The Calibers: Pistol

By Robert Sumner

The Calibers: Pistol gives a short history; known alias(es); pertinent historical data; background loading data, including best powders; best bullet weights, best load developed; velocity; muzzle energy; and resultant target for the best load developed. In the last section, the comments, Robert Sumner tells you about making cases from other calibers, whether the caliber is a keeper. Robert notes he has an adequate coverage for the more common and some not-so-common calibers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781647011536

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

HORNADY’S .17S

CATEGORY: PLINKING, SMALL GAME, VARMINTS

WEAPON(S): .17 HMR, Ruger, New Model Single-Six, six-inch barrel

Ammo: Hornady Varmint Express 17-grain bullet

Optics: Open

Diameter: 0.188 inches

Trim Length: N/A

MOAL: N/A

Accuracy: 2.5 inches

Twist: 1 in 16 inches

Primer size: Rimfire

Case capacity (water): N/A

Recoil: 7.5 lb gun, 17 gr bullet = 0.2 ft-lb (mild)

HISTORY: The .17 HMR was created by Hornady and CCI in 2002. It was created by wildcatters that were looking for a flat shooting rimfire. It is more expensive to shoot than the old .22 rimfire. Simply put, the .17 HMR is nothing more than the .22 Magnum Rimfire necked down to accept the .17 (4.5 mm) bullet. You can find bullet weights from 15.5 grains, 17 grains, and 20 grains. Because of the terminal ballistics of the lightweight bullets’ limits, their use is limited to small game animals and varmints. Other than the cost of the ammunition, the .17 HMR exceeds the ballistics of the .22 Magnum in almost every way.

HISTORY: Again, the Hornady Company introduced the .17 Hornady Mach 2, or .17 HM2, in 2004. In this caliber, the case is based on the .22 LR Stinger case and necked down to .17 caliber. The effective range of this caliber is 175 yards. Of note is that the cost of the ammunition in the HM2 is about twice that of the inexpensive .22 LR ammo. It is, however, less costly than that of the HMR.

If you are tired of shooting the big bores, like the 7mms and the .30 calibers, the .17s will be a joy to shoot. With little to no recoil, they are a true pleasure to shoot. They bring enjoyment back to plinking and varmint shooting. You will discover a difference between the .22 LR, the .22 Magnum, and the .17s. Though the cost of ammo is slightly more, there seems to be less felt recoil with the .17s than even the .22 LR.

For years, I have started out novices and new shooters on .22 LRs. Even with new shooters, the recoil and noise of the .22 was realized by the shooters. Especially with the new shooters, it was a factor. The .17s have a reduced noise level, and the felt recoil is less. My nephew and his wife were visiting, and it was decided that we were going to the range to shoot. Melony had not shot a rifle in quite some time. I set her up at the twenty-five-yard line and gave her the .17 HMR. She thoroughly enjoyed shooting the HMR to the point that she made Matt purchase one for her after they had returned home.

It is difficult to explain the experience the .17s provide. One can reestablish your shooting skills with the .17s. You can practice the different positions without having to use a large, awkward, heavy weapon. It allows you to improve your shooting skills by catching your errors. You can stretch the barrel a little out to a hundred-plus-yards accurately.

Hornady even made a 20-grain bullet for small game. I believe the lightweight explosive bullets limit your shooting to small game, varmints, and plinking. In other words, it is pure shooting joy without regard to taking game or points on a target. It is just shooting to be shooting.

I have seen the .17s used on coyotes. A headshot must be used in order to kill the coyote. If you can use a call to lure them in close enough within less than forty yards, a headshot is perfect. The .17s are that accurate and can be used to make headshots. Once you have gotten used to the rifle, your accuracy will improve greatly.

After our afternoon shooting session, I tried the .17s on other shooters. Uniquely enough, the reaction was the same. Whether they be fifteen or fifty years old, men or women, they all had the same reaction. The return of fun to shooting was to be had.

I learned that Leo used the .17 caliber for shooting Springbok at two hundred yards. His shot placement was in the eye so as not to damage any meat. I met Leo at the Safari Club International convention in 2012 at Las Vegas. Leo indicated the .17 caliber was very accurate and effective.

BACKGROUND DATA: The .17s are a really fun caliber to shoot. From shooting tin cans, targets, and varmints, it really is an easy caliber to shoot. Most guns are lightweight and pose no problems in handling. The shot does not have any