The .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is a renowned rimfire cartridge known for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and precision shooting capability at short and medium ranges. Its performance makes it ideal for small game hunting, target shooting, and varmint control, and pairing it with the best Leupold scope for 17HMR can make all the difference in accuracy, performance, and overall shooting experience.
Leupold models stand out as a premium choice among the myriad rifle scopes available. Renowned for their durability, exceptional optical clarity, and innovative features tailored for hunters and precision shooters alike, these scopes offer reliability in various conditions, with rugged construction that ensures performance even in the toughest environments.
Why a Leupold Scope for 17 HMR?
Settling for a Leupold scope for 17 HMR comes with the following advantages:
Clarity and Light Transmission
Leupold scopes are known for their exceptional optical clarity and superior light transmission. This is important when using a .17 HMR for varmint and small game hunting in low-light conditions like dusk or dawn.
Durability and Reliability
Leupold scopes are waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, which makes them suitable for all-weather hunting. This is important when looking for game in varying environments like sunny fields to damp woods.
Precision for Small Targets
The .17 HMR is typically used for small game and varmint hunting. Leupold’s precise reticles and fine adjustments help in targeting small animals like squirrels or prairie dogs at extended ranges, which is the strength of the .17 HMR.
Variable Magnification Range
The best Leupold scope for 17HMR offers appropriate magnification ranges for you to shoot comfortably out its 100-200 yard effective range without being overkill.
Lightweight and Compact Designs:
Since .17 HMR rifles are often lightweight and easy to carry, a scope that is similarly lightweight is preferred. Leupold scopes, being compact and lighter than many competitors, complement the balance and handling of smaller rimfire rifles.
Best Leupold Scopes for 17 HMR
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire MOA
Specifications
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
- Field of View, Linear: 33.1 – 13.6 ft at 100 yds
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- Weight: 12.2 oz
- Length: 12.39
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
The VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rimfire MOA is the best Leupold scope for 17HMR. It is an excellent optic for varmint and small game hunting in virtually all environments.
The highlight of this rifle scope is its 3-9x magnification range. It offers the versatility needed for both close-range target shooting and mid-range hunting, allowing for crisp image quality at various distances. Besides, the 40mm objective lens ensures bright, clear images, even in low light, which is further enhanced by Leupold’s renowned Twilight Light Management System.
With a field of view ranging from 33.1 feet to 13.6 feet at 100 yards, shooters can easily acquire and track targets in dense timber or open fields. The scope also features a second focal plane reticle that makes it ideal for precise aim at varying distances.
At only 12.2 oz and with a length of 12.39 inches, the Leupold VX-Freedom is lightweight and compact, contributing to ease of handling and balance on lightweight rimfire rifles. The 1-inch tube is robust and resistant to harsh outdoor conditions, thanks to Leupold’s exceptional craftsmanship, providing shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof performance. Furthermore, the 1/4 MOA adjustment click value allows for precise zeroing while the generous eye relief of 4.2 to 3.7 inches ensures a comfortable shooting experience, even with heavier recoil.
Pros
- Excellent clarity and brightness, even in low light
- Lightweight and compact design
- Precise 1/4 MOA adjustments
- Durable and weatherproof
- Comfortable eye relief
Cons:
- Non-illuminated reticle
2. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 3.5-10x
- Reticle: CDS-ZL Duplex
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 11 – 29.8 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 12.6 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 4.4 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.25 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 52 MOA
The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10x40mm Rifle Scope is a versatile and high-performance optic tailored for hunters and long-range shooters alike. It stands out with its CDS-ZL Duplex reticle, which ensures precise aiming points while keeping the view uncluttered.
The scopes reticle is housed in the second focal plane so it maintains its size with magnification changes. This makes it easier to stay on target even at higher magnifications. The scope also features a spacious field of view of 11 to 29.8 feet at 100 yards for close-range shooting versatility and precision for long-range targeting.
Furthermore, the 1-inch tube diameter is lightweight at just 12.6 oz, making it a solid option for extended hunting trips where equipment weight is a concern. The tube is 100% waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather reliability.
The scope’s performance is enhanced by its generous eye relief, ranging from 3.6 to 4.4 inches. It provides great comfort during prolonged shooting sessions and ensuring safety when using high-recoil rifles. Over and above that, the 0.25 MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation are crisp and allow for accurate zeroing, while the 52 MOA travel offers a broad adjustment range for different shooting conditions.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Clear and bright optic
- Easy adjustments for long-range shooting without losing zero
- Generous eye relief provides comfort and safety, especially with heavier recoil
- Durable and weatherproof construction to withstand harsh conditions
Cons
- 1-inch tube: Limits the amount of light transmission compared to larger tube designs
3. Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: Rimfire MOA
- Tube Diameter: 1 in
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 43.8 – 29.8 ft at 100 yds
- Weight: 11.1 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 75/75 MOA
The Leupold VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Rifle Scope stands out for its excellent value and performance. It is built with ease of use in mind for shooters off all levels including beginners.
The scope employs a Rimfire MOA reticle put on the second focal plane (SFP). This ensures the reticle remains the same size regardless of magnification, making it ideal for small game hunting and target shooting at various distances. Furthermore, the scope offers a wide field of view (43.8 to 29.8 feet at 100 yards) for precise shooting without overkill.
Regarding construction, the 1-inch tube diameter is light yet durable to handle abuse and rough handling. The lightweight design balances well on smaller rifles while the generous eye relief remains consistent though the entire magnification range.
In terms of functionality, the 1/4 MOA click adjustment allows for precise zeroing, and with 75 MOA of windage and elevation travel, you have plenty of adjustment range for different shooting conditions. The scope is also 100% waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather reliability
- Generous eye relief for comfortable shooting
- Precise 1/4 MOA adjustments with ample windage and elevation travel
- Wide field of view
- Excellent optical clarity and brightness
Cons
- Limited magnification range for longer distances
4. Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: FireDot Duplex
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Field of View, Linear: 57.5 ft at 100 yds
- Weight:16.4 oz
- Eye Relief: 3.8 inch
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 120 MOA/120 MOA
The VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Rifle Scope is the bets Leupold scope for 17HMR for hunting. Its versatility and durability are unmatched, making it a valuable companion in all hunting fields.
This scope features a FireDot Duplex reticle in the second focal plane (SFP), which provides quick target acquisition while allowing precision for long-distance shots. Additionally, the reticle is illuminated to add to its versatility, providing a bright aiming point for low-light or fast-action scenarios.
Construction-wise, the scope is built on a 30mm tube. It ensures a solid balance between strength and a wider adjustment range, with 120 MOA of windage and elevation travel offering ample adjustment for even the most challenging terrains. Furthermore, the optical clarity is impressive, with HD lenses providing vivid colors, contrast, and sharpness, even in low-light conditions.
Weighing in at only 16.4 ounces, this scope is lightweight yet rugged. Its compact form factor doesn’t weigh down your rifle, making it ideal for long hunts or mobile shooting positions. Over and above that, the optical tube is waterproof and fog-proof for use even in the less-than-ideal weather conditions.
The 3.8-inch eye relief is another strong point, offering comfort and safety even with larger calibers. The scope also features a wide field of view essential for rapid target finding and acquisition.
Pros
- Excellent optical clarity and light transmission
- Lightweight at 16.4 oz, great for mobile or long hunts
- Generous 120 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- Illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle for low-light conditions
- Waterproof and fog-proof for use in harsh environments
- Long 3.8-inch eye relief for comfortable use with higher caliber rifles
Cons
- Higher price point
5. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: Pig-Plex
- Tube Diameter: 1 inch
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second
- Field of View, Linear: 74.2 – 29.4 ft at 100 yds
- Weight:9.6 oz
- Eye Relief: 4.2 – 3.7 in
- Length: 9.35 in
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
When it comes to performance and value, it is hard to go wrong with the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Rifle Scope. It harbors an array of quality features to help you get the most out of your hunting expeditions.
The selling point of this rifle scope is its Pig-Plex reticle. It offers exceptional performance for close- to mid-range hunting. Besides, the reticle is housed on the second focal plane so it works well for a wide range of game, providing clear aiming points for fast target acquisition.
With a compact size and lightweight design, weighing only 9.6 oz and measuring 9.35 inches, this scope is ideal for hunters who prioritize mobility. Its magnification range of 1.5-4x makes it perfect for brush hunting and rapid shots at close range, while still offering enough zoom for medium-distance engagements. Furthermore, the eye relief is comfortable at 4.2-3.7 inches, ensuring you can quickly get on target without compromising safety during recoil-heavy shots.
Leupold’s legendary durability is a major highlight of the VX-Freedom. With a 1-inch tube diameter, it’s designed to be both lightweight and rugged, featuring waterproof and fog-proof construction that ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions. Moreover, the field of view is impressive offering a wide view that helps with target tracking. The scope also features 1/4 MOA click adjustment for precise windage and elevation changes.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design, ideal for mobile hunters
- Wide field of view, excellent for target tracking
- Reliable waterproof and fog-proof construction
- Generous eye relief, even for heavy-recoil rifles
- Precise 1/4 MOA adjustments for windage and elevation
- Durable Leupold build quality, trusted for harsh conditions
Cons
- Limited magnification range
6. Leupold VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Reticle: FireDot Duplex
- Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Reticle Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP)
- Weight: 16.8 oz
- Adjustment Click Value: 1/4 MOA
- W/E Travel at 100 Yds: 70/70 MOA
- Field of View, Linear: 10.2 – 57.5 ft at 100 yds
- Eye Relief: 3.8 inch
As one of the best Leupold scopes for 17 HMR, the VX-6HD 2-12x42mm Rifle Scope excels even in the most demanding environments. It is a versatile, premium optic designed for hunters and precision shooters who demand high performance in various conditions.
The scope features a Dot Duplex reticle that excels in low-light environments thanks to its illuminated center dot. Furthermore, the glass clarity is superb, offering a crisp image from edge to edge with a linear field of view ranging from 10.2 to 57.5 feet at 100 yards. The scope also features a broad 2-12x zoom range suitable for covering targets in both close and mid ranges effectively.
The build quality of the VX-6HD is another standout feature. It is built on a 30mm main tube that provides ample adjustment for windage and elevation, offering 70 MOA of travel in both directions. The scope is also rugged and waterproof, designed to withstand harsh environments.
Weighing only 16.8 ounces, it’s surprisingly lightweight for a scope of this caliber, which helps balance the rifle. Other notable features also included are 1/4 MOA adjustment click value that makes for precise fine-tuning and a generous eye relief of 3.8 inches that adds comfort and safety during recoil.
Pros
- Excellent glass clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness
- FireDot Duplex reticle improves visibility in low-light conditions
- Wide magnification range (2-12x) suitable for various hunting situations
- Lightweight at only 16.8 oz for easy handling
- Waterproof and rugged design for all-weather performance
- Generous eye relief of 3.8 inches for added comfort
- Simple and intuitive 1/4 MOA adjustment click value
Cons
- High price point compared to other scopes in this class
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Leupold Scope for 17HMR
When it comes to finding the best Leupold scope for 17HMR rifle, you should consider the following key factors to maximize the potential of this high-performance cartridge.
Magnification Range
Given that the .17 HMR is best suited for shooting at distances between 100 to 200 yards, you’ll want a scope that offers the right magnification for those ranges. Variable magnification scopes are ideal for providing flexibility, whether you’re engaging small targets at closer ranges or taking longer shots.
Optical Quality
Leupold is known for delivering crystal-clear optics, and when shooting a fast, flat round like the .17 HMR, the clarity and resolution provided by the scope can significantly enhance accuracy, especially when targeting small, fast-moving animals or shooting in low-light conditions.
Field of View (FOV)
The best Leupold scope for 17HMR should have a wide field of view across its zoom power. A wide field of view is crucial for tracking fast-moving targets, especially small game or varmints.
Turrets and Reticles
The choice of reticle and turret adjustment system can impact your precision with the .17 HMR. For long-range precision, exposed or target turrets with precise windage and elevation adjustments are advantageous. Additionally, ballistic reticles designed for rimfire cartridges or custom-dial systems (CDS) can provide elevation compensation for the bullet’s drop over distance.
Size and Weight:
Since the .17 HMR is often used for quick, reactive shooting or carried during long hunts, the scope’s size and weight should be balanced to avoid unnecessary bulk that could interfere with mobility or handling. Opt for a lightweight and compact scope that doesn’t compromise quality.
Eye Relief
This is the distance from your eye to the scope’s eyepiece during use. For the best Leupold scope for 17HMR, we recommend an eye relief of 3. 5 inches and above.
Budget
Leupold offers scopes across a wide price range, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. It’s important to balance the features you need with your budget, but with Leupold, you’re likely to get a high-quality product at any price point.
FAQs
- What makes Leupold scopes good for a .17 HMR?
Leupold scopes are known for their durability, clear optics, and reliability. For the .17 HMR, which is a flat-shooting varmint round, these scopes offer excellent clarity and precision. This makes them ideal for small game hunting, target shooting, and varmint control.
- What is the ideal magnification range for a .17 HMR scope?
It depends on the distance you will be shooting/hunting. A scope with a magnification range of 3-9x or 4-12x is typically ideal for small game or target shooting at moderate ranges out to 200 yards. However, if you’re looking for more precision at longer distances, higher magnification of 4-14x or 6-18x will suffice.
Conclusion
Choosing a Leupold scope for your .17HMR depends on your intended use, shooting range, and environmental conditions. Keep in mind factors like magnification, reticle design, durability, and price to find the best fit for your needs. Hopefully, this buying guide has steered you in the right direction.