17HMR where .22 was not going to be allowed.

[Dave-G]

Earlier this year I got outline vermin control permission for 3000 acres of arable land, to be finalised later in the year when he has time to sit and dicuss maps etc. I posted on here but cant find it - probably lost in the change to a new server. A 22lr would not be tolerated due to it's ricochet risk to a nearby major road. Fac air only would be given the go ahead - and he would look into this new 17HMR thingy I was on about.

 

I had it all planned out in my head about how I would try to bring him round to this. The day before the appointment to examine maps and sign the agreement I thought about comparing the stripped HMR projectile to an air rifle pellet - given its similar weight.

 

Looking at it without it's shell is quite revealing it looks so tiny which of course it is, being smaller and lighter than .22lr. The initial advantage of the much higher velocity in the first 200 yards or so is accompanied by the relative safety of little damage potential after 300 yards or so (assuming ground shots of course) Also, knowing that he has centrefire rifles - I referred to it as like a baby centrefire which did the trick nicely

 

All in all I can see why this is becomming the preffered round for FEO's. For those who have not looked at 17HMR - the picture may be usefull.