looking to pick up a .17 rifle. HMR or WSM?

[Richard995]

I am looking for a new varmint rifle.  I have been reading about the .17 round.  I wasn't sure the WSM was going to stick around until several gun companies started making rifles for this new round.  The HMR has been around a little bit longer.  Does anyone one have one of these rifles and what do you think?   

[Fourtyfive]

I love my HMR , go shopping and see which you find ready available ....

[nightrunner]

.17hmr is a 20gr at 2350fps

.17wsm is a 20gr at 3000fps.


HMR will be cheaper to shoot. Depends if you need the extra velocity from the WSM or not.

What will you be using the rifle for.

[TnShooter83]

HMR has been around a long time.
I love shooting it.
I've found the 17gr. Hornady ballistic tip to be the best in my rifles.
It does move quite bit under heavy winds past 200 yards.
But after about 175 yards I start moving up to .223 if I can.
I know it is considered a "varmint" round. But like anything it has limits.
I don't like it for anything bigger than a groundhog past 125-150.
Sure it can work for bigger varmints. But the room for error narrows fast at long distances.


My vote is HMR.
You'll love it.

[Richard995]

Thanks for the input.  I am going out west to shoot some prairie dog hunting.  The last time I used a 22-250.  I had some shots out to 300 yards.  Savage has a gun for around $400.00.  I did see a Winchester for around $800.00. 

[nightrunner]

A.17 caliber anything is going to be heavily affected by wind at 300yards

[Handsome Rob]

As you know, The wind is always bad out west!
Personally I'd be looking for a good .204 or .22-250
I know that either of the 17s will work, but I think you might get frustrated trying to dope the wind for every shot.

[none]

If you go the 17hmr route Henry sure makes a nice octagonal barrel one.

Just my. 02