17 Hornet

[ColinBr]

I have a hankering for a 17 hornet

I like the idea of the calibre due to reloading capability.

Currently I have a 17hmr, which I've not long got and think it's a great calibre that I use for rabbits on the local golf course with the occasional fox thrown in.

Ammo though I've found to be pricey for the HMR and at times finicky.

The dilemma I have is I have a good foxing load for my 223 using 40gr Vmax, so I'm wondering if I should keep the 17hmr and use the 223 on fox when needed at longer range, or ditch the 17 HMR for the hornet and keep the 223 for what it was bought for (target work and deer)

 

[wrighty]

If you reload the 17 hornet is a cheap round, very capable of doing rabbits well bast the hmr round distance aswell as fox at sensible distance,

 

[Foxyboy43]

Keep the .17 and use the .223 for foxes. Next question?

 

[jthyttin]

17 Hornet might give you additional head-ache re: cleaning, if you use it to full potential with light bullets.

That aside, youäd probably get significant perfomance boost with the same cost as HMR.

 

[Reidzer]

Had HMR. Got a 17hornet. If you reload its 'cheaper' once you have dies, powder and primers!!
My one shoot really well. Not so handy if you want to eat said rabbits unless head shots. Way more convining on fox at reasonable distances.
Defo wouldn't have another HMR. Still have 243 for places that is specifically just foxes....

 

[old keeper]

l had a 17 Hornet and would rate it as a "fun" rifle. ideal for long-range rabbit and crow control, especially in summer. As Reidzer said, it can be a bit hard on rabbits unless headshot, and at 200 yards I can't say I'll headshoot rabbits consistently!

Although I shot some foxes with it, I wouldn't say it's a foxing caliber. I had a few runners and a couple where there was bullet "splash" on impact.

I think the HMR even with the ammo problems is still the perfect rabbit control tool, and the 223 is still an ideal foxing caliber.

 

[the prowler]

I have a hankering for a 17 hornet

I like the idea of the calibre due to reloading capability.

Currently I have a 17hmr, which I've not long got and think it's a great calibre that I use for rabbits on the local golf course with the occasional fox thrown in.

Ammo though I've found to be pricey for the HMR and at times finicky.

The dilemma I have is I have a good foxing load for my 223 using 40gr Vmax, so I'm wondering if I should keep the 17hmr and use the 223 on fox when needed at longer range, or ditch the 17 HMR for the hornet and keep the 223 for what it was bought for (target work and deer)

Use the 223 for target and deer. And for fox.

 

[ColinBr]

Use the 223 for target and deer. And for fox.

Yep that's what I currently use it for.

The 17 is the dilemma

 

[the prowler]

Yep that's what I currently use it for.

The 17 is the dilemma

Can't say I've used the 17hornet. But did use a 17 Remington. One of the best fox guns about sako75. If you want to spend money.then buy a 17hornet. But the 223 does a great job. I have two sako85.

 

[ColinBr]

Yes I'm leaning more towards staying with what I've got now

 

[the prowler]

 

[the prowler]

Yes I'm leaning more towards staying with what I've got now

You can accumulate too much gear. Just enjoy what you got and be a better shot with familiarity with the one rifle.

 

[ColinBr]

Yes I've certainly built up some gear.
Liked the look of a mates 17 hornet so as usual the coggs start ticking.

 

[Liveonce]

have a .17 hornet it’s a flat shooting nail driver, got fed up with spilt cases in the hmr.
Reloading for the hornet puts you in the driving seat, stocked up with bullets, powder and primer and no longer have to worry if the gun shop has any hmr ammo and with recent price increases I load the hornet for less than a hmr.
Kranks value bullets are perfect for the rabbits.
Would not go back to a hmr.
I also have a .223 for foxes however the hornet is very effective at sensible ranges.

 

[ColinBr]

17 Hornet might give you additional head-ache re: cleaning, if you use it to full potential with light bullets.

That aside, youäd probably get significant perfomance boost with the same cost as HMR.

The cleaning wouldn't be an issue. If anything the 17 HMR is 1 of the dirtiest rounds I've tried.

 

[Neddle]

Keep the .17 and use the .223 for foxes. Next question?

Get the 17 hornet,it's the gun hmr owners think they have

 

[Foxyboy43]

Get the 17 hornet,it's the gun hmr owners think they have

Pull your tights up N!

 

[Neddle]

Pull your tights up N!

Had one for 3yrs,punches well above its weight, took dog foxes up to 200yds.
Restrictions over here tend to focus our minds on smaller calibres and what they are capable of. Those on the far side of the imaginary border that have 6mm and above on for vermin control would bore if they were granted a 17 hornet for fox control

 

[ColinBr]

What weight bullet do you guys recommend for reloading the 17 Hornet?

I can get 20gr and 25gr Vmax

Powder wise I can get Lilgun if that's what's recommended too

 

[Liveonce]

for a cheap rabbit load, both Kranks and Spud do a cheap 17gn bullet, my understanding is they came from Eley when they discontinued making the hm2.

25gn bullets work on foxes.

As for powder, it uses very little like 10 to 11grains and their are several to chose from lilgun being one depending on bullet weight. I use SP3 as was lucky to get some when a mate gave up shooting. SP3 10.1gn 17gn bullet works for me on the rabbits.

Search the internet you will find data from the powder manufacturer and forums like SD.

Below is from Nosler bullets