At the recent SHOT Show, Savage Arms announced a new semi-automatic rifle chambered for the .17 HMR round. The new Savage A17 rifle was specifically designed for the .17 HMR, so it is expected to avoid the problems that Remington experienced with the 597 rifles.
Let’s take a look at the new A17 rifles…
Well the new rimfire cartridge is here and it is a smoking hot round: Â the .17 Winchester Super Magnum. Â The new rimfire promises “pinpoint accuracy” and the “downrange performance of a centerfire cartridge.”
Ok, let’s cut to the chase: Â the new Winchester cartridge is pushing a 20 grain bullet at 3,000 fps. Â That is an amazing feat for a rimfire. Â Energy measures right at 400 ft-lbs (399.6 if my math is correct.) Â A 25 grain bullet screams along at 2,600 fps for 375 ft-lbs of energy.
Remington Arms Co. has announced a major rifle recall, and a serious warning on .17 HMR ammunition. Remington is immediately recalling all of the Model 597 rifles chambered for the .17 HMR. Remington is not offering any repairs, rather they are issuing coupons of $200-250 for a replacement Remington rifle and refunding the shipping costs of sending the rifle back.
Additionally, Remington announced that their .17 HMR ammunition is not to be used in semi-auto firearms. Stating that the use of Remington .17 HMR ammunition in a semi-auto firearm “…could result in property damage or serious personal injury.” People wanting to return the ammo will be issued $10 coupons for each box of 50 they return.