Understanding the 17 HMR: Why a Great Scope Matters
The world of rimfire shooting boasts a unique blend of accuracy, affordability, and sheer fun, and at its pinnacle sits the remarkable seventeen Hornady Magnum Rimfire, often shortened to 17 HMR. This cartridge is a marvel of engineering, delivering stunningly flat trajectories and exceptional downrange performance, making it a favorite among varmint hunters, target shooters, and plinkers alike. But even the finest 17 HMR rifle is only as good as its optic, and that’s where a top-quality scope comes into play. Finding the *best 17 HMR scope* is crucial to unlock the full potential of this impressive round. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the perfect scope for your needs, ensuring every shot counts.
The seventeen Hornady Magnum Rimfire, or 17 HMR, is not just another rimfire cartridge; it’s a statement. It combines a super-fast, light bullet with a highly accurate platform, resulting in impressive ballistics that are ideal for a variety of shooting disciplines. With muzzle velocities often exceeding 2500 feet per second, the 17 HMR provides a relatively flat trajectory, meaning less holdover is required at various distances. This precision makes it a standout choice for pest control, small game hunting, and even competitive target shooting.
However, this inherent accuracy is meaningless without the right optical partner. A quality scope is not just an accessory; it’s an extension of the shooter, allowing for precise aiming and target identification. It magnifies the target, providing a clearer view, and incorporates a reticle to aid in accurate shot placement. Without a good scope, the inherent benefits of the 17 HMR are severely diminished. A poor optic will blur the image, lack clarity, and fail to provide the necessary precision to consistently hit your target. Thus, investing in a *best 17 HMR scope* is an investment in your overall shooting experience.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Scope
Choosing the ideal scope involves navigating a landscape of options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Several critical factors can significantly influence your decision, impacting performance, and your overall satisfaction. Let’s explore the essential elements to consider when searching for the *best 17 HMR scope* for your needs.
Magnification Power: Finding the Right Range
One of the most crucial aspects of any scope is its magnification range. This refers to the ability of the scope to zoom in on a target, making it appear closer and easier to identify. For a 17 HMR, the ideal magnification largely depends on your intended use.
For general-purpose shooting and varmint hunting at moderate ranges (up to around 150 yards), a scope with a 3×9 magnification range is often an excellent choice. This range provides enough magnification for accurate shots without sacrificing field of view. A 3×9 scope can make it simple to find your target and is useful for hunting various animals.
If you regularly engage targets at extended distances, or require more precise shot placement, such as for target shooting, a scope with a higher magnification range, such as a 4×12 or even a 6×18, might be preferable. These scopes offer greater clarity at a distance.
However, bear in mind that higher magnification also increases the effects of any movement. Consider the stability of your setup and whether you’ll be using a bipod or other support.
Additionally, be mindful of adjustable objective (AO) or side focus (SF) features. These allow you to adjust the focus of the scope to eliminate parallax, a phenomenon that can cause your point of impact to shift at different distances. AO and SF features are essential for achieving maximum accuracy.
Lens Diameter: Brightness and Clarity
The objective lens is the front lens of the scope, and its size significantly influences light gathering and image brightness. A larger objective lens lets in more light, resulting in a brighter and clearer image, particularly in low-light conditions.
For a 17 HMR scope, objective lens sizes commonly range from 32mm to 50mm. A 40mm or 44mm objective lens is often a good balance between light gathering, weight, and size. They gather enough light for most shooting conditions while remaining relatively compact and easy to handle.
While a 50mm objective lens will provide an even brighter image, it will also make the scope larger and heavier. This can impact the balance of your rifle and potentially make it less comfortable to handle, especially for longer periods. The *best 17 HMR scope* will strike a good balance between objective lens size and overall practicality.
Reticle Choices: Defining Your Crosshairs
The reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point inside the scope, and its design greatly influences the ease of use and accuracy. Several types of reticles are available, each with its specific advantages.
A simple duplex reticle, with thick outer posts and a thin crosshair in the center, is a versatile choice for general hunting and shooting. It’s easy to acquire targets quickly.
Bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles are specifically designed to compensate for the bullet drop at various distances. These reticles typically have markings below the crosshair to allow you to hold over at different ranges. This can be especially useful for 17 HMR, where bullet drop can become significant at longer distances.
Illuminated reticles feature an illuminated center, making them easier to see in low-light conditions. These can be invaluable for hunting at dawn or dusk, or when shooting in shaded areas. Finding the *best 17 HMR scope* with an illuminated reticle can dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of your shots.
The ideal reticle ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the type of shooting you do. Consider your shooting style and the environments in which you’ll be using the scope to determine which type best fits your needs.
Durability and Build Quality: Withstanding the Elements
A quality scope must be built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for features that enhance durability and reliability.
Waterproof construction prevents moisture from entering the scope, ensuring it remains functional in wet conditions. Fog-proof scopes are sealed to prevent internal fogging, which can obscure your view, especially in changing temperatures. Shockproof construction protects the scope from the recoil of the rifle and any accidental impacts.
Scopes are often constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, providing a balance of strength and lightweight design. The *best 17 HMR scope* should be durable enough to handle the stresses of field use and weather.
Turrets and Adjustments: Fine-Tuning Your Shots
Turrets are the dials on top and side of the scope, used for making windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) adjustments. Precise and reliable turrets are essential for zeroing the scope and making adjustments to compensate for wind or bullet drop.
Capped turrets are protected by caps, which prevent accidental adjustments. Exposed turrets are more easily adjustable but may be more susceptible to being bumped or moved. Tactical turrets typically offer more precise adjustments, and some also include zero-reset functionality, which makes it simpler to return to your original zero.
Make sure the turrets are easy to read and have clear markings. Consider the adjustment increments (MOA or MIL) and choose a scope that uses a system you are familiar with.
Value and Budget: Finding the Right Fit
Scope prices can vary widely. While the most expensive scopes often boast superior features, they are not always the best choice for every shooter. Setting a budget is essential, and understanding where the money is being spent is important to get the best value.
Determine how much you’re willing to spend, and prioritize the features that are most important to you. Consider your needs and find a scope that offers the desired features at a price that is within your budget. The *best 17 HMR scope* offers exceptional value for your investment.
Recommended Scopes for Your 17 HMR
Finding the *best 17 HMR scope* can seem daunting, but selecting the right optic enhances the joy and accuracy of the shooting experience. After careful evaluation of available products, here are some excellent choices to help you begin your search. Remember, availability can change; always check current stock before making your decision.
A Trusted Favorite: Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40
The Vortex Diamondback series is renowned for its exceptional clarity and durability, making it a popular choice among shooters. This model features a 4-12x magnification range and a 40mm objective lens, suitable for a wide range of 17 HMR shooting situations. Its Dead-Hold BDC reticle provides quick and accurate holdovers for different distances, making it excellent for varmint hunting and target shooting. The Diamondback offers outstanding value for its price, and comes with the excellent Vortex lifetime warranty.
A Classic Performer: Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40
Leupold is a well-respected name in optics, and their VX-Freedom series provides a reliable and accurate option. This scope features a classic 3-9x magnification range, well-suited for a variety of shooting scenarios. Leupold is renowned for the clarity and durability of their optics. The scope’s sleek design and rugged construction make it a trustworthy partner for all your 17 HMR pursuits.
Budget-Friendly Excellence: Bushnell Rimfire Optics 3-9×40
The Bushnell Rimfire Optics line delivers outstanding value. It’s a fantastic choice for shooters on a budget. Despite its price point, it still boasts excellent optical clarity and a reliable design. It is an ideal entry point into the world of quality scopes for your 17 HMR.
Target Shooting Precision: Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24×50
For shooters seeking greater magnification and precision, the Athlon Argos BTR 6-24×50 scope is a prime choice. With its higher magnification range and side focus parallax adjustment, it delivers exceptional clarity and allows for precise adjustments. This scope is well suited for target shooting at extended ranges.
Considerations for Various Needs
Choosing the ideal scope depends on your individual shooting needs.
For those seeking the *best 17 HMR scope* overall, the Vortex Diamondback 4-12×40 emerges as a top contender due to its combination of clarity, durability, and price.
If budget is a primary concern, the Bushnell Rimfire Optics 3-9×40 presents excellent value without compromising essential features.
For varmint hunters, scopes with BDC reticles or adjustable parallax, such as the Vortex Diamondback, offer quick and accurate shot placement at varying distances.
Target shooters will benefit from higher magnification scopes such as the Athlon Argos, allowing for precise aiming and consistent results.
Mounting and Zeroing Your Scope: Putting It All Together
Proper mounting and zeroing are essential for the optimal performance of your *best 17 HMR scope*. Select high-quality scope rings and a base that fits your rifle. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting the scope.
Once mounted, the zeroing process involves firing a series of shots at a target at a known distance (usually 50 or 100 yards), and then adjusting the scope’s turrets to bring the point of impact to your desired zero. Many online resources can guide you through this process.
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the *best 17 HMR scope* is a critical step in maximizing the potential of your rifle and the shooting experience as a whole. By considering the factors discussed in this guide – magnification, objective lens size, reticle type, build quality, and budget – you can find the perfect optic to meet your needs. Remember to research various options and consider your specific shooting goals to make an informed decision. Take your time, and enjoy the process of enhancing your shooting setup!
