17 HMR revolver on varmints?

M

massbigbore442001

New member
Hello All:

I would like some honest opinions on some questions. Currently, I own a unique revolver. It is a Ruger Single Six Hunter chambered in 17 HMR. The gun has a 7 1/2 inch barrel and the signature integral scope mounts on the barrel.

I just obtained a chronograph and it really opened my eyes.

On average, I am getting 1850 to 1900 fps out of the 7 1/2 inch barrel with 17 grain bullets. I am getting around 1600 or so with the CCI 20 grain game point ammo. I can send it to a gunsmith and have the cylinder gap tightened up which should bring the velocities up to 2100 fps.

Is this adequate for coyote and other large varmint hunting? I am tempted to say not really and should Gun Broker the revolver and fund something more adequate. But I never had any real world experience killing coyotes with small bore rounds( all of mine have been taken with muzzleloaders during the muzzleloader season for deer)

So. Should I keep it with the hopes of calling in some coyote or should I sell it and buy something with more "oomph"?

Thanks for any replies.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogSell it

I agree. You are only talking about 136 ft lbs of energy at the muzzle. If he was close enough and you hit him on the right spot (of course) then you will have a very dead yote on your hands. But those variables are not conducive for a good clean kill.

Sell it and if you are determined to get you a coyote with a handgun then get you a .357 mag and do your best to keep your shots under 50 yards. And only then if you can keep your shots at less then a pie plate at that distance.
 
the 17gr vmax bullet is only rated for expansion down to 1600 fps. below that and it tends to icepick - especially if it doesnt come in contact with anything of significance. this is the very reason you see folks saying not to use the 17hmr out past 150 yds even for small critters. its just one of the limitations of the caliber. Inside of its wheelhouse, its a great performer - but said wheelhouse is fairly limited.


as noted - thats a novelty gun, not something worth hunting with anywhere much past snakeshot distances.
 
Well, you know what they say about opinions????? Mine is the HMR, while it may kill a coyote, it isn't enough to do it humanly. Small game, its fine, but medium to large, not enough. You ask for opinions.....thats mine.
 
I'd agree, they're kinda novelty-ish but kind of a fun little gun nonetheless. I shot one once and it was plenty accurate and kinda fun to shoot except for holy shiznit are they L O U D!!!! My PMR30 and my dads Ruger single six 22mag are both very loud but those little single six 17 HMR's are even louder. It's such a sharp loud crack that it definitely requires hearing protection to shoot, even once. It's such a sharp crack that it actually causes pain in my ears not just made them ring.
 


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