Author Topic: hows accuracy outof 17 hmr single six? (Read 923 times)

Gallahad · « **on:** November 30, 2005, 06:26:51 AM »

specifically the 6.5" Is it better than a 22lr like the cartridge makers claim?
I don't belive the ss is target crowned. So if you have experience with em lets hear it!

corbanzo · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2006, 09:04:50 AM »

Well, the .17 has better trajectory, but it depends on what you are going to use it for. You don't wan't to use a .17hmr for hunting, because it destroys meat. The 17 mach 2 is tuned down... but not quite to a .22 level, still rips through the mean pretty well. If you are hunting small game at pistol range, I prefer the .22

Davemuzz · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2006, 02:45:39 AM »

I had a Smith 17hmr revolver. It bot the gun specifically for handgun hunting and not target shooting. My intent was to shoot groundhogs out to 100 yards and I had scoped the gun.

The performance of the 17hmr bullet on groundhogs out of a short barrel was dissapointing at best. I had worked with and tried all manfacturers ammo's. I had cronographed the ammo and none had ever broken the 2000 fps mark. Ths was measured 10 feet from the barrel.

So, when a hog was hit, none were killed instantly. It took two or three more shots to kill them. This was much too painful to watch, so I sold the gun.

If you are going to use the 17hmr for target purposes, they are great for that. For hunting, there are better chocies. I would go with a 17hmr rifle as they have enough barrel length to get the bullet up to speed to do the job with one shot.

Dave.

zipperzap · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2006, 03:40:06 AM »

Thanks fror that info - i think you just saved me from making your mistake!

Keith L · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2006, 07:01:11 AM »

I have a 14 inch Contender barrel in 17HMR that does OK, but in the short barrels normally found on revolvers I agree that there is little advantage to the HMR. In fact the flatter shooting results from a much lighter bullet so you have less energy down range.

I got my first 17HMR rifle for groundhogs at 100 yards and have stopped using it for that for the same reason Davemuzz states. It always seemed to take several shots to get the job done and was painful to watch. My 204 Ruger does it in one shot if I do my part.