Alternate calibers? .17HMR, etc. Can't beat 'em, join 'em?

WilsonTC · 08-23-2009, 08:59 AM

While perusing the local WalMart ammo case on my weekly run, in addition to seeing the typical empty holes where my favorite ammo used to reside (.45, .223, .40, .38, .308), I noticed bucket-loads of other ammo, some with dust/cobwebs on it (.17HMR, .22-250, 7mm, .30-30, etc.). This got me thinking...are there any other "common" guns (pistols/rifles) worthy of having that use these alternative calibers?

Why stress over finding .223 if I can find an AR-15 that shoots something else?

I know Savage used to make a nice .17HMR bolt-action. Any disadvantages to using this ammo?

What about handgun calibers? The only handgun ammo I saw in abundance (besides .22) was .44mag.

BlueSkyJaunte · 08-23-2009, 09:10 AM

I've noticed the tons of 7mm laying around, but not much else by me. Not even .22.

Bass Pro Shop actually had some .308, 9mm, and tons of .38sp in stock on Friday.

Is this just for plinking?

masraum · 08-23-2009, 09:16 AM

My local Walmart gets 9mm in every week or two. I stop in a couple of times a week on my way home from work and usually find they have 2-5 boxes of 100 rounds of Winchester white box FMJ for $20 a box. I usually pick up 2 boxes at a time, but I think they allow 4.

WilsonTC · 08-23-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

I've noticed the tons of 7mm laying around, but not much else by me. Not even .22.

Bass Pro Shop actually had some .308, 9mm, and tons of .38sp in stock on Friday.

Is this just for plinking?

Bass Pro Shops is expensive. I'd rather purchase on-line before giving them my $$$.

Yes, plinking ammo. I've already stock-piled enough of the "regular" stuff, but now I'm worried about "wasting" it at the shooting range.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

.223 and 9mm is pretty easy to find online right now though I've got a couple thousand rounds of each right now so I'm not looking that hard. The only caliber that I'm struggling to find in good/bulk is .357mag.

WilsonTC · 08-23-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masraum

My local Walmart gets 9mm in every week or two. I stop in a couple of times a week on my way home from work and usually find they have 2-5 boxes of 100 rounds of Winchester white box FMJ for $20 a box. I usually pick up 2 boxes at a time, but I think they allow 4.

I don't own a 9mm, but can't remember the last time I saw handgun ammo @ WalMart. I got lucky a few months ago and found a stash of .40 Remington just sitting there (truck must have just arrived). Went back the next day to buy more and it was all gone.

My question was not about where to find ammo, but to explore the "alternative" ammos that seem to be abundant.

targa911S · 08-23-2009, 09:23 AM

My .17 HMR by Savage and my 22-250 by Howa are my favorite rifles, no contest. The 22 - 250 is a bit expensive to shoot though with a box of 20 @ 24.00 these days. I went to the .17 for just that reason. 26 cents a shot. BOTH are great rounds.

legion · 08-23-2009, 09:24 AM

I have a Savage 93 in .17 HMR.

It has a very flat trajectory for such a light bullet (I shoot 17 grain bullets!). I'm telling you, it is a laser beam at 100 yards.

And I LOVE bolt-action rifles. They are simple, accurate, and VERY easy to clean.

targa911S · 08-23-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

I have a Savage 93 in .17 HMR.

It has a very flat trajectory for such a light bullet (I shoot 17 grain bullets!). I'm telling you, it is a laser beam at 100 yards.

I'll second that. Also they shoot better if you don't clean them.

PS: you will have to get a special rod and brush for them, it's a little tiny hole.

m21sniper · 08-23-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

I have a Savage 93 in .17 HMR.

It has a very flat trajectory for such a light bullet (I shoot 17 grain bullets!). I'm telling you, it is a laser beam at 100 yards.

And I LOVE bolt-action rifles. They are simple, accurate, and VERY easy to clean.

To me cleaning your weapon thoroughly with friends or family after a day of shooting is one of the joys of ownership.

targa911S · 10:14 AM

Here are my "evil twins of varmint death".

Top Howa 1500 in 22-250. Bottom Savage 93 in .17

I feel like a golfer when I go out. I have a double case and take them both. Over 150 yards I shoot the 22-250.

HMR

As a side note. for the .17 HMR I would highly recommend the BSA sweet 17 scope. I know, I know BSA's are crap, but this one has the elevation calibrated in yrds rather than clicks and it is calibrated for the ballistics of the .17- 17 grain cartridge. I like mine a lot. You just dial the yardage your focus gives you and BANG!, another dead groundhog!

targa911S · 08-23-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m21sniper

To me cleaning your weapon thoroughly with friends or family after a day of shooting is one of the joys of ownership.

yes I understand but believe me. I have put at least 500 through the .17 and it really does shoot better dirty.

m21sniper · 08-23-2009, 10:13 AM

Now there's a couple of drool worthy works of art.

targa911S · 08-23-2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m21sniper

Now there's a couple of drool worthy works of art.

Form and function in my house. I guess I learned that from owning Porsches. Thanks for the comps. Paul will attest to the fact that I live in the house of wood.

m21sniper · 08-23-2009, 10:51 AM

Pix!!!

aigel · aigel's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

I have a Savage 93 in .17 HMR.

It has a very flat trajectory for such a light bullet (I shoot 17 grain bullets!). I'm telling you, it is a laser beam at 100 yards.

Only if the wind doesn't blow.

OP doesn't tell us what the intended use is. Target or small game hunting?

G

m21sniper · 08-23-2009, 08:30 PM

The .17 has such a fast TOF that it is not really very much affected by wind drift on anything under about 200m IIRC.

Schumi · 08-23-2009, 08:56 PM

I am in this same boat.

I really wish I could find something to shoot through my model 98 Mauser but it's all either old crap or very expensive. Don't really feel like rechambering it, it's all original.

.17's intrigue me. Theres lots of 22-250 available here too.

Seahawk · 08-24-2009, 03:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by targa911S

Form and function in my house. I guess I learned that from owning Porsches. Thanks for the comps. Paul will attest to the fact that I live in the house of wood.

They look better in person.

Just got a Savage 93 in WMR for Jack's birthday. As Legion mentioned, it is a laser beam at 100 yards.

Jeff Higgins · 08-24-2009, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilsonTC

While perusing the local WalMart ammo case on my weekly run, in addition to seeing the typical empty holes where my favorite ammo used to reside (.45, .223, .40, .38, .308), I noticed bucket-loads of other ammo, some with dust/cobwebs on it (.17HMR, .22-250, 7mm, .30-30, etc.). This got me thinking...are there any other "common" guns (pistols/rifles) worthy of having that use these alternative calibers?

Why stress over finding .223 if I can find an AR-15 that shoots something else?

I know Savage used to make a nice .17HMR bolt-action. Any disadvantages to using this ammo?

What about handgun calibers? The only handgun ammo I saw in abundance (besides .22) was .44mag.

Which 7mm? 7x57, 7mm Remington Magnum, what? Just about everyone chambers a bolt gun in 7mm Remington Magnum, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's worth having. Almost no one still chambers the old 7x57, but it is definitely worth looking for one. Ruger used to chamber their # 1 single shot in this caliber, and their M77 bolt gun as well. It's a great old caliber.

For the .30-30, you can't go wrong with a Marlin lever gun. I have found them to be generally more accurate than the '94 Winchester (out of production anyway, but there are tens of millions laying around...). There have been some single shots and bolt actions over the years, but now we are getting a bit obscure. Besides, every growing boy needs a lever gun...

I've shied away from the .17 HMR. I still remember the 5mm Remington - try finding ammo for that one today. I suppose the little .17 has caught on a bit better, but I really don't know many that shoot it. I would be worried that my shiny new rifle would be worthless in the not-too-distant future. I think the old .22 mag is a better round anyway. Lots of guns in that caliber, and I seem to see it on shelves all the time.

Nothing wrong with a .44 mag revolver. Pick one up and feed it the magnums for now, and keep you eyes peeled for the Specials. This is a wondefully versatile calliber; everyone should have at least one revolver so chambered.