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

National Firearm Act
National Firearm Act

150,000 NFA Applications Filed On Day 1 After $0 Tax Stamp Becomes Official

Approximately 150,000 NFA enthusiasts filed their paperwork through ATF’s electronic system in just the first 24 hours of 2026, the first day after the $0 tax stamp for most NFA items became official.

Gun Of The Week: Caracal USA CMP9K

Caracal's CMP9K pistol is based on a design originally produced to replace the aging stock of Heckler & Koch MP5s in United Arab Emirates service.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 9, 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.

Preview: Roundhouse Provisions Ultimate Campout Kit

Founded by Chuck Norris (yes, that Chuck Norris), Roundhouse Provisions is a company that produces emergency foodstuffs designed to be quickly and simply prepared that will stay fresh for years.

New For 2026: Taurus TX9 Pistol

Taurus launches the TX9 family of striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols, adding to its popular TX series of handguns.

Heavy Browning At War: Combat Tales Of The Browning M1917 Machine Gun

For the first half of the 20th century, one of the most important firearms in the U.S. military arsenal was the water-cooled Browning M1917, known to gunners and infantrymen alike as the "Heavy Browning."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.