MongooseV8]

Good choice. Don't cheap out on your scope and rings =)

[GrapesOfWrath]

Check out the CZ guys on rimfirecentral - you made the right choice.

Shoot as is (damn good) or farkle it up with trigger guards , scope mounts from DIP, trigger mods, Lilja barrels, and Boyds stocks.

[NorzelKid]

Check out the CZ guys on rimfirecentral - you made the right choice.

Shoot as is (damn good) or farkle it up with trigger guards , scope mounts from DIP, trigger mods, Lilja barrels, and Boyds stocks.

Thanks for suggesting rimfirecentral...looks like a very interesting forum! Any suggestions for scope and rings? Typical range would be between 25 and 100 yards.

[hdpauly]

It's a hundred yard riffle don't worry about the model the round falls in the dirt very fast at 150 yards
The thing is with the HMR 17 you have to go through different brand bullets until you get a good group!( 5 shot groups) When you find the brand that shoots good with the brand riffle you picked, stick to it. chances are another brand riffle will shoot another choice of brand bullets best!

Have fun plinking