Advice needed 17HMR or 22 Mag.

Leif Cott

Leif Cott

Member
Rating - 100%
19   0   0
Location
Manitoba
Okay, I know that this is a topic that has been covered numerous time in numerous different magazines that I have read. But, I would like some advice from everyday guys, like me.

I want to buy a rimfire in 17HMR or 22 Mag. I plan on using it to take care of smaller varmints, ie: foxes, beavers, skunks, gophers, etc...

Here is the kicker.... In the winter when I am fox hunting I may need to be able to take care of the odd coyote, with a rimfire I would limit my shot distance considerably.

I have seen a fox pelt from a fox shot by a 17HMR and I liked the results, tiny entrance no exit hole = no sewing! But, I don't know what a 22 WMR would do in the same situation.

I have never owned a rifle in either caliber and have only ever shot a handful of rounds in either caliber.

Which round would you recommend? and why?

I know 17HMR is a little more expense to shoot, but I don't plan on shooting 100's of rounds at the range or gopher hunting.... that's what my 10/22 is for.

Also any recommendation on rifle choice would be appreciated too... I am thinking a CZ 452 Varmint...

Thanks for the help!
 
Last edited:
I have both .17hmr and .22mag. I like them both. The .22 seems to hit a little harder inside of 100yds, but the .17 shoots flatter. I personally wouldn't use either further than 100yds on coyote or fox. Everything else is good though. Oh, btw, I really like the .22mag for beaver.
 
"I plan on using it to take care of smaller varmints, ie: foxes, beavers, skunks, gophers, etc"

You also said coyote I would say 22mag if you're planing on useing it mostly for hunting i'd go with the 22
 
I have a 17HMR, 22WMR, 22LR, and a 17Mach2. I haven't used a 22WMR or 17HMR on coyotes (223 Rem is my go to rifle for coyote hunting) however I have researched a bit into this and many people don't recommend anything less then a 22 Hornet (centerfire) for coyotes. I am inclined to agree with them but if I had to make a pick it would be the 22WMR as the bullets are the heaviest. I am not saying you can't kill a yote with the other calibers but I think that they are a bit on the light side. The only coyote I have had run away on a rimfire was with a 22LR I shot him in the face and he ran off. I was able to track to about 25 yds away in the bush and shot him again in the head. I am certain that he died but I was never able to recover him; I won't use a 22LR again for yotes as it is just too light. My friend shot a yote with a Marlin papoose - he managed to drop it with a full mag (10 shots). He also killed two yotes with a 22WMR however he doesn't use one anymore for them - he uses a 22Hornet and 223 Rem.
 
22WMR in my opinion, an all round better cartridge for hunting, harder hitting with the heavier bullet. I like the 33gr Remington v-max, kills big Ontario groundhogs very nicely, I shot a fox with them last year and it was bang flop and no sewing. I would probably go with a 40gr HP for the yotes and keep the range at 100yds max!!!! Just my 2 cents.
 
your going to want to plink with this rifle as well, .22 mag is much much cheaper.& from what I have read they are going to be coming out with a much broader range of bullets for them . believe its going to be this summer.
 
I had the same decision to make this spring and went with the 17 HMR because I will be shooting 95% of the time at gophers and the flatter shooting bullet is an advantage for the small target.

If you are going to include beavers, and other large rodents I would prefer the .22 Magnum for the heavier bullets avaliable. Plus the new V-Max bullets avaliable for the .22 Magnum don't put it to far behind the HMR out to 100 yards.
 
I really just think ITS WHAT YOUR WALLET CAN HANDLE! there both excellent rounds, there both hard hitting one because of the weight the other because of the speed. Both are pretty accurate the 17 HMR a bit more so. You cant go wrong with either or, its just what your willing to pay. Not trying to flame anyone but I am so sick of this argument
 
Advice needed 17HMR or 22 Mag.
Click to expand...

For what?! What is the intended use? Both of these cartridges have their strengths and weaknesses. The .17HMR is suited well for small rodents out to 150yds and coons/ground hogs to 100yds. The .22 Mag is not quite as accurate but carries more energy for larger game such as fox or coyote out to 100 yds.
I've had both and they are both great for what they were intended for.
 
Honestly, as a hunting round the 17 while accurate and a flat shooter is at it's best shooting crows. Even on ground hogs once past 75 yrds performance falls off big time. I have one and love'em but if beaver and such are on the card it is a clear choice -.22WRM
 
surfclod said:
I had the same decision to make this spring and went with the 17 HMR because I will be shooting 95% of the time at gophers and the flatter shooting bullet is an advantage for the small target.

If you are going to include beavers, and other large rodents I would prefer the .22 Magnum for the heavier bullets avaliable. Plus the new V-Max bullets avaliable for the .22 Magnum don't put it to far behind the HMR out to 100 yards.
Click to expand...

I have shot a lot of beavers with 17 hmr, my buddy uses a 22wmr there is no difference in how fast they die up to 50 yds. From 50-100 yds we noticed the 17 actually worked better.
 
I have shot coyotes with a 22 magnum, the hollow point can blow a big hole up to 100yds. I now use a Ruger 10/22 with a 30 shot clip and just fill the air with bullets. Usually have to shoot at least 3 times to finish off though. I would prefer to have a 22 mag semiauto. If you want a very accurate 22 mag, get a Cooper.
 
mach2 baby :)

just get one of each caliber. that's what I did :) it's easier than to stress out on which is better. they're all better if you own them all :D

take a look at some youtube vids on the hmr, this things rips $1ht up, very nice performance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom