Looking at .17 rifles...

[7.62wolfman]

I'm looking at getting another small bore rifle and have taken an interest in the .17 cal. I'm trying to get some opinions on this, what do you guys think? Also, I'm sort of confused by the designations- .17 HMR is the "new" rimfire, so is a .17 Mach-something that is centerfire still widely available? I have seen both bullets but looks like most of the market is centering around the HMR cartridge. From what I've found you can get 4,000+ fps with the centerfire, somewhere in 2,500 range for HMR. I'm rather partial to the 4k number, just trying to get an idea of what is out there. Thanks again all

 

[esldude]

Don't know much about the 17 mach IV other than rifles are still made for them.

Have owned the 17 HMR. You will get 2650 to 2700 fps at the muzzle. It is very accurate. Useful to at least 150 and maybe 200 yards. Wind does blow them about a bit as they only weigh 17 gr. Doesn't copper up the barrel, nor will it burn out the throat. I would think it will last many tens of thousands of rounds. Even inexpensive rifles are quite accurate with the HMR.

 

[hksw]

Having gotten into the .17HMR a couple years ago and being extemely surprised and satisfied with it's accuracy, it is my caliber of choice for target shooting 100m/yds and below. At times, up to 200m/yds. Since my start (with a convered 10/22M), I've increased my collection that are built .17HMR from the start. These include a Marlin 917V, CZ452 Varmint, Anschütz 1517MPR, and an Anschütz 1717D HB. (Also have a second 10/22M on order to convert to .17HMR with slightly higher quality components thant the first gun.) The caliber gives high end .22lr target rifles a run for the money.

Out of the guns listed, IMO, the CZ is the best buy and no brainer in balancing accuracy and cost. Getting 0.50" @ 50yds is not difficult to do with this gun. The only drawbacks are a creepy trigger and, at times (at least mine was), rough bolt travel (which should smooth out with use).

In terms of comparing with .204Rug or other flat shooting lightweight guns, the .17 HMR will get you at least equal the accuracy for a lot less money. You'll get less downrange power and an inability to load to your specs but out to 150-200yds, its pretty hard to get the accuracy the .17HMR achieves for the price.

Can't say much on the .17HM2 as I'm still not converted to that caliber. It is, from what I've read on RimfireCentral quite accurate. It is slightly cheaper than .17HMR but for me, I'm not hurting for funds that would cause me to consider the cost difference. Anything the HM2 can do the HMR can do and more (longer range).

.17HMR : Essentially a .22mag necked down to .17.
.17HM2 : Essentially a .22lr necked down to .17.

 

[gbran]

Check out Varmint Al's 17HMR page

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

or

http://www.rimfirecentral.com

 

[ping]

17 savage

Got my son a 17 savage and shoots unbelievable. He gets .5 inche groups at 100 yards. It is stainless steen heavy barrel. Real nice and affordable.

 

[MachIVshooter]

.17 Mach-something that is centerfire still widely available?

Assuming that you mean the .17 mach-IV, it is a widlcat number and has never been commercially loaded.

I have seen both bullets but looks like most of the market is centering around the HMR cartridge. From what I've found you can get 4,000+ fps with the centerfire, somewhere in 2,500 range for HMR. I'm rather partial to the 4k number, just trying to get an idea of what is out there. Thanks again all

The .17 HMR is a good round for it's intended purpose, which is close-range varmint shooting. It is considerably less expensive and also quieter than centerfire varmint rounds.

That said, if you like the idea of 4,000+ FPS, then the .17 Rem. is the cartridge for you. I have a Remington M-700 LVSF in .17 Rem. and I can drive 20 grain V-maxes at 4240 FPS from the 22" barrel. You could probably push past 4300 from the standard 700 BDL's 24" tube. It is excellent on praire rats out to about 350 yards (my longest shot with it so far was 330 yards), and very explosive under 150. The .17 Rem. exceeds the performance of the .17 MachIV and is the only commercially loaded .17 centerfire. However, only Remington loads it, and only with 25 gr. HP's at 4040 FPS. It is a handloaders cartrtidge (and a PITA to load, I might add). FWIW, my rifle will shoot .67 MOA average with max book loads using new, untrimmed brass and the longest listed COAL (I haven't bought a new trimmer to do .17 cases yet). I am quite sure accuracy will improve as I work up loads, but I have only had the rifle 2-1/2 months and not even fired 200 rounds yet. It is topped with a Weaver Classic V-16 4-16x 42mm fine reticle. The package cost me just under $1200.

I needed another varmint rifle like a hole in the head, but the ba$***** at Sportmans Warehouse gave me a credit line, soooo........

 

[Reed1911]

There are numerous .17 calibers out there. Just about every .22 cal has been necked down, shortened, lengthend, and blown-out. We load the .17 Rem in everything form 15g to 37g. The .17 Rem has the speed advantage while the .17 MachIV has the accuracy advantage. I'd go with a T/C if you really want to get into it. They are much less expensive and extremely accurate.
We'll have the .17 Mach IV up in running for sale by 1st qtr of 2006.