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

Canik Prime Radian Review 1
Canik Prime Radian Review 1

Range Review: Canik Prime Radian

With the new Canik Prime Radian, you can have your compensator and your flared magazine well, too, all inside an easily carried, compact handgun.

New for 2026: Franklin Armory 5.56 Rabbit Rounds

Franklin Armory's new 5.56 NATO Rabbit Rounds provide a spin-stabilized, multi-projectile ammunition option for America's rifle.

ATF Ends Enforcement of NFA Registration & Approval Requirements for Suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs Following NRA Victory in Jensen v. ATF

Today, the ATF confirmed it will no longer enforce National Firearms Act (NFA) registration, application and tax-stamp requirements for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors and certain other concealable firearms.

Gun of the Week: H&K VP9CC

Hot on the heels of its CC9 micro-compact, Heckler & Koch introduced a micro companion to its popular VP9 lineup that includes some noteworthy features.

A Raven at 50: Five Days at Gunsite Academy

In Gunsite Academy's 50th year, NRA Director Jerry Kraus made his inaugural visit to the famed training institute and left a Raven.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.