Safety Advisory for .17 HMR Semi-Autos

posted on October 6, 2009
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
20091016145258-17_hmr_ammo_fs.jpg

Major ammunition manufacturers have issued safety notices concerning the use of .17 HMR ammunition in semi-auto firearms. According to the manufacturers, firing .17 HMR ammo in semi-auto firearms could result in property damage or serious personal injury and should be immediately discontinued.

CCI, Federal, Hornady, Remington and Winchester have all issued statements warning consumers not to use .17 HMR ammunition in semi-auto firearms until contacting the manufacturer to determine if the specific type of firearm is safe to handle .17 HMR ammunition.

Press releases concerning the safety notices state: "17 HMR ammunition is manufactured in accordance with standards issued by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI). Subsequent to the design and introduction of 17 HMR ammunition in the market, 17 HMR semi-automatic firearms were introduced by various firearm manufacturers. Those firearms have proven to be incompatible with 17 HMR ammunition. 17 HMR ammunition is suitable for use in quality firearms in good condition that are not semi-automatic."

Remington has issued a recall of its .17 HMR ammunition, as well as its Model 597 .17 HMR semi-auto rifle as there is no safe .17 HMR ammunition available for the rifle.

Remington is providing free shipping to return Model 597 .17 HMR semi-auto rifles to Remington along with coupons to replace the rifle with another Remington firearm. Consumers will receive a $200 coupon for synthetic stock Model 597 rifles, and a $250 coupon for laminate stock Model 597 rifles.

Remington is also providing $10 coupons to purchase Remington ammunition for every 50 round box of Remington .17 HMR ammunition returned to Remington.

For instructions on returning a Remington Model 597 .17 HMR semi-auto rifle or .17 HMR ammunition, contact the Remington Consumer Service Department at (800) 243-9700, prompt No. 3.

Latest

9X18 Makarov
9X18 Makarov

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Colt Electro-Optics Introduces New Red Dots & Magnifier

No stranger to rebirth, Colt has recently spun off an optics division to make sure that, in a world where optics are considered to be standard equipment, a fully kitted-out gun can be all-pony.

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 14, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

A (Slightly Confusing) History of Colt's Police Positive Revolver

For one of the most popular law-enforcement revolvers ever made, the history of the Colt Police Positive isn't nearly as linear as one would think it'd be.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.