Thread: .17HMR Set up for rabbit culling.

The setup I run works for me and the hunting / ranges here in my little patch of Central Otago.

Firstly a suppressed .22 running subsonic ammo, still the most economic way to shoot. The low noise is a huge benefit as you can work an area without spooking surrounding spots.
As the guys mentioned a .22 is a mongrel for ricochets so depending on how built up the area is you are hunting this can be dangerous to nearby houses, people and stock. A ricochet can travel a long way.
Killing power is fine for rabbits but as usual a well placed shot is the key, I shoot from 10 to 100 plus meters . 3 - 9 scope is perfectly fine.

Next is a suppressed 17hmr in CZ455 , 4 - 12 scope with a reasonably fine cross hair , at 150 mtrs plus a thick cross hair will cover the rabbit. Range shooting from 10 - 180 meters though 150 meters is generally getting out there as wind can have a big effect.
The round punch's hard and dumps all it's energy into rabbits, even a badly placed shot will kill them after an initial run. Although it's more powerful than a .22 this is the caliber I use in built up areas as I basically never get a ricochet. This doesn't mean you ignore back grounds and consider where the shot may end up. The little 17 gr ballistic tip is a killer , I have never tried the 20 gr as I have never needed to.


Choice of rifle brand is personal, I have had Norinco's , Rugers , CZ, Stirling , Marlin , Savage... they all worked well , some were better than others but it comes down to what you like and price.