does anyone have a 17hmr?

[Andy L]

I got my first exposure to one this week prairie dog shooting. I was very unimpressed.

I watched the guy that owned it shoot several dogs from 20-150 yards. Head shots were fine. Body shots, mostly crawled back into the hole, or at least ran a ways. Very few tipped over without moving. I shot a few with it. The thing that really opened my eyes was the last one I shot. 50 yards, the bullet splashed on the pds shoulder. Thats pretty weak.

I was of the opinion, to each his own. Thinking maybe the guys touting it for coyotes may be right with good shot placement. Also thought maybe it would be good for fox. After witnessing what I did with my own eyes, I wouldnt shoot a coyote with one on a bet. Totally irresponsible, IMO. They may be good longer range squirrel guns, but that would be about the extent of it. Maybe rabbits, rats and ground squirrels.

Now that I have seen for myself, I have no use for one. They are accurate, I will say that much.

Andy