17hmr Or 17wsm

[Mangy Coyote]

[ChuckDizzle]

I love .17 HMR. I do enough target shooting to keep the skills sharp for hunting with it. 200 meters and in it is a laser given the wind isn't a big issue. The benefit of the susceptibility of the cartridge to wind is that I learned a great deal about making wind calls.

Some pro's are I haven't found a poor quality brand in the caliber. It's more accurate than .22 LR unless you are counting obscure boutique target brands that cost as much or more. It's a very safe cartridge with almost zero chance of ricochet which allows me to hunt in more places. Quality "green" ammo is easily available.

I like it so much my CZ 455 goes with me even when I'm dove hunting, one year I got a coyote while there were no doves around.

Cons, I guess the wind thing, other than that it's awesome.

[k1dude]

WSM basically gives you an extra 50 yards of range. WSM ammo costs more and is less available.

[Spyder]

And far less variety and quality of guns chambered in it.

[Nick Adams]

I’m seriously considering a 17 WSM AR. Seems like a good way to go, considering California laws.

[oddjob]

I have both the 17 HMR & WSM. I go every year to a squirrel shoot up north. This year I started with the 17 HMR for about 25 squirrels. I then switched to the WSM and stayed with it the rest of the time. Shot hundred's with it! In prior years I've shot hundred's with the HMR too. HMR is cheaper...WSM has more "pop" when you hit a squirrel. One of my friends has a Ruger 17 WSM and its pretty sweet! I would opt for that over the B-Mag. I've shot the B-Mag and don't care for the bolt.

In 17 HMR I run a CZ 455. I use a Winchester 1885 and a Volquartsen in 17 WSM.

[plumbum]

[Mangy Coyote]

I have both the 17 HMR & WSM. I go every year to a squirrel shoot up north. This year I started with the 17 HMR for about 25 squirrels. I then switched to the WSM and stayed with it the rest of the time. Shot hundred's with it! In prior years I've shot hundred's with the HMR too. HMR is cheaper...WSM has more "pop" when you hit a squirrel. One of my friends has a Ruger 17 WSM and its pretty sweet! I would opt for that over the B-Mag. I've shot the B-Mag and don't care for the bolt.

In 17 HMR I run a CZ 455. I use a Winchester 1885 and a Volquartsen in 17 WSM.

[Mangy Coyote]

I love .17 HMR. I do enough target shooting to keep the skills sharp for hunting with it. 200 meters and in it is a laser given the wind isn't a big issue. The benefit of the susceptibility of the cartridge to wind is that I learned a great deal about making wind calls.

Some pro's are I haven't found a poor quality brand in the caliber. It's more accurate than .22 LR unless you are counting obscure boutique target brands that cost as much or more. It's a very safe cartridge with almost zero chance of ricochet which allows me to hunt in more places. Quality "green" ammo is easily available.

I like it so much my CZ 455 goes with me even when I'm dove hunting, one year I got a coyote while there were no doves around.

Cons, I guess the wind thing, other than that it's awesome.

It does get pretty windy in the summer in my area - thanks for the info

[c good]

Savage B Mag is a cock on close bolt so a little stiff but once you get used to it it's not bad. It does also break in over time. My Heavy Barrel B-Mag is my favorite rifle for small game and kinetic targets. Vaporizes potatoes, onions, melons, oranges, lemons, tomato paste cans, ketchup packs, soda cans, etc etc etc at 100-150 yards all day long! I do my best to pick up all the pieces but it's difficult sometimes!

[oddjob]

Close as 5 yards and to about 200 yards. We have to stop because our thumbs (reloading) and neck (looking through the scope) hurt so much from shooting. What really interrupts us are the seagulls, hawks, and eagles that land and eat the squirrels we just shot.

[aczrad]

I have a Bmag and a 93r17, also a Marlin HB hmr. The Marlin outshoots the 93 with every ammo. The bmag outshoots them both with the 20gr VMAX and 15gr lead free. I like both calibers, so accurate and fun. I shoot ground squirrels anytime I can find a place to go (hint, hint) near Redding. I also shoot a lot of paper, but prefer squirrels. I have killed a couple over 300 yards with the wsm, although it took a few tries and some holdover. With all that rambling being said, I would suggest a heavy barrel regardless of hmr/wsm........ I think either would be great for rabbits, the wsm out to and beyond 200 yards, it's much better in the wind.

[Rocketrob]

I had both calibers in Ruger bolt actions to shoot ground squirrels, The HMR proved much more accurate and consistent but sometimes the squirrels would be able to drag themselves back to their holes after a good hit on hmr. I ended up selling the 17wsm and bought the .17 hornet centerfire so I could hand load. the hmr is still more accurate but I love the hornet as it can reach out approaching 300yds.

Oh and hand loading the hornet with 6grain of powder is fun and challenging at the same time.

The HMR is perhaps my favorite to shoot, fun, quiet and the rounds are just so cute!

Once you get a .17 hmr your .22 will gather dust!

[aczrad]

I agree with Rocketrob to a point. You will find your 10/22 being neglected for awhile. I did, anyway, but I have worked my way back to them now. I am trying to get them all as accurate as possible with the various ammo I have. I plan on squirrel hunting with them as much as possible before July 1. Then it's .17 lead free exclusively.......just more back door gun control

[Eric Mayer]

My 17HMRs took the place of my 17HM2s and the 17WSM took the place of my 17HMRs. I have three of the Franklin Armory AR15 uppers and numerous other 17WSMs.

I hunt with mine and the 17WSM performs very well on small game and varmints.

Lead free ammo is available, but in the $14.00 range.

The 17WSM will extend your range much farther than 50 yards.

Lead ammo can be found for about $1.00 more than 17HMR ammo.