Why would someone buy a .17HMR?

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mossyoak23

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I have a .22 lr that I use for smaller game like squirrels and rabbits. I love it for target shooting and plinking as well because obviously its dirt cheap to shoot.

I'm continuing a search for a rimfire rifle with a little more punch than an 22LR for groundhogs and foxes.

This search has brought up the question 17 hmr or 22 mag.

When comparing the ammunition prices at local stores as well as on www.basspro.com I have come to the conclusion that they are very close in price for a 50 round box.

With price aside I've looked at the specs between the 2 rifles.

17 hmr-----20gr----2350fps----250ft#
22mag-----30gr----2200fps----322ft#

Is there any reason in my situation that I should consider the .17hmr? Shots would be under 150 yards.

Aside from the old "you can always use another gun" I can't see a reason someone would purchase a rifle chambered in .17hmr.......
 
honestly, i had the same dilema and bought one. i found it useless and while really accurate and better for longer ranges than a .22lr it is filling a gap that dosen't need to be filled. if you want more punch the next logical step would be a centerfire. i NEVER use my .17 EVER. the only thing a .17 will do that a .22 won't is mabey add 70 yds in accurate range, and make a can go splat a little bit more violently. Velocitors have nearly as much energy as a .22 mag but the difference is moot. they all range btwn 100-300 ft/lbs, all rated to kill small game and not much else. also that 30grain .22 mag drops in velocity quickly, compare it to a 40g velocitor at 100 yds and believe it or not the velocitor is going about 100fps faster than the hornady .22mag, and its a heavier bullet with more energy!! for the versatility and affordability of .22lr it can't be beat. Buy a 30-30 and you will be much happier than had you got a .17 hmr. if you for sure want one or the other, go .22 mag all the way!
 
If you reload and want to shoot a small caliber rifle you could look at something like the 17 Remington Fireball. I'm getting one and it will be 4000fps of gopher goodness. There are many other small calibers to choose from. 20 VarTarg looks very appealing.
 
I have a 17HMR and use it whenever I can, it's a 200yd gopher getter, blows 'em up real good, low noise, no recoil, don't have to cast bullets for it, don't have to reload or even save the brass for it. Most of the ones I've seen are deadly accurate, moreso then the .22 Mag. I've got lots of accurate .22s and a .22 Mag. but for gophers the .17 HMR is King.
 
ben hunchak said:
I have a 17HMR and use it whenever I can, it's a 200yd gopher getter, blows 'em up real good, low noise, no recoil, don't have to cast bullets for it, don't have to reload or even save the brass for it. Most of the ones I've seen are deadly accurate, moreso then the .22 Mag. I've got lots of accurate .22s and a .22 Mag. but for gophers the .17 HMR is King.
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I'm sure I could get a .22wmr rifle to group respectably at 100-150yrds.

What would be louder a .22wmr or a .17hmr?

The fireball at 4000 fps would earn me a first class ticket off the farm I hunt :p Way too loud...
 
Had a 17HMR because of the Hype, but wasn't impressed with it at all. If you are tossing up between a 22mag and 17hmr I would say 22mag all the way. For the best bang for the buck, try stingers in a 22lr. The noise of both magnums will be louder so if you are hunting with a group of people you will have to wear ear plugs.
In the end though, it's hard to beat the good ol 22lr!
 
mossyoak23 said:
I'm sure I could get a .22wmr rifle to group respectably at 100-150yrds.

What would be louder a .22wmr or a .17hmr?

The fireball at 4000 fps would earn me a first class ticket off the farm I hunt :p Way too loud...
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The 17 fireball isn't loud.
 
mossyoak23 said:
I have a .22 lr that I use for smaller game like squirrels and rabbits. I love it for target shooting and plinking as well because obviously its dirt cheap to shoot.

I'm continuing a search for a rimfire rifle with a little more punch than an 22LR for groundhogs and foxes.

This search has brought up the question 17 hmr or 22 mag.

When comparing the ammunition prices at local stores as well as on www.basspro.com I have come to the conclusion that they are very close in price for a 50 round box.

With price aside I've looked at the specs between the 2 rifles.

17 hmr-----20gr----2350fps----250ft#
22mag-----30gr----2200fps----322ft#

Is there any reason in my situation that I should consider the .17hmr? Shots would be under 150 yards.

Aside from the old "you can always use another gun" I can't see a reason someone would purchase a rifle chambered in .17hmr.......
Click to expand...

Im in the saem situation as you check out this thread


http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=433639
 
For me, the next caliber up from .22LR is .223rem. I find anything in between somewhat redundant & too expensive for the benifit. I would consider a .22mag.
 
.223 with Blue Dot loads are supposed to be fairly quiet. I have some Blue Dot here, but haven't tried it yet.
 
I think this thread is just proving what I thought...for under 150 yards if I can get a .22wmr shooting decent there is really no reason to go with a .17
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The 17Mach2 is quieter than the 22mag,and ammo costs even less than many 22mag loads.
 
I've had 3 different 17 HMR's and found it good for work around barns and closer to the quonset etc. it does not ricochet and bounce like the 22lr it blows up when it hits but sold them can,t justify the cost of the ammo so just use my 22lr and for the longer shots my. 223 If I hand load costs very close to 17hmr
 
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