22LR vs. 17HMR

[Czar Quanovan]

I'm looking to buy a bolt action rifle and I'm on the fence between buying it in 22LR or 17HMR. The closest outdoor range in my area has 100 yards as its longest distance. I'm mainly wondering if the 17HMR is worth the extra cost compared to the 22LR if most of my shooting will be at 50-100 yards? Of course if I have the capability with the HMR I would go to another range for more distance. I just want to know whether or not the ammo is worth the extra cost and how much more distance and accuracy I can expect with the 17HMR? Any information will be much appreciated.

Sorry if this has been posted before, I wasn't able to find it so if it has come up can you post a link?

[JeePerz]

Go for the .22 ...

Why?!

Because once you decide to get a decent rim-fire handgun, rim-fire self-loading rifle or conversion kit, chances are great that you will get a .22lr format one. Then you already have the ammo to go, you know what it does/can do so the only thing left is to just get more of it!

As for accuracy it is relative ... are we talking 2" or same hole?

I'm fairly sure there are some decent .22 loads that could/would/should match some of the .17 rounds

Regards,
JP

[Czar Quanovan]

^^^
Thanks for the reply...I already own a Ruger Mark III. I just want to be able to shoot accurately and not have to aim inches above my target or worry about the bullets dropping off too much at distance. The only thing weighing on my mind is the fact that I can buy about 500 LR rounds for the price of 50 HMR rounds.

[JeePerz]

You're saying it as if it's a bad skill to learn ... Offsetting and making fast on the spot calculations is a skill like any other, it can save lives if you practice/master them.

That being said, you mentioned accuracy so my guess is you will have to dial in the distances as you go ... It's just common sense.

Correct me if i'm wrong but someone mentioned "precision" shoots that were organized by people some of them on the forum -I've even heard that some of "these" people uptake precision shooting as part of their daily job description- and they seem to be using .22s ... do they know something we don't ?!

Best of luck with your quest!

Regards and salutations,
JP

[Czar Quanovan]

You're saying it as if it's a bad skill to learn ... Offsetting and making fast on the spot calculations is a skill like any other, it can save lives if you practice/master them.

That being said, you mentioned accuracy so my guess is you will have to dial in the distances as you go ... It's just common sense.

Correct me if i'm wrong but someone mentioned "precision" shoots that were organized by people some of them on the forum -I've even heard that some of "these" people uptake precision shooting as part of their daily job description- and they seem to be using .22s ... do they know something we don't ?!

Best of luck with your quest!

Regards and salutations,
JP

All valid points...I'll just have to keep researching it

[CACitUP]

The benefit to the 17's is that they shoot flat to 100 yards. I dont think you should compare 22 LR to the HMR. They are apples to oranges. Maybe HMR to 22 Mag. If you are going to look at a comparable round to the 22 LR then I would look at the 17 HM2. Much closer in price too. If you shop around you can get 50 rds of Eley 17HM2 for 4.50.

The flatter trajectory of the 17 is a benefit to hunting so you dont have to worry about hold over in the field. You put the crosshairs on your target and pull the trigger. Also, the higher velocity jacketed bullets tend to come apart on impact making them more suitable for hunting around livestock and denser populations. If all you want to do is punch paper I would go for the 22lr.

[Czar Quanovan]

The benefit to the 17's is that they shoot flat to 100 yards. I dont think you should compare 22 LR to the HMR. They are apples to oranges. Maybe HMR to 22 Mag. If you are going to look at a comparable round to the 22 LR then I would look at the 17 HM2. Much closer in price too. If you shop around you can get 50 rds of Eley 17HM2 for 4.50.

The flatter trajectory of the 17 is a benefit to hunting so you dont have to worry about hold over in the field. You put the crosshairs on your target and pull the trigger. Also, the higher velocity jacketed bullets tend to come apart on impact making them more suitable for hunting around livestock and denser populations. If all you want to do is punch paper I would go for the 22lr.

It seems from what I'm reading that the 17HMR is only really worth buying if you are going to be hunting. I plan on shooting only targets so maybe I should be looking into the 22WMR instead. Is 22LR or WMR the question I should be asking myself now?

[Edge]

17hmr and 22wmr are both expensive rimfire rounds.

If you're talking about getting into competition, there are a lot more .22 precision competitions, mostly because it's been around forever. Also a lot more .22 target rifles being made. (Honestly, I don't even know if target rifles are made for 17hmr or 22wmr)

If you're not going into competition, but still want to shoot accurately at 100 yards, 17hmr and 22wmr are much better rounds than 22lr. Most precision competitions for .22lr are at 50 yards or less for a reason.

If you want to shoot a lot and not have to take out a second mortgage, than .22lr.

[Izzy43]

I'm looking to buy a bolt action rifle and I'm on the fence between buying it in 22LR or 17HMR. The closest outdoor range in my area has 100 yards as its longest distance. I'm mainly wondering if the 17HMR is worth the extra cost compared to the 22LR if most of my shooting will be at 50-100 yards? Of course if I have the capability with the HMR I would go to another range for more distance. I just want to know whether or not the ammo is worth the extra cost and how much more distance and accuracy I can expect with the 17HMR? Any information will be much appreciated.

Sorry if this has been posted before, I wasn't able to find it so if it has come up can you post a link?

The accuracy of the .17HMR or the .22LR is more about the gun and the shooter than the ammo. If you primarily shot 50-100yds the .22lr is a better choice as there is a larger variety of less expensive ammo available in 22lr. While 17HMR is flatter shooting, the 22lr is more of a challenge to shoot at longer ranges. If you are only shooting paper, the 17HMR is too costly as well. Spend your money on a good rifle (SAVAGE MKII BTVS is a great rifle in 22lr) and a good scope. Remember its not how loud or fast the bullet is that counts, its where it hits.

I have a BTVS in 22lr and shoot 5 shot nickel size groups at 50 yrds and quarter size groups at 100 yrds. Do it all day with Federal bulk ammo.

[Analog Kid]

If you're worried about bullet drop/rise, you can use high-velocity .22 LR ammo, zero the sights for 85 yards, and the bullet should stay within 2 inches of the line-of-sight out to 100 yards.

Hopefully this link will work.

[ChaparralCommando]

HMR and WMR are best suited for hunting and don't really shine as a rimfire round until past 100 yds compared to .22LR. Target competitions are generally .22LR. .17HM2 is a good round as well, just more expensive than .22. For a first rimfire go for a .22LR.

[VytamenC Tactical]

i have to lean towards the .17 myself more accurate flatter shooting. i use it alot for 300 yard shots on rabbits and 200 yard shots on pdogs had a really nice running shot on a coyote at about 150-160. just a really flat/fast round. yes it is more costly than a 22 bot you go to ask yourself what are you using it for. if i were shooting paper then go with a 22. shooting anything else .17. the first time i saw a .17 round i was like yeah right whats this going to do. till i hit my first rabbit with it. holy cow did it tear that rabbit up.

[Czar Quanovan]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I'm pretty sure I will buy a 22LR now. I'm torn between a semi auto and a bolt action. Looking to stay relatively low priced...marlin 795 or 60 are the two semis I'm looking at. Or the Marlin 981T. Have read great things about all of them (especially the 795 on this forum) but good things about the 60 and 981 as well. I might just get a semi 22LR and save my bolt action purchase for a more powerful, long range round. Besides I've got years of gun ownership to buy more

[CACitUP]

Go for a Savage MKII FV in 22 LR. You wont regret it. Practice your posture and technique cheaply. You will never out grow that gun. Find a Mueller APV for glass and you will have one hell of a fun shooter.

[mif_slim]

I havent voted yet, but....if your going to use the gun just for range...22LR. If you ever go hunting or the like, 17HMR. My Savage 17hmr gets sub-MOA without trying. Great gun...but I use it to hunt more then target so I think its worth it.