.17 HMR has never been a caliber that's taken well to semi-automatic rifles, but Savage Arms might have rolled out a new answer at SHOT Show 2015's Media Day at the Range.
The new A17 is the first high-performance semi-automatic rimfire specifically designed for the .17 HMR cartridge. The rifle is features a unique, delayed-blowback action that's designed to get peak performance from the popular varmint round. It features a hard chrome bolt, case-hardened receiver, 10-round rotary magazine, button-rifled barrel and Savage's well-known AccuTrigger.
Before you ask, yes, the A17 will function with any standard 17 HMR load. That said, Savage has partnered CCI to produce a new, rifle-specific rimfire offering—not-so-coincidentally titled A17. The load is designed to maximize feed and function when used in conjunction with Savage's rifle, and the company says that it will produce muzzle velocities 100 fps faster than other 17 HMR loads with the same bullet weight.
To learn more about the A17—both rifle, and ammo—check out the video embedded below.