.17HMR vs 22 WMR

[Napalm Bulldog]

I am interested in picking up one of these two caliber rifles. I read alot of reviews and the .17 gets trashed when shooting in wind and the 22 WMR for lack of stoping power over a 150 yards. Wanted to hear from my fellow Calgunners that own one or the other and what they think is better. Please say why you would prefer one over the other. Thank you for the help.

[Trapper]

I'd go with the .17 for its flat trajectory and superior accuracy. The 17 has a better bullet design, offering tremendous energy transfer on small game and very little chance of ricochet.

[RugerNo1]

I like both and have fired both. My Marlin 982 stainless varmint 22 mag holds Sub-MOA at 100 on a calm day and my bud's 17hmr Savage is a sharp shooter as well(never shot for groups however). I prefer the 22 Mag for the reasons stated: it is less affected by the wind. The Hornady 30 grn V Max loads are great for when lead is ok to use and splode on squirrels just as well as the 17 hmr. But, I still want a 17 HMR and a Anschutz 17 down at a local gun store has my eye, but I need to win the lotto to get $700 for one and $1800 for the other.

[cope113]

I love my 17 and like the 22. my savage 17 HMR is dead nuts until 300 yards. unless the wind is blowing much over 5 MPH. when the wind is blowing I keep it under 150 yards. and it still has 3 inch groups. but I haven't had a ricochette in the 6 years I've had it. 22 mag is good and I don't really have any problems with it, I just like my 17 more.

[NeoWeird]

That's like asking which you should get a .45 ACP or a 5.7x28. You need to understand that the .17 HMR and .22 WMR are two completely different rounds for different tasks. If you're just plinking, then go with whatever is cheaper. If you're just punching paper, go with the .17 HMR. If you're looking for small varmint hunting at longer distances go with the .17 HMR. If you want to hunt slightly larger game at closer ranges go with the .22 WMR.

Yeah, they are based off the same case, but you have to remember that in standard loadings, the .22 WMR is over twice as massive as the .17 HMR. That's a larger weight difference than the difference between .380 Auto and .45 ACP. Just keep that in mind.

[gbran]

I live near and hunt in the lead ban area which pretty much parked my 17's. Recently picked up a Savage 93FVSS in 22 mag. Have been shooting CCI TNT Green 30gr cartridges. Pretty acurate and much flatter trajectory than the most common 40 grainers. These are OK on yotes, but probably not at long distances.