Savage TR .17 HMR vs .22 LR

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gtagun16

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Hey guys I'm looking to buy my first rimfire rifle to hone my shooting skills. Im pretty set on the Savage TR (MK II TR vs 93R17 TR) for its tactical stock and heavy barrel. Im a bigger guy and like the look and feel of the stock and The bull barrel for its accuracy.

Originally my only thought was to get the .22LR because of the cost of ammo, but looking deeper at the ballistics comparison of the two rounds I became more interested in the 17 HMR.

I don't make it out to the range all that often, but I would like to push the rifle to its capabilities and shoot 100-200 yards. Looking at the ballistics I feel like the 17 HMR is the clear winner for long range accuracy. It obviously costs significantly more so I guess I'll have to way out the cost depending on how often I can realistically get to the range.

What are your thoughts on the choice?

Thanks
 
if 100+ yards shooting is the main criteria then 17HMR all the way. Upto 50 yds there is not much between 22LR and 17HMR in my experience (with bulk or cheaper varieties of 22 and hunting rifles).
One of my many 22's always goes with me to the range, cannot say that about the 17 HMR. My Savage BTV 17HMR is what I use to make my targets look good.
Cost wise, a box of 50 is ~15$ for 17HMR vs 5$-8$ for 22LR (cheaper varieties)
 
If you are using it to "hone skills" then 22lr all the way. Just shoot shorter distances with smaller targets. Far, far more economical way to get proper trigger time. I use 17 for 150m+ gophering exclusively, not practise or plinking.

Savage makes a very decent rifle. Don't forget for that kind of money, there are CZ's also ;)
 
I find the 17hmr pretty good at 100....although a good 22lr is no slouch at 100 either. If I was going to be shooting a lot at 200, I think I would shoot center fire. Deals on .223 ammo can be had for about the same price as 17hmr and it will perform as good at 100 and generally better at 200 and beyond. For example I bought a bunch of 223 soft point for 6.99 per box of 20
 
super7 said:
I find the 17hmr pretty good at 100....although a good 22lr is no slouch at 100 either. If I was going to be shooting a lot at 200, I think I would shoot center fire. Deals on .223 ammo can be had for about the same price as 17hmr and it will perform as good at 100 and generally better at 200 and beyond. For example I bought a bunch of 223 soft point for 6.99 per box of 20
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Ye I'm thinking that if I'm going for a rimfire "trainer" i need to remember I'm giving up some things to save money. Im leaning towards to.22LR, now I just need to find it at a good price. Wolverine has both the 22 and 17 but the 22 is $50 more
 
I have both- the .22 gets $7 a box ammo to shoot and can hang up to 100 yards, but not if it is windy.

The .17hmr shoots hornady 17gr (best for me) which last time I bought it was $15/box. It is good ammo. Look up how much "good" ammo costs in .223- the cheap stuff can work ok, but I've seen it not work well also.

If you are training you don't want the question "I wonder if it is the ammo". If you are trying to get better you should plan to get something that you can notice your improvement. It would be frustrating to work on your skills while shooting cheap bulk ammo of any sort- it is better used for plinking and blasting. Yes $7 for a box of .22 is a lot, but you get quality ammo that you know will be consistent. The HMR ammo I find has all been good to excellent (except Winchester for me). Consider that the hmr will cost 2x the .22 to shoot in a "training" scenario, but still isn't breaking the bank.

I would vote for .22lr- but honestly wouldn't blame you if you went for the .17. I use a brick of .22 for every box of .17 mostly because our range is only 100 yards, but the .17 is just a LOT of fun- especially if you have opportunity to stretch it's legs.

Last thing to consider- if you are shooting "off range" the .22 with subsonic target ammo is very quiet. The .17 is not.
 
I have one in the 17hmr and I love it. Yes the .22 can shot out to 100 yards and with the right gun, accurately, but with the .17 its just that much easier. What I can do at 100 yards with a .22 I can do at 200 and even on a good day out to 300 with the 17 hmr. I love the feeling when I go to the range and can hit a target at 300 yards with that little round when some guys can't hit it with a center fire.
 
I sold my .17hmr and bought a stevens 200 .223 and a lee loader... cheap fun and I've learnt a lot about reloading before I make any real leap into it and ammo cost isn't much different if I don't include my time... (but I also didn't include the last 2 hours of my time I spent on the internet researching either)

side note I guess I vote .22 as I also have 2x .22 target rifles that can be easily shot at 100 yards... also a 10/22 'mag dumper' and a ruger 22/45, same ammo works in all of them.
 
Say you got your small game licence and you have a craving for rabbit..., you will not have to pick frags out of your meat and have a choice of cut and not just ground meat with a .22. And say you got a little better at the range and wanted to see how you match up with your fellow shooters in a sanctioned rim fire competition... Well, whether it is now or later, you'll end up with a .22. I went down the same path, brother.
 
Garaldtao said:
Say you got your small game licence and you have a craving for rabbit..., you will not have to pick frags out of your meat and have a choice of cut and not just ground meat with a .22. And say you got a little better at the range and wanted to see how you match up with your fellow shooters in a sanctioned rim fire competition... Well, whether it is now or later, you'll end up with a .22. I went down the same path, brother.
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See the thing is that with a .17hmr you can head shoot your rabbits,no fragments in the eadible meat.Yes they are that accurate.

Whether it is now or later,you'll end up with a .17hmr.I also went down that path.

Ammo may cost a bit more but all things in life are either..expensive,dangerous or illegal..

Have fun..:)
 
AlbertaJohn said:
See the thing is that with a .17hmr you can head shoot your rabbits,no fragments in the eadible meat.Yes they are that accurate.
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you made no mention of distance for said head shots.

Canadiankeeper said:
17, out to 300 ? Anyone ?
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that's what I thought... sold the .17 for a .223

I try to shoot different .22 rounds to 300 (and lots more) but its 95-115" of drop, but the .223 is only about 7-15" (all depending on initial zero, bullet weights and loads)

too much fun! :cheers:
 
AlbertaJohn said:
See the thing is that with a .17hmr you can head shoot your rabbits,no fragments in the eadible meat.Yes they are that accurate.

Whether it is now or later,you'll end up with a .17hmr.I also went down that path.

Ammo may cost a bit more but all things in life are either..expensive,dangerous or illegal..

Have fun..:)
Click to expand...
Granted, the 17hmr has more velocity, expends more energy and is more accurate then the 22 (IMO) but every time I was looking for more power and accuracy and had to bite the bullet in terms of ammo cost, I would turn to my 308 or 223. Ask anyone who has owned both a 17hmr and a 223 and they'll tell you that they waisted their money on the 17hmr.
 
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