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

Sight Alignment
Sight Alignment

Sighted Fire vs. Point-Shooting

A long-standing argument among handgunners revolves around the concept of sighted fire versus point-shooting. A more productive approach is to understand the problem each is trying to solve.

Derya Expands TM22 Family with Timekeeper & Pump Models

Derya continues the expansion of its rimfire line with two new models for 2026, an update of the original semi-auto TM22 and a new pump-action version.

Gun of the Week: Taurus RPC

The Taurus RPC is a welcome addition to the growing marketplace of PDWs, or personal defense weapons, a concept that pairs pistol-caliber cartridges with larger-format firearms.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 13, 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.

Review: Kimber 2K11 Pro Comp

Kimber expanded its 2K11 line with the Pro Comp in 2026, providing a Commander-length slide and barrel topped by an integrated compensator.

New for 2026: Bear Creek Arsenal Bear Bolt Pro

North Carolina-based Bear Creek Arsenal, a prolific maker of AR-10 and AR-15 pattern firearms, is combining the modularity of the MSR platform with a traditional turn-bolt action with its Bear Bolt Pro.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.