Have an opportunity to buy a quality German rifle in 17 Hornet. Have noticed that a number of the threads on this calibre usually end up comparing it to 223 and 204 (and indeed 17 rem/fireball). We all know it can't compete with these calibres, so I'm interested to hear from those folk who regularly use the 17 Hornet.....or the reasons from those who have it but chose not to use it that often.
17 Hornet
- Thread starter beanieboy
- Start date
I've used a 17Hornet for a couple of years now and tried it for fox but found it a bit lightweight for that at times. As a long-range summer rabbit and crow rifle, it really is very good and I now use it for that alone. waiting out on a summer afternoon or evening with the Hornet waiting for crows or rabbits takes a bit of beating.
As far as comparisons are concerned the 17 Hornet is nothing like either a 222 or 223 or even a 204, I also have the latter but use them for different purposes at which they both excel, I certainly don't regret getting mine.
As far as comparisons are concerned the 17 Hornet is nothing like either a 222 or 223 or even a 204, I also have the latter but use them for different purposes at which they both excel, I certainly don't regret getting mine.
Crowstalker
Well-Known Member
I would say it's an excellent little round for l longish range crows and rabbits as has been said above. I don't personally own one but it wouldn't be my first choice if I was looking for a fox gun, it would just be a little to light of a bullet for my liking. No doubt it will kill one very well but when you take into consideration the wind and range etc I would rather go for a heavier bullet. It all depends on what you want to do with it.
Ammo works out cheap if you can reload for it, otherwise factory bought can become an expensive choice for crows and rabbits in bigger numbers.
OK on Fox, but as Old Keeper says, much better options - .204, .222, .223 to ensure humane results every time.
.17 Hornet is a lovely little round, I thoroughly enjoyed mine when I had it. Headshoot rabbits if they are for the table, will make a mess if you chest shoot them. On a still day you can reach out to very respectable ranges.
OK on Fox, but as Old Keeper says, much better options - .204, .222, .223 to ensure humane results every time.
.17 Hornet is a lovely little round, I thoroughly enjoyed mine when I had it. Headshoot rabbits if they are for the table, will make a mess if you chest shoot them. On a still day you can reach out to very respectable ranges.
I have a 223 so saw no need for a 204 as they are so close when shooting 40g bullets.
So why 17 hornet. well its a step up from my HMR and works well on rabbits and crows. I also use it on fox but keep the distance sensible.
Mine is a light weight CZ American and is a joy to carry.
no regrets in buying it, is great
So why 17 hornet. well its a step up from my HMR and works well on rabbits and crows. I also use it on fox but keep the distance sensible.
Mine is a light weight CZ American and is a joy to carry.
no regrets in buying it, is great
Andy-shooter
Well-Known Member
Brilliant small/medium mammal and bird rifle. I use mine in preference to 22LR a lot. Flatter trajectory is great with NV and the fact the bullets basically vaporise when they hit the target/ground means less (but not zero) ricochet risk.
I can reload for about 20p a bang using the cheapo 17gn bullets from Henry Krank. Although MV with those needs to be kept in check as I’ve had them explode in mid air from being over spun. The all the bullets I’ve tried have been accurate in my CZ but my fave are 25gn Vmax.
I can reload for about 20p a bang using the cheapo 17gn bullets from Henry Krank. Although MV with those needs to be kept in check as I’ve had them explode in mid air from being over spun. The all the bullets I’ve tried have been accurate in my CZ but my fave are 25gn Vmax.
Have used the .17hornet for about eighteen months now, got fed up with the quality of .17hmr ammo.
It is point and shoot which is very useful for night shooting where it is difficult to judge distance and hits home with authority. Reloading for it is not difficult and gives you cheap ammunition, if you buy components wisely.
Unlike Andy-shooter I have not had any issues with the 17gn value bullets sold by Henry Krank.
Report on firing is much like the hmr.
As others have said, I have no regrets moving from hmr to hornet, but I also enjoy reloading.
It is point and shoot which is very useful for night shooting where it is difficult to judge distance and hits home with authority. Reloading for it is not difficult and gives you cheap ammunition, if you buy components wisely.
Unlike Andy-shooter I have not had any issues with the 17gn value bullets sold by Henry Krank.
Report on firing is much like the hmr.
As others have said, I have no regrets moving from hmr to hornet, but I also enjoy reloading.
I have a .17 Hornet and love it. I use it for fox at sensible ranges up to 200 yds and have never had a runner - 25 V max. Don't take it out on a very windy day but use the .223 and 40/50 grain v max.
Ammo for .17 is cheaper, less bulky and with the wind etc its a preference for normal days since for all small stuff, it doesn't damage as does the .223. Velocity at 200 yds is similar or higher than the .223, obviously s. energy isnt.
Ammo for .17 is cheaper, less bulky and with the wind etc its a preference for normal days since for all small stuff, it doesn't damage as does the .223. Velocity at 200 yds is similar or higher than the .223, obviously s. energy isnt.
Echoing all the above really. I have a CZ527 and chopped the barrel to 18" making it an awesome walking gun/ truck gun.
It was my first center fire and last year after getting a fair few other toys I did in a moment of madness put it up for sale but common sense prevailed and she is now safely back in the collection.
Great for long range bunnies/ crows and I can reload it for less than a .17HMR. Foxes are fine at sensible ranges but to be fair if I am after charlie specifically I generally take the .243 as my main fox permission can be windy.
It was my first center fire and last year after getting a fair few other toys I did in a moment of madness put it up for sale but common sense prevailed and she is now safely back in the collection.
Great for long range bunnies/ crows and I can reload it for less than a .17HMR. Foxes are fine at sensible ranges but to be fair if I am after charlie specifically I generally take the .243 as my main fox permission can be windy.
I have had a few over the years, it's a nice modest cartridge and although not fox specific in my opinion, it's capable if necessary. Reloading needs very cautious close tolerances on lowder charges as it's small volume is relatively spiky but nothing problematic. I think the Weihrauch was my favourite action although had it in a heavy thumbhole stock and would have preferred the lighter sporter. If the op wants the articles I can dig them out.
sir-slots-alot
Well-Known Member
I owned a 17 H - CZ thumbhole - my experience mirror's what's been said.
Lovely little round for ranges below 300 yrds on small vermin and ideally below 150 on fox. IMO its not a true foxing round - but a well placed shot at sensible distances does drop them where they stand.
The 17H excels in still conditions or low wind when 250 /300 yrd shots are easy. The 17 H is also a good round for for NV.
ATB
Alan
Lovely little round for ranges below 300 yrds on small vermin and ideally below 150 on fox. IMO its not a true foxing round - but a well placed shot at sensible distances does drop them where they stand.
The 17H excels in still conditions or low wind when 250 /300 yrd shots are easy. The 17 H is also a good round for for NV.
ATB
Alan
Excellent little rifle for rabbits and crows up to 300yrd. With no wind.
But an expensive round unless you reload your own ammo.
204, 223 and 22-250 about the same price in shops.
Reloading is the way forward to save money on this caliber. Otherwise just get a 223 40g
But an expensive round unless you reload your own ammo.
204, 223 and 22-250 about the same price in shops.
Reloading is the way forward to save money on this caliber. Otherwise just get a 223 40g
However the .223 will require a much larger sound mod and still be louder than the .17hornet.
Horses for course I guess.
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