Is A .17 Hmr Good For Squirrel Hunting?
| Is A .17 Hmr Good For Squirrel Hunting? | Pros | Cons |
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| Yes, the .17 HMR is a good choice for squirrel hunting. |
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The .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is a popular cartridge for small game hunting, and it is often used for squirrel hunting. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting, and we will provide some tips for choosing the right rifle and ammunition for the job.
Advantages of Using a .17 HMR for Squirrel Hunting
There are several advantages to using a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting.
- Small caliber and light weight make it easy to carry and shoot. The .17 HMR is a small and lightweight cartridge, which makes it easy to carry in the field. This is especially important for hunters who will be hiking or stalking squirrels. The .17 HMR is also a very accurate cartridge, which makes it a good choice for taking squirrels at longer ranges.
- High velocity and low recoil make it a comfortable choice for inexperienced shooters. The .17 HMR is a high-velocity cartridge, which means that it has a lot of energy. This energy helps to ensure that the bullet will penetrate deep enough to kill a squirrel. The .17 HMR also has very low recoil, which makes it a comfortable choice for inexperienced shooters.
- Accurate and deadly at short ranges, making it a good choice for taking squirrels out of trees. The .17 HMR is a very accurate cartridge, and it is especially deadly at short ranges. This makes it a good choice for taking squirrels out of trees. Squirrels are often found in trees, and they can be difficult to hit with a rifle that has a lot of recoil. The .17 HMR is a good choice for hunters who want to take squirrels out of trees without having to worry about recoil.
Disadvantages of Using a .17 HMR for Squirrel Hunting
There are also some disadvantages to using a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting.
- Small caliber means that it is not as effective at taking squirrels at long ranges. The .17 HMR is a small caliber cartridge, which means that it does not have as much energy as larger caliber cartridges. This can make it difficult to take squirrels at long ranges.
- Limited magazine capacity can make it difficult to take multiple shots quickly. The .17 HMR has a limited magazine capacity, which can make it difficult to take multiple shots quickly. This can be a problem if you are hunting in an area where there are a lot of squirrels.
- Expensive ammunition can add up over time. The .17 HMR is a relatively expensive cartridge, and this can add up over time. This is especially true if you are a hunter who shoots a lot of squirrels.
The .17 HMR is a good cartridge for squirrel hunting, but it is important to be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision. If you are a beginner hunter or if you are looking for a cartridge that is easy to carry and shoot, the .17 HMR is a good option. However, if you are looking for a cartridge that is effective at taking squirrels at long ranges or if you are concerned about the cost of ammunition, you may want to consider a different cartridge.
Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Rifle and Ammunition for Squirrel Hunting
When choosing a rifle for squirrel hunting, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Caliber: The .17 HMR is a good choice for squirrel hunting, but you may also want to consider other calibers such as the .22 LR or the .22 WMR. The caliber that you choose will depend on the size of the squirrels in your area and the range at which you will be hunting.
- Action: The action of the rifle is also important to consider. A bolt-action rifle is a good choice for squirrel hunting, as it is accurate and allows you to take your time with each shot. A semi-automatic rifle can also be a good choice, but it is important to be aware of the recoil.
- Barrel length: The barrel length of the rifle will affect the accuracy and range of the rifle. A longer barrel will provide more accuracy and range, but it will also be heavier and more difficult to carry. A shorter barrel will be lighter and easier to carry, but it will not be as accurate or have as much range.
When choosing ammunition for squirrel hunting, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Bullet weight: The bullet weight will affect the energy of the bullet and the penetration of the bullet. A heavier bullet will have more energy and will penetrate deeper, but it will
Is A .17 HMR Good For Squirrel Hunting?
The .17 HMR is a popular caliber for varmint hunting, and it is also a good choice for squirrel hunting. The .17 HMR is a high-velocity round that produces a flat trajectory, making it easy to hit squirrels at long distances. The round is also very accurate, making it a good choice for taking squirrels on the run.
However, there are some things to consider before using a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting. The .17 HMR is a small round, and it does not produce a lot of energy. This means that it is important to make sure that you are using a bullet that is heavy enough to humanely kill a squirrel.
Another thing to consider is the noise of the .17 HMR. The .17 HMR is a relatively loud round, and it can spook squirrels if you are not careful. If you are hunting in an area where there are a lot of squirrels, you may want to consider using a quieter caliber.
Overall, the .17 HMR is a good choice for squirrel hunting. It is a high-velocity, accurate round that is easy to use. However, it is important to make sure that you are using a bullet that is heavy enough to humanely kill a squirrel and that you are aware of the noise of the round.
Choosing the Right .17 HMR Rifle for Squirrel Hunting
When choosing a .17 HMR rifle for squirrel hunting, there are a few things to consider.
- Barrel length: A barrel length of 16-20 inches is ideal for squirrel hunting. A longer barrel will produce a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit squirrels at long distances. However, a shorter barrel will be lighter and more maneuverable, which can be an advantage in thick brush.
- Caliber: A .17 HMR rifle is the best choice for squirrel hunting. The .17 HMR is a high-velocity round that produces a flat trajectory, making it easy to hit squirrels at long distances. The round is also very accurate, making it a good choice for taking squirrels on the run.
- Stock: A lightweight, synthetic stock is a good choice for squirrel hunting. A lightweight stock will help to reduce fatigue during long hunting days. A synthetic stock is also durable and resistant to the elements.
- Trigger: A light, crisp trigger is important for making accurate shots. A light trigger will make it easier to pull the trigger smoothly and accurately.
Here are a few specific rifles that are well-suited for squirrel hunting:
- Ruger American Rimfire Compact: The Ruger American Rimfire Compact is a great option for squirrel hunting. It is a lightweight, compact rifle that is easy to carry and maneuver in thick brush. The rifle has a 16.1-inch barrel and a synthetic stock. It is chambered in .17 HMR and comes with a 3-9x40mm scope.
- CZ 455 Varmint: The CZ 455 Varmint is another excellent option for squirrel hunting. It is a well-made rifle that is accurate and reliable. The rifle has a 20-inch barrel and a walnut stock. It is chambered in .17 HMR and comes with a 4x12x50mm scope.
- Marlin XT-22 Mag: The Marlin XT-22 Mag is a budget-friendly option for squirrel hunting. It is a lightweight, easy-to-use rifle that is perfect for beginners. The rifle has a 16.5-inch barrel and a synthetic stock. It is chambered in .17 HMR and comes with a 3-9x40mm scope.
Tips for Squirrel Hunting with a .17 HMR
Here are a few tips for squirrel hunting with a .17 HMR:
- Scout out potential squirrel hunting spots before you go. Squirrels are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and orchards. When scouting for squirrels, look for areas with plenty of cover, such as dense brush or trees.
- Wear camouflage clothing to help you blend in with your surroundings. Squirrels have excellent eyesight, so it is important to wear camouflage clothing to help you avoid being spotted.
- Move slowly and quietly to avoid spooking the squirrels. Squirrels are very skittish, so it is important to move slowly and quietly to avoid spooking them.
- Use a high-quality scope to make accurate shots. A high-quality scope will help you make accurate shots, even at long distances.
* **Practic
Is a .17 HMR good for squirrel hunting?
Yes, a .17 HMR is a good choice for squirrel hunting. It is a small, fast cartridge that produces little recoil, making it easy to shoot accurately. The .17 HMR is also very flat-shooting, making it a good choice for shots at longer ranges. The small size of the .17 HMR cartridge also means that you can carry more rounds in your hunting pack.
What are the advantages of using a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting?
There are several advantages to using a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting. These include:
- Small, fast cartridge: The .17 HMR is a small, fast cartridge that produces little recoil, making it easy to shoot accurately. This is especially important for young or inexperienced hunters.
- Flat-shooting: The .17 HMR is very flat-shooting, making it a good choice for shots at longer ranges. This can be helpful when hunting squirrels in trees or in thick cover.
- Small size: The small size of the .17 HMR cartridge means that you can carry more rounds in your hunting pack. This is important for extended hunts or when hunting in areas where you may have to make multiple shots.
What are the disadvantages of using a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting?
There are a few disadvantages to using a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting. These include:
- Less power than larger cartridges: The .17 HMR is a small cartridge with less power than larger cartridges such as the .22 LR or the .223 Remington. This can make it more difficult to take down larger squirrels or squirrels that are further away.
- More expensive than larger cartridges: The .17 HMR is more expensive than larger cartridges such as the .22 LR or the .223 Remington. This can make it more difficult to justify the cost of using a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting.
Overall, is a .17 HMR a good choice for squirrel hunting?
Overall, a .17 HMR is a good choice for squirrel hunting. It is a small, fast cartridge that produces little recoil, making it easy to shoot accurately. The .17 HMR is also very flat-shooting, making it a good choice for shots at longer ranges. The small size of the .17 HMR cartridge also means that you can carry more rounds in your hunting pack. However, the .17 HMR is a small cartridge with less power than larger cartridges such as the .22 LR or the .223 Remington. This can make it more difficult to take down larger squirrels or squirrels that are further away. The .17 HMR is also more expensive than larger cartridges such as the .22 LR or the .223 Remington. This can make it more difficult to justify the cost of using a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use a .17 HMR for squirrel hunting is a personal one. Hunters should consider their own needs and preferences before making a decision.
the .17 HMR is a versatile cartridge that is capable of taking small game at extended ranges. It is an excellent choice for squirrel hunting, as it provides plenty of power and accuracy. However, it is important to note that the .17 HMR is a high-velocity cartridge that produces significant recoil. This can make it difficult to shoot for extended periods of time, especially for young or inexperienced shooters. As such, it is important to choose a rifle that is well-suited for the .17 HMR cartridge and to practice regularly in order to develop good shooting skills.