17HMR and squirrels...
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Pulaskiville
Posts: 3,533
17HMR and squirrels...
I was anxious to take my Savage 17 out this year after some giant fox squirrels here in Ohio. I've been out a few times and have come to the conclusion that my 17 isn't for squirrels.
First, let me say that the Hornady V-max's out shoot all other types in my gun, so I shoot them. The first squirrel I shot pretty much through the ear, and still had damage to the front shoulder.
I shot one through the body, and it was for all intents and purposes torn in two.
Another I shot in the base of the neck and both front shoulders were heavily damaged. If you're not into eating your tree rats, which I am, it would be a wonderful gun. It seems that the bullet pieces were finding their way into the body even when I hit in the neck. I found one piece of copper jacket in the heart/lung chamber of a squirrel I hit in the head.
For now, I'll stick to my S&W pistol and 4X scope or my 410 double for squirrels...but those groundhogs had better eat with one eye open
First, let me say that the Hornady V-max's out shoot all other types in my gun, so I shoot them. The first squirrel I shot pretty much through the ear, and still had damage to the front shoulder.
I shot one through the body, and it was for all intents and purposes torn in two.
Another I shot in the base of the neck and both front shoulders were heavily damaged. If you're not into eating your tree rats, which I am, it would be a wonderful gun. It seems that the bullet pieces were finding their way into the body even when I hit in the neck. I found one piece of copper jacket in the heart/lung chamber of a squirrel I hit in the head.
For now, I'll stick to my S&W pistol and 4X scope or my 410 double for squirrels...but those groundhogs had better eat with one eye open
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,584
RE: 17HMR and squirrels...
Have you tried the cci's? If not you may try them. My local gunshop has some of the Hornady 17 hmr 20gr xtp's in im wanting to try them out for beaver this fall. Maybe a fox or two if im lucky. They may also be the solution to your problem. I think the 20 grainers will work great on fox/bobcat.
#3
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Pulaskiville
Posts: 3,533
RE: 17HMR and squirrels...
Tree...I am going to try the 20gr Hornady's. The local shop just got some in and they may well be the answer.
The CCI's shot OK, but not NEAR as well as the V-Max's.
The CCI's shot OK, but not NEAR as well as the V-Max's.
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,584
RE: 17HMR and squirrels...
The CCI's shot OK, but not NEAR as well as the V-Max's.
#6
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 145
RE: 17HMR and squirrels...
If you like me and are shooting a CZ452 then i wouldn't suggest the CCI's. I read a test on my gun in the .17HMR and the hornady's posted just over half MOA and the CCI's posted a 1MOA or greater.
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,584
RE: 17HMR and squirrels...
452 American or Varmint? I sure would like an american for the lighter weight over my Marlin, I dont think the weight is a significant difrence but any little bit helps. Besides, who dont need another gun