The Best Scopes for 17 HMR in 2022

The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) is 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire’s child. It was launched back in 2002. It was designed, developed and launched by the partnership of Hornady in with Ruger and Marlin. It offers a more precise, flatter trajectory and also fast focus. Its rounds are available in the hollow point, soft tip and FMJ. The .17 HMR also offers higher velocity and father range.

If you happen to own one of these, you might be feeling the need to have the best 17 HMR scope. In today’s buying guide, we’ll help you choose the right scope that will help you in shooting for varmint hunting, varying distance and other purposes.

So aside from reviewing the best products for the category, you can check out our shopping guide that will also help you determine the factors to look into when choosing this product.

We do hope that you will find the quality 17 HMR scopes based on your style and preferences after reading.

First, let’s take a look at the top-rated 17 HMR scopes, then we’ll talk about how to choose the right one for you in our buying guide below.

Best Scopes for 17 HMR in 2022

Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 4-12×40 AO 17 HMR IR Riflescope

One thing I would also like to note is that it can offer excellent performance even on a low light condition, giving us a superb image quality no matter how little light is available.

It is also a good thing that 4-12×40 Vantage AO Mil-Dot Riflescope is built with 11 layers of anti-reflective and multi-coated optics, which are useful to absorb light and offer us with a clearer view of our target. It is also designed to give us the opportunity to reset our desired windage and elevation levels to 0 with only ¼ MOA click adjustment.

The scope for 17 HMR also has superior optics, offering us with minimum glare on all surfaces. This unit also has an adjustable objective design on its 40mm objective lens, allowing us for an easy parallax correction.

And for hold-under or holdover, I liked that this unit offers us with different aim points. It also has this precise space featuring 4 mil dots in every direction, supplying us with standard readings to find our targets without any hassle.

It does not only have a good view diameter for close or long range targets, but the scope with 40mm objective. I also noticed that the scope offers max elevation and windage adjustment level of 100 MOA.

However, the riflescope isn’t ideal for spring or gas piston airguns more than 12 ft lbs for safety.

Overall, the scope for 17 HMR is a top rated product that hunters and tactical workers appreciate for its excellent features and functions. It is a great value for the money that you should not miss out.

Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm BDC Riflescope

This model comes with multicoated lenses and great eye relief and has the famous brand’s BDC reticle. I think it is a decent choice for deer hunters looking for precise shooting.

I also noticed it comes with 100-yards parallax setting, which is an excellent addition to it. More so, it features a BDC reticle that lets hunters to hold precisely at longer ranges beyond what was thought to be possible. It can also offer an advantage for long-range targets and normal sight picture when taking short-range shots wherein the popular cross hair is functioning as the aiming point.

Another good thing about the Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9x40mm is its spot on ballistic match technology, helping us find accurate aiming points on the reticle even at different yardages according to the load and ammunition used.

This riflescope also features a multicoated optical system. It is designed and made with different layers of anti-reflective compounds on each of its glass surface that give it those vivid, clear and bright pictures along with max light transmission even at a low light condition.

On the negative, its parallax adjustment is a bit hard to use.

But then, I still find the Buckmasters II one of the most decent choices around for its solid performance and durability that deer and game hunters will surely appreciate.

BSA Guns 3-12×40 Sweet 17 Riflescope

I find that the scope with the Multi-Grain Turret isn’t just a precise scope for the 17 HMR but also an excellent choice for those looking for an easy to change turret system.

I also liked the versatility of the scope, which is made for varying calibers including .3-06, .223, .270, .22LR and .243. The BSA 3-12X40 Sweet 17 Rifle Scope is one of the most precise for multiple grain weights, so I believe it is among the finest scopes for 17 HMRs that is in a decent price range.

It is also designed and calibrated with a reliable bullet drop compensator, providing an elliptical bullet drop ranging from 100 to 300 yards. The multicoated lens also lets us see our target in clearly even during the last minutes of daytime.

The scope also has a good windage and elevation aside from having an adjustable parallax setting 10-infinity. With it, you don’t need night vision glasses because it can operate clearly and brightly even at low lighting conditions, making it a top choice among game hunters.

More so, the BSA 3-12X40 is weather resistant because it is nitrogen filled. I would also like to note that this model offers a generous 4-in eye relief for safer recoils if we need to use it on a high caliber rifle.

I recommend this BSA scope for these reasons and for its solid limited lifetime warranty. It also has multicoated lenses, which are able to filter out bright light.

On a negative note, there are some fogging issues, though.

Despite that though, the BSA 3-12X40 is a decent choice because it offers superb performance and durability, offering us with the most bang for our spending.

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 SFP BDC (MOA) Riflescope

The Crossfire II riflescope is also one of the best around for it can offer long- and short-range target shooting, either tactical or hunting. I liked its flexibility that it can be ideal for shooting at different ranges, making it the ideal choice for many hunters and professionals working in tactical operations.

I noticed that it has a durable construction of aircraft grade aluminum, ensuring its shockproof and strong performance, no matter what. The 2-7×32 is another great product from the Crossfire II line. For one, it is one of the finest scopes for the money lense that has the Dead-Hold BDC reticle, which is good for shooting and hunting at different ranges.

In addition, this product features a long eye relief and an excellent eye box, offering us a clear and quick view of the target, allowing us to acquire it easier. More so, this riflescope has a fast focusing eyepiece for that easy and fast reticle adjustment.

This model has anti-reflective and multicoated lenses, offering clear and bright views. I also liked the capped reset turrets that allow for easy finger adjustments plus moa clicks, which you can reset to zero after sighting in.

The Crossfire II riflescope is nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed along with aircraft-grade aluminum construction which can ensure of its shockproof and strong performance.

However, it might not be the best for short range shooting among the rest in the category.

But overall, the one-piece tube is a top-performing, durable and quality rifle scope that can be a good choice if you’re looking for a solid and tough hunting or tactical scope for your 17 HMR.

Nikon ProStaff 4-12×40 Black Matte Riflescope

This product is durable for being constructed with aluminum and polymer, ensuring long-term use. It also has a BDC reticle, offering us with precise focusing on the target.

I also noticed that it is a compact riflescope having with 4 to 12 times magnification, which is easy to adjust based on our preferences and needs. It also has 40mm objective lens, which also allows for easier and more precise targeting.

I’d also like to note that this model has a unique BDC that has see-through ballistic circles for the advantage you’re looking for in terms of long-range shooting. And when it comes to shorter-range shooting, you can also rely on it for a normal sight targeting where the crosshair is the aiming point to use.

In addition, I noticed that the scope has a fully and multicoated optics. It only means that it can boost light transmission for high contrast and light views. More so, you will appreciate that it has an accurate hand-turn with ¼-inch of click adjustments.

One more thing I liked is its positive click reticle adjustments, giving us the chance to zero in faster while maintaining our setting when using heavy recoil.

However, the Nikon ProStaff 4-12 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope can still improve its viewing diameter, which can be wider than it is now.

On a negative note, I believe that the field of view can have an improved wideness.

Overall, the PROSTAFF model is a great pick because of its superb performance, not mentioning it is also made with spot on ballistic match technology that lets us discover accurate aiming points on the reticle at different yards based on a particular load and ammunition.

Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle Riflescope

The product has a 3-9X 40mm that you can rely on for the best hunting experience because it also has quality optics offering you with clear and stunning vision so that you can better focus without any distraction.

This Bushnell Banner Riflescope is one of the best around. I liked that it comes with a beautiful design, which looks aesthetically pleasing. Also, I would like to note that the HMR scope has the durability, offering long-term use for our hunting and shooting adventures.

The top rated riflescope operates even on a low lighting condition. In this case, you can expect that you can see better than with other riflescopes on the market are.

This riflescope is also a favorite because of its 40 mm objective lens along with multicoated lenses, offering brightness and clarity.

In addition, another thing that even reviewers are noting about the product is its ¼ MOA click fingertip elevation and windage adjustments. More so, I would like to recommend this product because it’s versatile. It is not only suitable for 17 HMRs but also for shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders.

The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire’s scope is also a top-rated and multi-coated riflescope that can offer us the brightness we’re looking for even in the last minutes of the day when daylight will no longer be available.

On a bit of the downside, its view field width can be improved because it’s a bit narrower than others on the market have.

Despite that though, it is overall the best choice if you’re looking for a compact design and weight scope that offers clarity, precision and brightness for superb results. The shockproof one-piece tube is overall my top pick for a fast-focus eyepiece, offering precision and reliability for all types of rifle enthusiasts.

Burris Timberline 4.5-14×32 Riflescope

For example, I liked that the Burris Timberline 4.5-14×32 can deal with shocks even when utilized with muzzleloaders and slug guns, and other recoils.

I also noticed that the Timberline has a consistent and generous eye relief of 5 inches. I think it is a safe distance that can protect your eyes well, and that’s important. In addition, this model is noticeably tough and very much suitable for a wide range of applications including hunting and tactical operations.

Another reason I recommend the Burris Timberline 4.5-14×32 is its multi-coated lens that make it adaptable for light absorption, allowing us to see our targets clearly and unobstructed. With the maximized clarity, we can rely on it even with not much available light in the forest.

More so, game hunters and tactical workers will also appreciate that it is shockproof and resilient to deal with tension and shocks – and that’s thanks to its double-spring tension.

You can also rely on the riflescope not only for excellent magnification and great focal plane range but for also for its solid construction which is of steel. The scope does not only offer us with clear lens for clear vision but also for its ability of not wearing out and keeping its accuracy even with frequent use.

Finally, I love that it’s also vibration resistant and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

However, its view field is limited, though, and I think it can be improved.

Despite such little issue, the rifle scope with Ballistic Plex Reticle should be a part of this list for the reasons stated above especially ideal for first time owners of 17 HMRs for its ease of use and operation.

What Makes a Great 17 HMR Scope?

There are many things that make a great scope for 17 HMR. For example, it has excellent magnification power especially for hunting small games and varmints.

It should also have a good objective lens diameter, which I believe is useful especially when hunting during the last minutes of daytime when there can be little light available.

Based on those I reviewed earlier, another thing that separates great scopes from the rest of the pack is the materials and overall construction. They are made for targeting, hunting and tactical purposes and are heavy-duty. They won’t wear out and bend while we’re out there, and I think that’s important. For one, I find that the best of them are aircraft grade aluminum made or steel made scopes.

I shouldn’t also forget that the best among the scopes for the 17 HMR offer superior performance. They are fog proof¸ waterproof, weatherproof, shockproof and vibration proof. All these things only translate to one thing – they are durable to provide us with years of service.

For one, being shockproof also means that it can perform well even with rough and frequent use. And especially if you hunt frequently, such heavy-duty features are very important.

The best riflescopes for hunting and tactical works also are those with multi-coated and high-quality lense, which can offer better light transmission and absorption, abrasion protection and glare reduction. Good lens quality also means a better field view.

These are only some of the things that make a great riflescope. You should not miss on them if you want to get your hands on a reliable and precise scope for your 17 HMR.

Factors to Consider when Buying a Scope for 17 HMR

Shopping around for a scope for 17 HMR is never easy. While there are so many choices out there, no two of them are the same in terms of performance and quality.

We also have our preferences, which is the reason we do have to compare. It is also the same reason I’ve listed some of the things to look for when shopping around for this accessory for our rifle.

Hopefully, by the end of our write-up, you will be able to visualize your ideal riflescope that has the characteristics you prefer for a wonderful hunting or game experience. If you’re ready, let us check them out and later choose what scope is right for you.

Magnification

There is no doubt its magnifying power is one of the things we need to consider when buying a scope. It is because we don’t just need a good vantage position to target something but we also have to see that target clearly. With magnification that should be of variable power between 3-9x and 4-16x, we should be fine especially when hunting small game.

Finally, I do know that many of us want to keep that nice meat even if we’re doing the headshot on the target. For this reason, we would want to pinpoint and zoom into it precisely, and that’s exactly how good magnification can help. For the best results, I recommend going for one with 9-14x to take a shot and 5-10x to scan the perimeter or a target.

And of course, we don’t just want the right light transmission from our lense but also a nice viewing field, allowing us to scan the perimeters before we could actually zoom in.

Reticles

Another thing to consider when shopping for a riflescope is its reticle, such as BDC reticle. Reticles are those cross hairs or lines to find at the center of the scope. They can help you find an accurate target placement as well as lead to the direction on where the bullet will go. Types of reticles include ballistic, duplex, mil-dot, tremor and horus. When trying to compare, find one that will be easy on the shooting eye. After all, you should feel comfortable using the scope with the right reticle type.

Turrets

Aside from comparing scopes with multicoated lenses, you must also look for a scope with adjustable turrets. These adjustable knobs are where the windage and elevation knobs are. You can adjust these knobs to move the crosshair up/down or left/right and see the direction of the bullet drop when trying to shoot the target beyond 150 yards.

If you want to use the scope for the short- and long-range target shooting and achieve precision and accuracy, you might want to go for one that has an adjustable turret.

Parallax

You should also look for one with a good parallax adjustment, which is valuable to have because it is ideal for close and long-range targets. A good adjustment will help in reducing the necessity to align your eye perfectly to the scope and then raise the odds for accurate shots. However, a parallax adjust might not be needed if not shooting under 25 yards, for instance.

Durability

You will want a scope that will last for years. After all, it is a serious investment. So for this buying guide, we’d like to suggest that you choose one that can withstand bumps and shocks. It should be able to deal with field conditions including weather changes, extreme cold, heat and rain as well as handle different hunting conditions.

Aside from an excellent 40mm objective, you should find one that can deal with vibrations, too. In addition, you should look for one that is made of aluminum or steel to ensure it will last long.

By looking for one with heavy-duty features, you can look forward to long-term use. Overall, you should shop around for a riflescope that has compact and solid components to provide you with years of service.

Warranty

This is about your peace of mind. When buying a riflescope for your 17 HMR, you should look for a model backed up by a good warranty. It is another thing that can make a good scope. So when trying to compare scopes, you should choose one that comes with a generous warranty.

Some of them are limited lifetime warranty, while others are also covering scope damage due to dropping. In some cases, you might even find a scope that includes a transferrable warranty, which is useful if ever you have to sell it.

Objective lens and glass coating

In addition to quality build and components, you should look for one with nice lens and glass coating particularly true when using hi-magnification scopes designed with a different zoom as they significantly contribute to light transmission and image quality. Then, topnotch coating will also add to the durability of the scope because it can resist scratch and improves waterproofing.

Eye box and eye relief

What is eye relief? It pertains to the space between the scope and your aiming eye that will help in optimal sight image. Because of the low recoil of the 17 HMR, eye relief, however, isn’t a problem. So those with eye relief of only 2.5 inches are still good.

On the other hand, the eyebox refers to the wiggle room for eye placement. For example, a small eyebox can indicate less than .5-inch room for the placement. When this is the case, it can be frustrating during hunting because of the very slow target acquisition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Powerful a Scope is needed for 17 HMR?

You’ll need a powerful scope for the 17 HMR so that you can get the most of your hunting experience. At the very least, you should look for one with the superb features, including 40mm objective lens and BDC reticles. More so, you should look into the objective power especially that you will use it for hunting small game and varmint.

A powerful scope is also one that has a max magnification to shoot long distance that must be 9 X. On the other hand, you might want one with a higher power scope if you intend using it for target shooting, too. However, this decision can also depend on the distances you are taking your shots. Finally, given the range of the 17 HMR, you should not limit yourself to a scope with fixed magnification. You should also find a different powered model.

But at the end of the day, you should decide what you need in your rifle scope as well as think about the way you want to use the rifle. Following, you must also think about the essential features you want your scope to have. From there, you will be able to figure out what powerful scope really means for you.

What Kind of Scope for a 17 HMR Lever Action?

The next question you might wonder is that the kind of scope to buy for a 17 HMR lever action. There is no definite answer to it because there are many riflescopes to find on the market, with different features, such as an adjustable objective or multicoated optics.

To help you select from a myriad of choices, you should compare the different scopes available. For one, look into the material because it has to do with durability. If it is made with quality materials, you can be certain it is built to last.

This kind of scope for the HMR lever action can ensure that the scope will not bend or ding whenever you’re using it in the field, and that is the least that any of us would want to experience especially when hunting. So in comparing, you might want to look into scopes made of aircraft grade aluminum for its body.

More so, the type of scope for 17 HMR to buy should have environmental resistance. It means the resistance to the elements of the scope. For instance, it will be helpful to find one with hard-anodized coating on its body. In addition, the kind of scope should also be resistant to fog, water, shock and vibration.

It means that it must have nitrogen filled or purging of its interior. This kind of quality in construction also means prevention of moisture from entering and corroding/rusting of its interior components. In addition, a powerful scope should also be sealed with O-rings, which enhance the weather resistance and durability of the scope.

What Mount to Get for 17 HMR Scope?

When it comes to the mount to select for the 17 HMR scope, you can decide between the one- or two-piece scope rings or number of mounts. Each has its upsides and downsides, and each hunter also has his preference. So it can only mean that you it can also be a matter of choice.

For one, remember that there are two types of mounts available for long-range precision shooting. On the other hand, there are also those designed and constructed for red dots, which make them adaptable to Picatinny rails. Finally, there is also QD scope mounts meant for red dot tubes.

However, we’re not going to talk about these now, but about common types – the one-piece and the two-piece. Both of them are easy to use and operate. Each of them is distinct and can offer a hunter or shooter with options, which must be weighed well before making the final decision.

The single-piece mount is made of two scope rings mounted only on a single base. It is durable and rigid, ideal for high recoiling. This type is commonly used for semi-automatics. One can push a riflescope forward and allow for correct clearance for a long-range scope. Such one-piece mounts can ensure that the two scope rings will be positioned correctly all the time aligned with each other. They also offer an increased strength.

There are also two-piece rings or mount, which are lighter and handier than the single-piece is. However, they need proper alignment and can stay on an optic. They can also be moved around from one gun to another without any hassles.

Scope Setups for the 17 HMR

You should set up the scope correctly to prevent any issues. For example, you might have heard some hunters saying, “My scope is not fit.” One of the reasons it happens is because their scopes are not correctly set up. Some of them are too high. If one is, it will force you to lift your head off the stock comb when trying to search for the scope’s optical center. To prevent it from happening, you must mount the scope as close to the barrel as much as possible but make sure that they are not touching. As a tip, you might also want to use the lowest mounts you can as possible.

If you need to, you might want to buy a scope that has a smaller front bell diameter. However, you won’t need a 44 mm objective lens to see the cross hairs on game because 40mm scope with fully multi coated lenses with anti-glare coatings will do just fine. These coatings will increase light transmission is enough just at magnification at 12 X, which is sufficient to use to hunt for tomorrow night’s game located at 600 yards.

Nevertheless, setting up the scope correctly will help us prevent any issues, including seeing the target clearly. I find a great source on this link that will be able to help you set up the scope on your 17 HMR. On the other hand, you might want to take a look and understand the installation instructions on the user manual on the scope you are buying for your rifle.

Vortex Crossfire vs. Diamondback

In terms of the number of binoculars under it, the Diamondback is the winner because it has 9 binoculars under it, while only four under the prior. In this case, you will have more options if you would go for the Diamondback. Regarding the price, the Crossfire 12X50, for example, is cheaper than the Diamondback 12X50. For the viewing field, the Crossfire 12X50 is the winner for a wider field of view than Diamondback has. But at the end of the day, the winner between the two depends on your style and preferences.

BSA Sweet 17 vs. Bushnell Banner

Both scopes for the 17 HMR are high quality. Regarding optics, though, the Bushnell scope may be the better choice because of clear that can help you see well. They also have generous eye relief and great windage and elevation adjustments. But then, the BSA Sweet 17 is not to be discounted. It is also great reliability and durability. For one, BSA optics is known for being custom made for bullet drop compensation. Overall, both are excellent choices to withstand weather changes, shocks and other elements

BSASweet 17 vs. Nikon P-Rimfire BDC

Both are always compared by hunters looking for topnotch scopes for their 17 HMRs. There is no doubt that they are top-rated scopes. The P-Rimfire BDC, for instance, is known for precise and quality optics. It is also durable, compact and light. On the other hand, the BSA Sweet 17 Scope is as good as the Nikon scope. It is also fog proof and nitrogen filled as well as reliable and durable.

Conclusion

Definitely, it is a challenging task to decide on the right scope for your rifle because there is a myriad of choices available on the market. But if you know the things to look for including magnification, lens coating and other factors highlighted here, you’ll be able to make a better decision. There you have our reviews of the best scope for .17 HMR that you might want to refer to when shopping around for that riflescope to give you satisfaction and a great hunting/tactical/shooting experience. At the end of the day, choose one that can make you happy and contented. Buy your scope for 17 HMR today!

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