First field test for the 17 HMR

[RAF]

Today promised to be a good day weather wise so I decided to go out and see if I could shoot some gophers with the new rifle. I had it zeroed at 100 yds and shot a 5 shot group under 7/8 inch. Well, the gophers didn't cooperate much. Temps were warm but maybe it's still a little early or there just aren't as many around where I went. Only saw 2 in a couple of hours but I left them sunning themselves with large holes through them . Both were shots of 100 yds and the 17 worked to perfection.

[wilmsmeyer]

Nice. Got any more details on ammo and wounds?

I also shot 2 gophers dead with my 17 today. 20 gr FMJ. One at 15 feet! One at 120 yds. I wounded one at 40 yds with an unsteady offhand snap shot.....missed one with a good rest at 140-150 yds.

The dead one at 120 yds was COOL. Shot him off sticks and had to "time" my shot as it was only as steady as sticks are at that range. He was on a railroad bed. Hit him a little far back and he turned into a rolling ball of fur and tumbled downhill for 20 feet into a swollen ditch. Like rolling a bowling ball. Then he had enough gas to claw his way out and crawl almost to his hole. Got to him as he was gasping and soaking wet. Gave him another one at 20 feet and sent him back into the water.

Glad to hear your story. I love woodchuck hunting and we have it real good around here! Love giving them a head start to hell.

[RAF]

I'm shooting the Hornady 17 grain one with V-max tip. Both were far enough away and in deeper grass so I couldn't see their reaction to the hit. When I walked over they just laid there quietly on they're back. No massive damage, just a pass through. There is quite a difference when I shoot with my 22-250. With that there's a red mist and not much gopher left.

[ufosa]

Hey RAF, Wilmsmeyer,
I'm considering a .17 hmr for some low key(read quiet) chuck hunting out here in Dutchess County. Not too much open space here that is 500' from houses. It's not a particularly hunter/shooter friendly area either. I've read stories of coyote hunters having no problem doing them with the .17hmr. at decent ranges, 100+yds. what do you think? These guys were fur hunters and didn't want big holes in them. Coyotes have devastated the turkey population here making them super cautious and quiet, very little turkey talk or gobbles. I'd love to nail a few coyotes...!!!! RICH....

[RAF]

I don't think the 17 would be much good past a 100 yds but under it should get the job done. You'd need heavier bullets then the ones I'm using.