Best scopes for 17 HMR
It’s obvious that you are reading this because you are planning to use a 17 HMR cartridge most likely for small-scale tasks at home such as hunting varmints, small game hunting, and plinking.
You need a rifle scope that will be able to give you good performance and you do not want something that will make you break the bank because these aren’t complicated tasks
This article will give you all that but first, let’s understand the 17 HMR.
The .17 HMR Cartridge
The 17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is a cartridge introduced in the year 2002. It’s ideal for short-range shooting with a velocity of the cartridge ranging from 2,400 to 2,600 ft per second.
This velocity makes it a better alternative to the .22 LR which has been used for a long time for small-scale tasks. It’s also the ideal option if you plan to shoot a distance greater than 100 yards, but not more than 200 yards, which would be better achieved using a 17 WSM.
Lastly, the round is popular because it’s cheap and many rifles have been chambered for it. It also has a low recoil which makes it ideal for first-time shooters.
Best scopes for 17 HMR-Top Picks
Here are the top choices of scopes you can use with a 17 HMR
- BSA Optics Sweet .17 3-12x40mm
- Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm
- Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 2-7x32mm
- SIG SAUER Buckmasters Scope 3-12x44mm
- Mueller Optical 2-7x32mm
- SIG SAUER Whiskey3 2-7x32mm
- Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm
1. BSA Optics Sweet .17 3-12x40mm Rifle Scope
This is a rifle scope purposely designed for the .17 HMR. This means that everything meets the required standards when using the round.
The rifle scope has a ballistically calibrated turret for the .17 HMR round and this makes adjustments easy and precise.
The reticle is also simplified, it’s a crosshair with fine lines in the middle, making it more precise when shooting at a target.
Additionally, the manufacturers have built it with one of the longest eye reliefs and this makes it perfect for a shooter who wants a rifle that they’ll comfortably shoot at a target.
Lastly, the scope is well-built and will withstand a reasonable amount of torture out in the field. It’s waterproof fog proof and shockproof.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 12 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: First Focal Plane (FFP)
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Exit Pupil: 3 – 13.2 mm
- Field of View: 33 – 8.3 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 4 in
2. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
This is a great option if you are a shooter who needs a versatile magnification that you can use for close as well as medium targets.
The scope also shines for having one of the best lenses that gives a crisp image of the target enhancing the accuracy of the shooter even under ominous conditions. This hasn’t been without a drawback as some users have reported a slight degradation in the lens quality over time.
Next, is the impressive reticle the dead-hold BDC reticle with clearly defined hash marks on both the vertical and horizontal lines that can be used for windage and holdover correction.
It comes with a generous eye relief measuring 4 inches and this helps to comfortably shoot the rifle
Lastly, the shooter is guaranteed peace of mind because the scope is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 9 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.4 – 13.3 mm
- Field of View: 12.6 – 34.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.8 – 4.4 in
- Weight: 14.8 oz
3. Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
This is a rifle scope that perfectly balances price and performance. It does this first of all by having a mil-dot reticle with properly placed dots and thin lines in the center of the crosshair, providing a precise aim on any type of target.
A smaller 2x magnification allows it to be used for close targets which is one of the common uses of a 17 HMR round. Many shooters will also appreciate the 7x magnification useful for target identification.
Additionally, an adjustable objective lens helps to focus on the target further enhancing the accuracy of the shooter, especially on moving targets.
Overall, this is a budget-friendly scope with an effective reticle and a high-quality lens with outstanding light transmission. It also has a low profile on the rifle, which results in superior ergonomics and easier maneuverability.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 5 – 16 mm
- Field of View: 14.1 – 46.6 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
4. SIG SAUER Buckmasters Scope 3-12x44mm
The Sig Sauer Buckmasters is a low-cost scope that delivers excellent value to a shooter. It matches perfectly to a 17 HMR cartridge and can be used for a variety of purposes such as plinking, hunting small game, and pest control.
Firstly, it has a great lens, that delivers crisp images of the target as well as a custom BDC reticle that can estimate holdovers up to 500 yards.
The 3-12x magnification is effective in aiming at short as well as medium to long-range targets. It includes a capped turret that is used to make precise windage and elevation adjustments
Overall, the built quality is excellent if you compare it with similarly priced rifle scopes. It’s fog proof and waterproof to IPX7 standards. Moreover, it’s lightweight and has generous eye relief allowing the shooter to use it comfortably.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
- Magnification: 3 – 12 x
- Reticle: BDC
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 3.3 – 13.3 mm
- Field of View: 11.3 – 34.1 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.85 – 4.17 in
- Weight: 420 g
5. Mueller Optical 2-7x32mm Multishot Waterproof Rifle Scope
This is a simplified rifle scope adaptable for a wide variety of uses like hunting, plinking, and pest control. It’s well-built and available at a reasonable price which is of great value to the user.
The scope can be used on any type of firearm firstly because of the multipurpose reticle design. The reticle is designed like a crosshair with a circle and a dot at the center to attract the eye of the shooter for a perfect shot.
The center dot is further illuminated and this is an advantage especially in low light conditions meaning that this rifle scope will work great in twilight hours.
Lastly, the scope has outstanding light transmission resulting in a well-defined image matching some of the more premium options available on the market.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Reticle: Multipurpose Crosshair
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.57 – 16 mm
- Field of View: 18 – 47 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Weight: 13.3 oz
6. SIG SAUER Whiskey3 2-7x32mm Rifle Scope
This is a scope optimized for both the short and medium ranges. The small 2x magnification allows it to be used with a .17 HMR to take on close targets with great accuracy and ease.
The scope also stands out for having a high-quality lens that delivers superb optical clarity and allows the scope to be used even under low light.
Next, the scope comes with a European-style eyepiece that provides a smooth and fast reticle adjustment. The shooter then gets different reticle options to choose from, depending on his shooting requirements.
Overall, this is an affordable rifle scope well built for short and medium-range targets. It’s tuned for faster target acquisition and very ideal for a round with low recoil.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm
- Magnification: 2 – 7 x
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4.57 – 16 mm
- Field of View: 45.4 – 13.1 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.5 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 5 MOA.
7. Bushnell AR Optics 1-6x24mm Rifle Scope
This is an LPVO (low-power variable optic) that comes with features that make it a great alternative for a variety of rounds one of them the .17 HMR. Its compact and lightweight making it one of the most comfortable scopes to use.
The Bushnell AR can use both rimfire and centerfire ammo and perform brilliantly in both.
Its illuminated BTR-1 reticle has drop points calibrated to aim at a target 500 yards out. The reticle has the ability to handle the different trajectory that characterizes rimfire rounds, delivering superb accuracy on a target.
Next, there is a throw lever for quick magnification changes and a capped turret to protect against unnecessary changes when aiming at a target.
Overall, this is a versatile LPVO scope that’s not only best for the 17 HMR but also for a variety of other rounds. It’s well-built and easy to use.
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Magnification: 1 – 6 x
- Reticle: Illuminated BTR-1
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Exit Pupil: 4 – 24 mm
- Field of View: 1 – 6 ft at 100 ft
- Eye Relief: 3.6 in
- Weight: 16.5 oz
Buying the best rifle scopes for 17 HMR
These are the other criteria that can be used to determine what scope to have for a .17 HMR
Magnification
Magnification makes the target appear closer and makes it easy for a shooter to make the perfect aim at the target. The .17 HMR round is used for short-range targets in fact it is probably effective only up to 200 yards. You, therefore, do not need an absurdly high magnification because it will be underutilized. The ideal magnification is probably anything between 2x and 10x
Lens Quality
A clear lens is paramount if you need the best performance using a .17 HMR cartridge. The lens needs to be bright and clear to enable you to see the target even under low light conditions.
All the scopes we have reviewed come with a high-quality lens and deliver a bright image of the target. Courtesy of good glass and excellent coatings that reduce reflective loss of light.
Reticle
The type of reticle a shooter needs is mostly a personal preference. Most shooters however like a simplified reticle that’s easy to use and draws the shooter’s attention. The Mueller Optical 2-7x32mm has one of the best reticles that’s fashioned like a crosshair with an illuminated red dot at the center surrounded by a circle.
Price
An advanced rifle scope that’s war ready will most likely come at a premium price. It’s however possible to get scopes of excellent value at a budget price like what we have included in this article.
This article reviews reasonably priced rifle scopes that give the best performance when used with a .17 HMR cartridge.
FAQs
How many yards can a 17 HMR shoot?
Although the effective range of the 17 HMR varies depending on a variety of factors such as the shooter’s skill, weather conditions, and rifle type, the most likely effective range is up to 200 yards. The 17 has a high velocity of 2,500 to 2,650 feet per second (fps), allowing for a fairly even trajectory.
What is the heaviest bullet for a 17 HMR?
The weight of a 17 HMR generally ranges from 17 to 20 grains, and different weights can achieve varying velocities.
CONCLUSION
The 17 HMR is a rimfire round that excellently performs up to a distance of around 200 yards, one therefore requires the best scopes able to provide short-range accuracy and speed in target acquisition. This article has featured the top rifle scopes, but it is worth noting that accuracy is also dependent on a shooter’s skill level.
Finally, make sure you understand how to maintain and sight in the rifle scope so that it remains in top condition and provides the best accuracy.
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