.17 HMR or 22?

I personally have had no need for a .17 cal gun. the .22s I use are a 1940 Marlin 81 and 1960 144LSB. No need for any other except for fun , then I use the Marlin 990L semi. The Marlin and Mossy are very capable out to and beyond 200 yards. They have put down more gophers in the last 3 years than I could count. In range competitions, both have also showed thier prowess in the accuracy dep't. The .22 carries more hitting power than the .17 mach II over 150 yards but the .17 hmr does have more velocity ( twice the powder) to carry the light projectile further with accuracy. But as stated ....2 different animals....cost wise for the numbers I shoot, makes the .17 cals way too expensive to operate.
 
I had an HMR but sold it when the ammo hit $16 a box. I replaced it with a CZ in .22LR and a .204 Ruger centrefire which I can reload for near the same cost. The HMR was a great shooter but far too expensive for the results you get. I think that having a very accurate, quyality .22 and a cheap to reload centrefire gives you the best of both worls and lets you shoot from 0 to 500 yards.
 
Andrewe said:
I had an HMR but sold it when the ammo hit $16 a box. I replaced it with a CZ in .22LR and a .204 Ruger centrefire which I can reload for near the same cost. The HMR was a great shooter but far too expensive for the results you get. I think that having a very accurate, quyality .22 and a cheap to reload centrefire gives you the best of both worls and lets you shoot from 0 to 500 yards.
Click to expand...

Don't disagree with any of this, but it brings-up a good point. I have ZERO (or less) interest in reloading, so .17 HMR delivers some pretty good punch at a pretty good price compared to quality varmint (thinking 55gr V-Max. 223) centerfire ammo. I suppose if you were set-up to reload, enjoyed it, had the time, then you'd have the best of both worlds really. Only real downside...depending on your budget, might be the additional $ required to buy a centerfire rifle and a scope of a high enough quality to get the most of the extra range the caliber allows.

So, bigger investment at the front end to get a more versatile rifle....but for sure, WAY more rifle than required to kill a gopher unless you plan on super-long-range shots all the time. Out to 150-175 yards, my opinion is that the HMR shines for destructive power at a good price where gophers are concerned. They do to gophers what my buddy's .223 does to small groundhogs. Let's just say, they don't make it back to their holes.

Don't make me post photos. :)
 
New? or first gopher killer? If you already have a .22 then get a .17hmr if you arent happy with the .22.
If you dont have a .22 you pretty much have no choice in the matter. you MUST have a .22lr first before getting a .17 hmr, no if's and's or butts about it.

Why? thats easy... cheap = more practice = better marksmanship = less shots you will need to take to hit the damn gopher with your .17hmr later on. And besides that, you cant afford to have a fun day at the range with a .17hmr unless you work in Ft Mac.

My 2c
 
mikeystew said:
New? or first gopher killer? If you already have a .22 then get a .17hmr if you arent happy with the .22.
If you dont have a .22 you pretty much have no choice in the matter. you MUST have a .22lr first before getting a .17 hmr, no if's and's or butts about it.

Why? thats easy... cheap = more practice = better marksmanship = less shots you will need to take to hit the damn gopher with your .17hmr later on. And besides that, you cant afford to have a fun day at the range with a .17hmr unless you work in Ft Mac.

My 2c
Click to expand...

I totally agree with this.

Every ones first gun should be a .22 LR

Lots of trigger time for cheap is what you need when starting out. Once you have the .22 mastered and want to step up, the .17 HMR is a great choice. Much further range and power in a relatively low priced gun. If you like the longer range then step up to a centerfire and reload for it, (but that is a substantial investment)

I have both, a 10/22 for 50 yards and under, and a 17 HMR I shoot off the bipod out to about 150 yards. On a normal day I will fire 10 times as many .22LR rounds as HMR but they usually total equal numbers of gophers by the end of the day.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom