Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters 17 HMR vs 17 Hornet

I have a CZ Varmint rifle in 17 Hornet.

Besides my various 221 Fireball rifles, the 17 Hornet is my favorite prairie dog rifle.


I find myself wanting a smaller, lighter rifle for work around the farm. Mostly pigeons and winged varmints.


Looking around the websites, I was surprised to see that 17 Hornet ammo is nearly a dollar a round. Looks like HMR ammo is about 12 to 15 dollars for 50.


I reload for the Hornet so price isn't quite as important.



Will I be satisfied with a HMR for a pickup gun, or should I just buy a lighter, smaller Hornet like a CZ American?



Is there 1000 fps difference? Is the HMR too loud to shoot with out ear plugs?


Any insight would be appreciated.