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

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.

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.

I know what ya mean. My marlin shot them good but the Hornady vmax was just awsome. I didnt even know the 20gr where out yet till here recently, think they came out in May and here I just finding out. Good luck with them.

The tinnny bullet is moving so fast that the cci's dont have time to expand. they pass right trough with little dammage. give them a try.

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.

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

he my cusion and hes got he american. Ive seen it teh ccis arnt very great out of it the hornady and the federal v max have the best groups