Gun review, Savage .17 HMR 93R TR

.17 Hmr Savage 93R TR

Posted January 11, 2012

As I sit here I can hear the coyotes to the north past the tracks. It is a beautiful sound but also sinister. Some calling is in order this weekend…..
The rifle I will review today is the Savage Arms 93R TR .17 HMR. I ordered it this past spring and finally received delivery a week after Christmas. Apparently these are a hot item.
 
 The rifle arrived via UPS in very good condition. Good job UPS. When unpacked I instantly loved it. I was a bit worried about the fit as I have arms like a monkey and I bought it without ever holding one, but it feels great. TR stands for tactical rifle hence the look. All black, except for the top of the clip which is red to show the magazine is empty. The fluted
bull barrel is very cool and accurate.
The stock is made of wood with a matte black finish which allows excellent grip in any shooting position. I am very happy with the overall appearance and mechanical fit of the rifle, action is smooth and after 100 rounds is feeding flawlessly. I topped it with a Bushnell Dusk till Dawn 3-9X illuminated reticule scope I had in the cupboard. When funds allow a Mueller
4-12X tactical scope will be added. A Harris Bipod and a sling rounded her out. The ballistics of this rimfire cartridge is very hot.
This is an amazing 100 -150 yard varmint rig. In my opinion this means anything smaller than a coyote. Some people say it is sufficient, but too each there own. It will likely work but not as well as a .223.
  Left Winchester 20 gr hollow point / right Remington 17gr Boattail
Load Data
Name: .17 Cal, Rem Boat tail              Ballistic Coeff: 0.127                                                                                  
Bullet Weight: 17gr                               Velocity: 2550
Target Distance: 75yrd                         Scope Height: 1.000 in
Ballistic Data
Range  Elevation  Velocity   Energy     ETA         Drop      Max Y  10mph Wind Deflect 
0 yds   -1.00 in  2550 fps   245 fpe  0.000 sec    0.00 in  -1.00 in    0.00 in
25 yds   -0.26 in  2387 fps   215 fpe  0.030 sec       .17 in  -0.36 in    0.15 in
50 yds    0.09 in  2230 fps   188 fpe  0.063 sec    0.73 in  -0.21 in    0.72 in
75 yds    0.00 in  2078 fps   163 fpe  0.098 sec  1.73 in   0.06 in    1.69 in
100 yds   -0.58 in  1933 fps   141 fpe  0.135 sec    3.21 in   0.49 in    3.05 in
125 yds   -1.75 in  1794 fps   121 fpe    0.175 sec    5.29 in   1.09 in    4.96 in
150 yds   -3.62 in  1664 fps   104 fpe  0.219 sec    8.08 in   1.93 in    7.50 in
175 yds   -6.25 in    1540 fps    90 fpe  0.266 sec   11.62 in   3.03 in   10.55 in
200 yds   -9.80 in    1426 fps    77 fpe  0.316 sec   16.07 in   4.46 in   14.24 in
As you can see, when sighted to zero @ 75 yards this rifle can be held dead center of most game out to 150 yards, with only slight hold over required past that. The wind is another thing though as the bullet is so light and very susceptible to a breeze or gust.
My best grouping so far are about 1 in @ 100 yards. This could be tightened up with a better scope and a warmer day. Experienced shooters report sub MOA groupings with this cartridge. It can be quite a tack driver.
Pop cans and plastic bottles filled with water and left on the porch to freeze overnight are great targets and cheap, great way to recycle, before they hit the blue box. The targets explode easily at 100 yards and make a great show. It has to be fun or what is the point.
Other stock options are available for this rifle including some beautiful wood grain thumbhole models. I chose this model as it looked durable and I expect to be using it often in the field. There are certainly enough choices to suit almost anyone.
I think this is an excellent rifle and cartridge combo. I would definitely recommend adding a Savage .17 HMR to your vault. Visit your local dealer and check one out for yourself.
Shoot safe and often
Bullseye