Description
17 HMR Canada: Everything You Need to Know
Are you looking for a reliable and efficient rimfire cartridge that’s perfect for varmint hunting and target shooting? Look no further than the 17 HMR. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the 17 HMR cartridge in Canada. From its history, specifications, and benefits, to the best rifles for this cartridge, and where to buy it, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
- What is 17 HMR?
- History of 17 HMR
- 17 HMR Specs
- Benefits of 17 HMR
- Best Rifles for 17 HMR
- Best Optics for 17 HMR
- Shooting and Hunting with 17 HMR
- 17 HMR Ammo
- 17 HMR vs. Other Rimfire Cartridges
- 17 HMR Shooting Tips
- Where to Buy 17 HMR in Canada
- Legal Requirements for 17 HMR in Canada
- 17 HMR Maintenance
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
What is 17 HMR?
The 17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is a rimfire cartridge that was introduced by the ammunition manufacturer Hornady in 2002. The 17 HMR cartridge uses a .17-inch diameter bullet and propels it at extremely high velocities, resulting in a flat trajectory and excellent accuracy at long ranges.
History of 17 HMR
The 17 HMR was designed by Hornady in collaboration with Marlin Firearms Company and NEF (New England Firearms). The cartridge was introduced to the market in 2002, and it quickly became popular among varmint hunters and target shooters. The 17 HMR cartridge was designed to be a faster, flatter shooting cartridge than the 22 LR, and it delivers on that promise.
17 HMR Specs
The 17 HMR cartridge is a centerfire cartridge with a bullet diameter of .17 inches. The cartridge overall length is 1.35 inches, and the case length is .944 inches. The cartridge uses a 17-grain bullet and has a muzzle velocity of up to 2550 feet per second. The 17 HMR cartridge has a maximum range of around 200 yards.
Benefits of 17 HMR
The 17 HMR cartridge has several benefits that make it a popular choice among varmint hunters and target shooters. The benefits of the 17 HMR cartridge include:
- Flat trajectory
- Excellent accuracy at long ranges
- Low recoil
- High velocity
- Minimal noise
- Minimal damage to hides and meat
Best Rifles for 17 HMR
The 17 HMR cartridge is compatible with a variety of rifles, but some rifles are better suited for this cartridge than others. The best rifles for the 17 HMR cartridge include:
- Ruger 77/17
- Savage 93R17
- Marlin XT-17
- CZ 455
- Anschutz 1517
- Tikka T1x
- Browning T-Bolt
- Henry Varmint Express
Best Optics for 17 HMR
Pairing your 17 HMR rifle with a good optic can make all the difference when it comes to accuracy and precision. The best optics for the 17 HMR cartridge include:
- Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32mm
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm
- Nikon ProStaff Rimfire II 3-9x
Features of the 17 HMR
The 17 HMR has several features that make it a popular choice among shooters. It has a small, lightweight bullet that travels at high velocities, which results in a flat trajectory and minimal bullet drop. It also has low recoil, which makes it easy to shoot accurately and quickly. The 17 HMR cartridge is relatively inexpensive compared to other centerfire cartridges, which makes it an affordable option for shooters who want high-quality ammunition.
Performance of the 17 HMR
The 17 HMR has excellent performance in terms of accuracy, velocity, and energy. It has a muzzle velocity of around 2,500 feet per second, which provides a flat trajectory up to 200 yards. The 17 HMR has a maximum effective range of around 300 yards, although accuracy may decrease at longer distances due to wind and bullet drop. The 17 HMR has enough energy to take down small game and varmints, although it may not be suitable for larger game due to its small bullet size.
Comparison with Other Rimfire Cartridges
The 17 HMR is often compared to other rimfire cartridges, such as the 22 LR, 22 WMR, and 17 Mach 2. While each cartridge has its strengths and weaknesses, the 17 HMR stands out for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and low recoil. It also has a higher ballistic coefficient than the 22 LR and the 22 WMR, which results in better accuracy at longer distances.
Recommended Firearms for the 17 HMR
Several firearms are available in Canada that are chambered for the 17 HMR cartridge. Some popular options include bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, and single-shot rifles. Some recommended firearms for the 17 HMR in Canada include the Savage B.MAG, Ruger American Rimfire, and CZ 455 Varmint.
