Best .17 Caliber

Sheridan · 05-07-2009, 02:37 PM

I would like your opinions on which .17 Caliber you prefer and why.

USE

linking, ground squirrels, rabbits, etc.

IE: Remington Fireball, HMR, Mach 2, etc.(factory loads only please).

Thanks guys..............!

Colorado Luckydog · 05-07-2009, 05:02 PM

I've been the 17 hmr route a few times for the exact same uses that you intend to use it for. After a few different shots at it, I decided the best 17 is a 22LR. I know the 17 is faster and flatter and a little more accurate but with cost of ammo and the prey you are after a 22LR just works better for me. That's my .2cents and worth about what you paid for it.

stalkingbear · 05-08-2009, 07:36 AM

X2! I have to agree but with the addition of the .22mag for longer shots or for bigger varmints.

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Colorado Luckydog

I've been the 17 hmr route a few times for the exact same uses that you intend to use it for. After a few different shots at it, I decided the best 17 is a 22LR. I know the 17 is faster and flatter and a little more accurate but with cost of ammo and the prey you are after a 22LR just works better for me. That's my .2cents and worth about what you paid for it.

bronko22000 · 05-08-2009, 12:09 PM

I would have to agree. But as for a response to the post, I have had no exp with the Mach II but I have with the 17 HMR. I have found it extremely accurate in my Savage 93. I used it for squirrel (IMO its overkill) but since our fall turkey season overlaps small game season, I carry it. I have taken 2 nice turkey with the HMR and both were DRT.

skeeter 7MM · 05-09-2009, 10:21 AM

Not really apples to apples the .17 rem and .17 rem fireball are both CF's. They are more then capable for larger varmit hunting like coyotes and a longer ranges. As a factory shooter they aren't really cheap to plink off on a sunday. For small game such as rabbits IMO they are overkill much like the 22 cal. CF's (22-250, 220, 223, etc) but will certainly work. The other 2 mentioned are rimfire's and more the small game/plinking on sunday style. Of these 2 the HMR is the most popular and therefor the easiest to find ammo as well. The HMR out performs the mach at distance.

The 22wmr is pretty well darn perfect for plinking and small game. Cheaper to shoot then the 17hmr. However the 17 HMR are inherently accurate and IMO everybit as handy to own as WMR for small game and plinking needs. Neither are the best choice for coyote medicine, this is best left to CF's...JMO though.

So it depends on what you want??? If a plinker the rimfire 17'sor .22's fit the bill. If you want to shoot varmits and targets the CF's are the way to go, though being your buying OTC I'd be considering a .22 cal like the .223 or 22-250 on the account of more selectionwhich will includeprice points.

stalkingbear · 05-09-2009, 11:56 AM

I've found .17s seem to foul the barrel fast & to be EXTREMELY finicky to load for compared to .22 centerfires. The only .22 that seems as twitchy to load for as the .17s is the .22 hornet.

Sheridan · 05-10-2009, 09:39 AM

Perhaps it would have been helpful to tell you I have a .204

I am looking for an accurate, flat shooting rim fire (out to 150 yards) with zero report.

I want to see my marks through the scope as I squeeze off each round.

Factory loads only please.

Thanks for all the replies thus far !!!

stalkingbear · 05-10-2009, 10:26 AM

Then your only choice is the .17HMR!

skeeter 7MM · 05-10-2009, 10:35 AM

With the .204 in the cabinet no need for a .17 cf, I agree the .17hmr or .22wmr look like they fit

Sheridan · 05-10-2009, 11:11 AM

Zero report guys ?

See your marks through the scope at impact ?

Thanks again !!!