heaviest bullet that could be loaded in the .17 HMR

[coyote trapper1928]

Hi:

  What is the heaviest bullet that the .17 HMR could be loaded with at the factory? Right now, the 20 grain load is the heaviest load available. Could a heavier bullet fit in the .17 HMR?

[jh45gun]

Well if it could you would have a 22 mag LOL No really if you think about it that light bullet it shoots gives it the speed every one is hyped up about you go any heavier than 20 then you are getting into 22 mag velocities so might as well get a 22 mag if you want to go heavier.

[victorcharlie]

I think the reason the 20 grain is the largest factory load is that current heaver .17 caliber bullets are designed to expand at much higher velocities.  Also,I'm not real sure the rate of twist on most .17HMR's would stabalize a heaver, and longer bullet as well, and the accuracy might not be good enough for what the HMR shooter has come to expect.  I'm just guessing about this.