If you scroll down, it looks like little or no velocity loss between 20" and 16" (or not enough to matter)

17 HMR Velocity Data | Bullberry Barrel Works, Ltd. | United States (bullberrylegacy.com)

 

Not enough to matter for the win. All my 17hmr are 20" or so including tikka mtr. I prefer the balance for varminting. Generally shooting rested in some fashion. For running around in field I use tikka more often than bergara. Bergara has a heavier optical arrangement. Anschutz 1717D and Steyr are too

nice to be caught in the thunder storms. Both bergara and Tikka are fine with 20" to shoot off hand, weight wise, if necessary. YMMV and all that. Anschutz 1717D, Bergara, Tikka and Steyr. Whatever feels right.

 

I forgot to mention three out of four are threaded barrels. I plan on using them suppressed, if I live long enough to get suppressor. I may be regretting 20" barrel for stalking with suppressor hanging of the end. I digress, as that wasn't really your question....

 

Thanks, but in NY getting a suppressor is like getting a machine gun, impossible. Glad to hear the Tikka works for one of you. They seem to be a great value for the money and my old t3 .204 was a single hole gun.

Since the 17hmr is the staple if you will, I'll go with the 20bbl, my cabelas points and get one free at Bass Pro! thanks all!

 

16” may be better if you plan to ever run a suppressor

 

Did you end up getting the Tikka? A 20" T1X 17HMR is on my short list.

 

I like short rifles so I bought a 16-inch Tikka T1x. It makes over 2600fps with the Hornady VMAX load. I don't think there is sufficient velocity loss to matter for shooting grounds squirrels, which is why I bought the rifle.