'Safety' discussion of the .17 HMR round... - The Firearms Forum

ponycar17 · 05-29-2009, 07:03 PM

I have heard different takes on the .17 HMR round. I have heard that if it hits dirt it disintegrates, so it's not a huge ricochet hazard. I assume this is because of the 17-20 Gr. nature and 2375-2550 FPS rating. I have guessed that it's at a very slow, tumbling velocity on its descent if it's fired at a higher angle, and therefore not a reasonable threat to people at very long distances. This is just a wild guess....

What's your take on the safety of this round?

I tend to believe that at VERY long ranges, the round has already lost its spin and is returning to earth at a lower velocity and erratic trajectory. I personally have felt that it's not a threat to people if shot up into a tree at squirrels. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm totally wrong. Does anyone have any data to show whether a .17 HMR is safe or dangerous to people at far distances?

This is a discussion only... I'm not attempting to declare the long-range safety of this or any other rimfire round.

Thanks in advance for the responses.

05-29-2009, 07:03 PM	#1
ponycar17 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: South Carolina Contributor Posts: 4,884	'Safety' discussion of the .17 HMR round... I have heard different takes on the .17 HMR round. I have heard that if it hits dirt it disintegrates, so it's not a huge ricochet hazard. I assume this is because of the 17-20 Gr. nature and 2375-2550 FPS rating. I have guessed that it's at a very slow, tumbling velocity on its descent if it's fired at a higher angle, and therefore not a reasonable threat to people at very long distances. This is just a wild guess.... What's your take on the safety of this round? I tend to believe that at VERY long ranges, the round has already lost its spin and is returning to earth at a lower velocity and erratic trajectory. I personally have felt that it's not a threat to people if shot up into a tree at squirrels. I wouldn't be surprised if I'm totally wrong. Does anyone have any data to show whether a .17 HMR is safe or dangerous to people at far distances? This is a discussion only... I'm not attempting to declare the long-range safety of this or any other rimfire round. Thanks in advance for the responses. __________________ Arm yourself with intellectual Ammunition! Gunfacts 5.1 Myth-Busting Facts JustFacts.com on Gun Control Stopping Power, the Downloadable Book --> Last edited by ponycar17; 05-29-2009 at 07:24 PM..