.17 HMR

[YoMan]

This is probably a newbie question and asked already, but im thinking about switching my .22lr for a .17hmr. The Savage 93R17-GVXP looks real nice. I heard that the .17 puts some devastating holes in game. I hunt squirrels primarily,and if a .17 can put an exit hole the size of a softball in a coyote, i dont think there will be too much squirrel left.

Are there any other types of .17 ammo that would work better? I don't want to try headshots all the time since its not always available. Heard something about a 20 grain that may work?

Last time I asked about this in GM, there weren't too many manufactures of .17 ammo.

Thanks

[ac777]

try the .17 mach 2. similar to the .22 lr, but smaller diameter

[picksbigwagon]

I use the 20 grainers in the exact same gun you are looking at. I use mine for squirrel hunting and I wait for the head shot. they do blow the back out of the squirrel's head and leave nasty body wounds, but like I said, I wait for the head shot.

I have not had the opportunity to take a coyote with mine, and I don't think I would try outside of 75 yards. Will it work, probably, is it the best choice I own, definitly not. My first choice is a 223 or if it is really windy, my 243. If you want a a new coyote rifle, 17hmr is not the ticket. if you want a new squirrel gun, look at the 17hmr or the mach 2. The mach 2's are pretty accurate as well, and do nicely on squirrels.

If you get the heavy barrel 17 (like I have) bring a long some shooting sticks, the gun is a little front heavy.

My savage is a tack driver. I can consistently hit the primers in rifle bullets at 50 yards. Yes I specifically load rounds for this purpose and crimp the bullets down extra hard with a pliers. The primers thump, the powder flashes, the case splits and the bullets falls out.

There aren't many manufacturers of 17 HMR, in fact CCI makes it all in Missouri I believe and slaps different labels for the different makers on it. They all use different powders and secret chargers, etc. My gun loves the 20 gr, Hornady, it is all I use. In a pinch my second best is the 17 gr. Hornady. My buddy shoots the federals in his savage best. Each gun is different.

SOrry for the ramble, but this forum has been quiet for a while and I wanted to get rid of the eating racoon from the top of the list.

Good luck and let us know what works out best.

P.S. Gander Mountain is horrible in their 17hmr prices. Cabelas, Fleet Farm and just about anywhere else has better prices than Gander Moutain on ammo. I bought my gun at Dick's sporting goods, with the laminate thumbhole stock and bull barrel. It's a keeper

[YoMan]

Good stuff! I never knew about the M2 version. Sounds like a sweet gun and I think I may take that route, if i can find a non-synthetic stock.

How does everyone feel about ordering guns online? Anyone ever do it and how did it go?

[picksbigwagon]

YoMan, either way both guns are good for squirrels. In fact the Mach2 could be considered a better squirrel gun then the 17hmr.

[huntnfish]

The 17hmr is a very fun gun to shoot. I have the Savage 93 with the heavy barrel and can verify that they put a hole heck of a hole in a squirrels. If the wind is blowing it will definately affect your accuracy but I haven't had too many problems in the woods. I haven't shot the mach 2 but have heard good things about it plus I think it is a little cheaper to shoot.

[CAJ]

I have 2 Savage HMR rifles. One thumb hole and one is black plain stock. Have shot many

Gophers and a few Coyotes with it. Gophers blow apart if not hit in head. Coyotes if hit in a good area by front leg will go down and the bullet will not exit. You have a hard time finding to hole it went in without skinning. I just Got a cunversion kit for my 10-22 Ruger so I can shoot the Mach 2 in it. A lot cheaper buying the Mach 2 shells. Don't know how good the Mach 2 is compared to the 17 Hmr. Will find out soon.