I have a hankering for a 17HMR for our rabbit problem. Shots will be up to 150 yards max and the low noise/low richochet potential will be welcome. Ruger will be the only one imported into the UK.

My question is what sort of accuracy can I expect, seeing as 17HMRs are thin on the ground I thought the best way to find out would be to see what the 22mag version (standard weight barrel) did. I don't mind paying for a glass bed and trigger job but rebarrels etc are out. I want true .5MOA

I cannot offer any direct experience with the 17 HMR. However, I have fired at least 10,000 rounds at ground squirlles through my 77/22mag VBZ or whatever they call the stainless laminated HB unit. It is extremely effective out to about 100 yards. You can kill critters pretty well at 150 yards, but the wind and elevation need to be very pricise. If you get two or three opportunities at the same critter one can usually get them leaking.

I have trouble with the whole 17 HMR thing, as the 22 WMR works great. I like the Bee and K-hornet for the up to 200 yard work, and am very doubtful the HMR can compete much with either of them.

dmallards

Richochets, richochets and richochets. Any round that won't even penetrate a squirrel or more than 1" of dirt is safe with a capital S! If it's accurate and shoots out to just over 100yds it is EXACTLY the tool I need.

We are not talking Montana but Southern England and grass eating bunnies that stay out of rimfire range but well within richochet range of the nearest house, this just saves me a bunch of effort trying to make a 17centrefire for 140yards!

1894:

I've heard a lot of complaints about the accuracy of the Ruger in .22Hornet, but very few complaints about the rimfire version. I wouldn't be afraid to try one in .17 Hornady RF. Sounds like just the ticket for your type of shooting!