Hornady 17HMR velocity 2018 vs 2023!

DiRTY DOG

DiRTY DOG

Well-known member
2018 lot vs 2023 lot = 230 fps difference. What!

I shoot Hornady 15.5gr NTX exclusively. Lead free requirement, but it performs just fine. I bought the last few boxes the last time I saw it available back in 2019, it was a lot from 2018. I ration it for fox hunting and a few squirrels.

I finally found more in stock and I did a comparison at the range for accuracy and velocity. I was shooting a Marlin 17V 22" barrel on a bipod and rear bag under a 12x scope. Velocity was measured on a Garmin Xero C1.

2018 Average Velocity- 2490 fps
2023 Average Velocity- 2720 fps

Advertised Velocity- 2525 fps

So the current lot is 200 fps faster than advertised, and 230 fps faster than my last stash. I look forward to seeing how foxes like the extra velocity!

Accuracy is pretty good, but there were a few shots out of 30 tested that were 50, 100, even one that was 150 fps slower than average! Crazy rimfires...

Here's a 10 shot group at 100 yards and the chrono data.



20231116_170711.jpg


Old on the left, new on the right.
20231116_170416.jpg
Screenshot_20231116_193332.jpg
 
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spotstalkshoot said:
Was the group a mix of old/new?
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That group in the pic and on chrono was 10 shots of new. I also shot several 5-shot groups of each old/new and accuracy was similar, between 1/2" and 1" depending on how many fliers were fired. There are often 1 or 2 wierdo fliers with rimfires that throw the whole group off. I just got lucky with 10 good rounds in a row for a picture.
 
I was wondering if both shot into the same group, or will a sight adjustment be needed. A CZ457 in 17hmr, would be a prairie dog arsenal addition, for me.
 
spotstalkshoot said:
I was wondering if both shot into the same group, or will a sight adjustment be needed. A CZ457 in 17hmr, would be a prairie dog arsenal addition, for me.
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I dunno. I'm gonna let my kid practice with the remaining old stuff, and use the new stuff for hunting. No need to mix them with the drastically different velocities.
 
I just checked my stash and don't have any of the 15.5 grain ammo. Gonna have to hit the stores and see if I can find some. That's zinging them little pills.
 
DD, how do you like the Garmin? I'm torn on picking one up but they seem really nice, much more convenient than my magneto speed.
 
I got it almost 3 weeks ago but didn't get to use it until a few days ago. It's as awesome as everyone says. I'm planning to do a mini review this week, just been real busy... Buy it and ditch whatever else you're using. My MagnetoSpeed will be listed in the classifieds tomorrow.
 
DiRTY DOG said:
I got it almost 3 weeks ago but didn't get to use it until a few days ago. It's as awesome as everyone says. I'm planning to do a mini review this week, just been real busy... Buy it and ditch whatever else you're using. My MagnetoSpeed will be listed in the classifieds tomorrow.
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Looking forward to reading your review, are they as accurate as the magneto speed??

Thats my main concern but the look like its way easier to set up!
 
The only reason I never got a Labradar is because it had too low of a speed limit. It wouldn't work with most of what I actually shoot. The Garmin, with a 5K speed limit, has my full attention. Been using a Magnetospeed for a long time, too, and it's fine, but I don't trust any accuracy data with anything attached to the muzzle. I'm interested in this Garmin to say the least.

- DAA
 


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