17 HMR Questions

FallAirFever · #1 04-30-2014, 01:31 PM

So my new 17 is on its way.
Savage 93 17R, heavy bbl with a wood stock.
Rifle comes with bases and I have some Burris rings.
I am wondering about scopes, budget is very tight, less than $200, so thinking I might get a Tasco or something like that for now. Any thoughts?

As far as ammo goes I will pick up a box of each I can find to see what it likes but is there anything I should lean towards or stay away from.

This gun will be my new gopher patch gun, let the boys get the close ones with their 22's and I'll try and reach out and touch the longer ones.

As time goes on I will be getting better optics and a new Boyd's thumbhole stock for it .

Faststeel · #2 04-30-2014, 01:47 PM

Bushnell Banner have a piece that will do. I like to remind guys that varmint shooting always takes place on a sunny day for the most part and you do not " need to spend big jack on a scope to see well on a sunny day.
With ammo all of my CZ's seem to like the Hornady 17gr the best. 20gr can be good as well. FS

Lefty-Canuck · #3 05-01-2014, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faststeel

Bushnell Banner have a piece that will do. I like to remind guys that varmint shooting always takes place on a sunny day for the most part and you do not " need to spend big jack on a scope to see well on a sunny day.
With ammo all of my CZ's seem to like the Hornady 17gr the best. 20gr can be good as well. FS

Personally I like a quality scope while varminting...a clear scope I can look through at small objects for hours on end without getting "bug eyed". I used to think the lesser quality high mag scopes would do like a 6-24 Tasco Varmint....stare through that for a few hours and you end up with a headache. For me it's not about light gathering ability...as you mentioned varminting is usually done at bright times, but more looking through clear glass.

LC

altex · #4 05-01-2014, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faststeel

Bushnell Banner have a piece that will do. I like to remind guys that varmint shooting always takes place on a sunny day for the most part and you do not " need to spend big jack on a scope to see well on a sunny day.
With ammo all of my CZ's seem to like the Hornady 17gr the best. 20gr can be good as well. FS

x2

gitrdun · #5 05-01-2014, 08:48 AM

Hello Derrick, I have the same gun as you are getting, here is my story, although I'm not suggesting you do likewise.

When I recently got my 93, I mounted a cheap Bushnell 3x9 that I happened to have. At 100 yards, best group was approx. 1.5". I then received a CZ455 from a friend with a Leupold VXIII with the 1/8 MOA dot to mount (a $1000.00 scope). I thought that this was way overkill. His gun ended up shooting 10 shots into a loonie at 100 yards. Obviously, I was very impressed and wondered if I could get my Savage to shoot equally well. I happened to have a VXII target scope that is awaiting mounting on my .223 FVSS for which I am cutting an F/TR class stock. I dropped in that VXII on my Savage and the results were identical grouping to the CZ, 10 shots into a loonie. I had a slight full value side wind at times for which I corrected. This told my that my wind reading was improving and that good optics make a huge difference. In short, your gun will be very capable and it's restraint will be the optics. Not suggesting that you go for such a scope, but food for thought. Good luck in your quest for tiny groups buddy....

browning375 · #6 04-30-2014, 01:48 PM

why not try a leupold rifleman series scope? run $200-$300 range and are pretty nice!

I splurged for the $345.00 4-12 x 40mm for my 17HMR. works awesome!

just something to consider?

bosshog · #7 04-30-2014, 03:18 PM

I was looking at the Scorpion Red Hot 17. Still trying to find a review on them though so I can see how they compare to the Bushnells and Leupolds in that price range.

IR_mike · #8 04-30-2014, 04:06 PM

If your close to Calgary see if WSS has any 4x14x44 simmons aetec with mil dot reticles left.

230i$h with way better eye relief than the fore mentioned leupold.

Faststeel · #9 04-30-2014, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IR_mike

If your close to Calgary see if WSS has any 4x14x44 simmons aetec with mil dot reticles left.

230i$h with way better eye relief than the fore mentioned leupold.

Why would eye relief be a factor on a scope for a 17 HMR?

aulrich · #10 04-30-2014, 04:28 PM

I am running a 6-18 bushnell banner, I do like the higher magnification IDK what the current price is should be close to budget.

That scorpion does sound interesting I think there were running a promo giving a 25% discount on a laser with the purchase! and IIRC it's close to budget as well.

Though my gut says if you wand a reliable scope with repeatable target turrets you need to spend the cash, to get accuracy and long term reliabability.

ACKLEY ABE · #11 05-01-2014, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faststeel

Why would eye relief be a factor on a scope for a 17 HMR?

First time I've ever seen a Simmons compared in any way to a Leupold....

IR_mike · #12 05-01-2014, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faststeel

Why would eye relief be a factor on a scope for a 17 HMR?

Maybe I used the wrong terminology but to my eyes the Rifleman and VX-1 line have a sweetspot where you get a full sight picture. If I move my head a bit forward or back I lose the full picture and get the black "doughnut" around the edges.

The scopes were side by side when I compared.

I do own and use VX-2 and 3 leupolds which are great.

Just not 1's or Rifleman's.