Searching for more details about the 17HMR? Here is everything you need to know about the 17HMR cartridge, what it’s suited for, why you need one, and the cost-benefit ratio.
In addition, you can navigate our special 17 HMR cartridge selection, including hills 77. Hills 77 is one of the best 17 HMR cartridges, pushing bullets at 1293 Ft. Lbs. (with 2750 FPS velocity). Here are some commonly asked questions about 17 HMR.
- How far can 17 MRH Shoot?
The 17MRH can shoot a range of 150 on typical conditions. It has a bullet drop of around 3″-/+ within this range, giving it a consistent accuracy. It can also achieve 200 yards in a calm condition.
- What Does .17 HMR Stand for?
17MRH stands for 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire. Instead, it’s abbreviated in its short form 17 MRH. Engineered by the ammunition firm Hornady in 2002, .17MRH is a rimfire rifle cartridge created by necking .22 Magnum case into a .17 caliber projectile.
- Which Bullet has Most Power in .17MRH?
The 17 Winchester Super Magnum. It’s considered the world’s fastest rimfire round and offers a performance boost of 17 MRH. In essence, it can fire at 3000 fps, an increase of 625 fps for a 17 MRH.
- Which Rifle is more Powerful: .17HMR or .22 WMR?
Overall, 17 MRH rifles are more powerful than their counterparts .22. They also offer more trajectory and cover a bigger range.
- What are Typical Differences Between .17HMR or .22 WMR?
The most apparent difference between 17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rifle) and 22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) is: the latter has a smaller caliber bullet than the former. This considerably impacts ballistic performance. But given its small diameter, 17 HMR bullets will fire at a whole lighter weight. Most 17 HMR bullets weigh 17 grains. Other markets will also have 15.5 and 20 grains.
On the other hand, most 22 WMR bullets weigh 40 grains. This also has a few varieties, from 30 to 50-grain bullets. However, it’s noticeable that the two rounds are equal in case dimension and overall length. Their case is virtually identical, but the two rounds case can also share a similar propellant charge.
Energy Comparison
The energy a bullet can impact on its target relies on velocity and weight. Whereas the 17 HMR offers a higher velocity towards the target, the 22 WMR delivers greater energy hence a bigger impact, given its heavy bullets. Energy is among significant determinants of how deadly a bullet performs upon hitting the target. Another factor is sectional density (the bullet’s capacity to penetrate soft tissues). Lastly, we have terminal expansion. If we cut down to energy alone, the 22 WMR has greater stopping power.
Overall, the sum of the 17 MHR ballistic coefficient and its ability to maintain greater velocity downrange over very long distances gives it a higher-end over its 22 WMR counterpart.
Is my 17 HMR Effective for Squirrel Hunting?
Yes. With a medium-range expanding bullet, ordinary conditions, and a mid-range distance, 17 HMR Hornady Magnum Rimfire can achieve extraordinary results. Overall, ensure you have a proper shot placement.
What is 17 HMR best Suited for?
The primary use for 17 HMR is hunting varmint and mid-range small game. Following the bullet’s high velocity and accuracy, its best suited for raccoons, rabbits, and possum hunting up to 200 yards.
More often than not, the rounds of high energy come off a bit destructive for varmints like squirrels, especially if you’re concerned with body preservation. Skilled marksmen also use 17 HMR for hogs and coyotes (larger games). However, this takes a proper shot and a reasonable range— within 50 yards.
Lastly, 17 HMR has its use in plinking. It keeps its affordability factor, speed, and accuracy at equilibrium. Also, it’s quieter than large ammunition—although louder than its close counterpart, the 22 WMR.
What is the Cost-Benefit Analysis?
For overall plinking, 17 HMR costs more when compared to .22lr. 22lr is great for plinking but compares poorly if the game is considerably small at a distance. In this case, The 17 HMR takes the upper hand. However, if planking targets within 100 yards, the cost-benefit of 17 HMR is ultimately higher.
Tagged as a niche caliber, 17 HMR is best suited for targeting small games within 100-150 yards. The cartridge is pretty expensive for rimfire ammo and will most likely destroy the game within 75 yards. However, its shootout 150 yards flat out, then drop off.
What is the Ideal Magnification for 17 HMR?
The magnification capacity depends on target distance. Therefore, longer to mid-range distances demand higher magnification (and vice versa). Using higher magnification at short range blurs vision.
Long Range (200 yards)
At least 7x magnification and more, especially when hunting smaller game.
Medium Range (100-200 yards)
4x -7x magnification. the 17HMR operates best at this range.
Close Range (Within 100 yards)
The ideal distance for hunting games like coyotes, possums, bobcats at a magnification of 2x -4x.
