Thread: Rimfire .17 cal. What's good, what's not?

I know that in the early days the .17 (HM2) had a habit of splitting cases.
Is this sorted now with the new variants (HMR, WSM)?
I have a contact who wants a .17 as the .22 is a tad shy on range for the area/bunnies he hunts.
Can you also recommend a nice new .17 rifle too?
Thanks.

Originally Posted by Grey Kiwi

I know that in the early days the .17 (HM2) had a habit of splitting cases.
Is this sorted now with the new variants (HMR, WSM)?
I have a contact who wants a .17 as the .22 is a tad shy on range for the area/bunnies he hunts.
Can you also recommend a nice new .17 rifle too?
Thanks.

Some 17HMR still splits the case at the neck shoulder junction, Browning for instance

With that in mind a bolt action is preferable to a semi

The HMR is a great cartridge but its not miraculous at distance if its windy

I have had a WSM rifle on back order forever, not a big problem with the lack of ammo available though

Had an hm2 briefly and have had 3 WSMs which are my preference. Finally found an M77 version which is the best bolt option but heavy. Savage B17 is the common bolt version, pencil barrel synthetic stock isn’t great as the stock flexes a lot, it can be bogged and firmed up but…. There’s also a B17 varmint barrel stainless in a Boyd’s stock which shoot really well, I only got rid of mine after getting the ruger. There are some semi options which I’ve never tried. Ammo cost has gone up a lot, used to pay $40 a box now it’s $70, kind of forget this when using it as it is fun to shoot - if you had a big pest culling job bulk 223 might be cheaper. Have found the 20gn consistently the most accurate. Has better range than hmr but it becomes less of a thing as wind increases as both are badly affected. Ammo availability is intermittently an issue until new stock arrives, if you know this just purchase accordingly. In the right conditions it’s great and a lot safer than a 22