.22WMR gopher hunters~anybody out there??

[kinggeorge168]

It does, thanks! For some reason, even in low-wind conditions, I don't seem to shoot HMR as well as I do .22WMR or .22lr. I have no explanation as to why. Also, when groundhog hunting here in Ontario (they're WAY bigger than gophers of course) the .22WMR is much more effective than .17HMR. I've shot plenty with both, head and vitals shots, so I feel confident saying that. Anyhow, while I'd like to have a reason to buy another rifle, I'm going to stick with playing around with various loads on the .22WMR, maybe throw a scope on there with a little more magnification. That's the plan anyway. Still pricing-out some HMRs, but knowing I'd only be using it once a year, that idea holds less appeal.

BTW, the gopher in that photo looks like it died of natural causes. My buddy's 17grain HMR V-Max rounds seem to re-arrange gophers! Not helping my decision process!!

( its a spinal shot)Winchester SuperX FMJ... I used to love to use 22-250 V-Max on gophers...its messy!, this way... birds ( eagles and hawks etc) can have a nice full sides meal.

 

[slicknick]

I dad bought a .17HMR when they first came out and liked it so much that he bought another a few years later and we shot a lot of gophers with them. The downside was that they sometimes didn't expand when they hit the gopher. I was also concerned about thier ability to take down a larger animal, such as a coyote or badger.

So a couple years ago, I bought a Marlin 925M and shot a bunch of gophers with it. It shot 33gr Win Supremes well and they tore large ratty holes in gophers, as opposed to the .17HMR's detonation. I made solid hits out to 150 yards and expansion was never an issue. While I'd call it close, I'd go .22WMR just for the edge in versatility.

 

[.22LRGUY]

So a couple years ago, I bought a Marlin 925M and shot a bunch of gophers with it. It shot 33gr Win Supremes well and they tore large ratty holes in gophers, as opposed to the .17HMR's detonation.

You see...it's that "detonation" factor that has me on the fence. Not sure it should... Thanks for the input. If you'd care to point me towards some good spots for next spring/summer, I'm all ears.

Cheers,
Rob

 

[regulate34]

You see...it's that "detonation" factor that has me on the fence. Not sure it should... Thanks for the input. If you'd care to point me towards some good spots for next spring/summer, I'm all ears.

Cheers,
Rob

i am loving my .22wmr. i just ordered another 1000rounds. its got some serious punch for a rimfire. i was drilling 12gauge shells at 100yrds and i shot a few 2leitre bottles with water. it ruins them. then i blasted one with my 30-06 that was fun

 

[B]

Hey B~care to expand on your experience? The 93FV is what I have, and the 30 grain (V-Max in my case) seem to be what it likes. What range(s) are you shooting them at, what scope are you using, etc. Really trying to talk myself out of an HMR, because my .22WMR is more useful in Ontario. If it shines in the gopher-blasting role, I can use the $ I save NOT buying an HMR to upgrade this gun's scope and stock.

Bit of a late reply but here goes. Plain Jane Savage 93. I picked it up while out working so I had something to play with while babysitting a lease. Also picked up some CCI 30 grn ammo. I shot all sorts of stuff from old gasline marker signs (1/8 aluminum plate backed by steel T bar) to water bottles. I was just very impressed. Completly penetrated the signs/T bar and popped the bottles in a way that made me smirk.

 

[bdogg]

22 mag. and don't look back,a lot steadier in the wind,if I had to choose just one....22 mag. it really does the job and then some....

 

[ben hunchak]

I use the .17 HMR alot but wind plays a large factor, most effective and cost effective as well is my .218 Mashburn Bee using cast hollow point bullets. I've used them at 2700-2900fps and they fare much better at longer ranges, I haven't costed out the price per round but it is very low, .02 for the GC, 8 grs. of powder, the primer is the most expensive part. I will prolly retire the .17 as the Bee shoots flatter and bucks the wind much better and cost a fraction of the HMR.