Article says new design on bolt and in operation reduces risks of excessive pressure in blowback cycle
https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2020/12/19/savage-a17-a-solid-semi-auto-shooter
"Along came Savage Arms, and its solution to the bolt-opening problem is remarkably simple: Delay the opening of the bolt until the bullet has left the barrel and pressures have decayed to a safe level. Savage did this by employing a locking lug at the top of the bolt that remains engaged while the trigger is pulled, yet disengages the instant the back pressure drops off."
It appears that 17HMR Savage A17 semi-autos are now considered OK for use on Appleseed lines, too. See:
https://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=51114.msg344626#msg344626
Not for use at Rimfire KD events to earn a patch, though. The round is flat shooting from 25 yards to 100 yards within plus or minus 0.4 inches, when sighted in at 100 yards.
It's a very accurate rifle. Perfect for varminting. 17HMR is also about the only ammo still on the shelf at Walmart, Bass Pro, and Academy Sports. It's a little pricey, but still lots cheaper than centerfire factory rounds.
I put a 20 MOA riser on mine. EGW has a good one. This allows using it out to rather "interesting" distances! You do learn to read the wind with this round!
â€" Gary
Thank Guntukian.
I searched the forum for "A17" and "Savage" but never did come across the earlier discussion you shared. I appreciate the feedback. I have a CZ 455 American with a .17HMR conversion, but as of yet, I have only shot the 22LR.
I looked up a ballistics chart from 0 to 200 yards. I can see why it would not qualify for the rimfire KD tab 100 or 200
Appleseed's 17 HMR policy has not changed.
A shooter with any semi-auto .17 HMR should be offered a loaner rifle. If they decline, they must sign a specific waiver (an example is found in the AC manual and also on the TIPS page) and be placed on the far right side of the line. I keep a couple of these waivers in my shoot box supplies.
That being said, the only 17 HMR semi-auto rifle I would personally allow at this time is the Savage A17, as it is the only one I know to function safely. The others were all recalled as best I know. Bolt guns in 17HMR are fine, of course.
There are two common bullet weights for 17 HMR, 17 gr and 20 gr. The 17 gr rounds shoot a little flatter in my rifle. Both bullet weights group very well.