I just sighted in my new Marlin 17 cal HMR. Bushnell Trophy scope. Since I am told it is a modified 22 Mag cartrige I will start here. I am new to this site and have not found any post. When did they start making the 17 cal.? Also I see many loads have red or yellow plastic tip bullets. Why, does it help it to flaten out when it hits the target? Is there any modifications to the 17s that will help it? Thanks, Bob
The .17 HMR is pretty much a necked down .22 mag round. I think they started selling the ammo and rifles for it in 2001 or 2002 so not too long ago. As far as the plastic tips go this link could help explain it. http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ammunition/plastic_fantastic/ I didn't read most of it so hopefully it helps
They came out in 2002 as my wife was one of the first ones. You did not say which one you had. The first rounds were Hornady, and they use a 17gr bullet that is modeled after their varmit bullets. When they hit something they rapidly expand and fragment inflicting a considerable amount of damage. The tip also helps with the BC. Of course there are others that make them now, and some are HP types. My wife still shoots the regular Hornady load. Find one that you like, and your rifle likes, and once sighted in get a bunch. They all shoot slightly different, and if you want to make those 200yd+ shots, you need to be using the same bullet as you are sighted in for. We like it better than the .22 mag since it shoots farther, flatter, has a better bullet, and isn't as prone to ricochet. -Bidah
Ricochette: Not the 17HMR ! NO WAY...the 17HMR will NOT ricochette..period ! Designed to destruct and frag down to 800 FPS.... 22Magnum WILL bounce around like a pin ball machine. 17HMR shoots flatter, faster and kills CLEAN much farther out than a .22mag. The 17Mach2 and 17HMR were designed to frag and be very safe for shooting around livestock and rocks. We have killed prairie dogs out to 525yards with them. Work even better supressed ! I have shot 15000 + rds of 17hmr & 17mach2....I have seen what a performer they are ! Trigger job is important on most 17's as it free floating the barrel. CZ's are very accurate for info !
I have a Marlin 917V, with Leupold VXI, 3-9x40. It is a tack driver, no modifications needed. I've put .17 HMR, hollow points and ballistic tips, in milk jugs filled with water at several ranges out to 200 yards, and the bullets fragment every time.
