.17 HMR vs .22LR

[imp81318]

I am in the market for a small-caliber rifle for small game hunting and plinking. I know the ballistic differences between the .17 vs .22, but what about the other "intangibles". I've been told the .17 is quite a bit louder, but how does the recoil compare? (This is only a concern as I'm thinking about breaking my wife into shooting rifles with it at some point in the future.)

What about ammo prices? Availability? Anything else I'm not thinking of?

[toadyoforangeville]

With the 17 there is practically no recoil at all. Letting you see the bullet strike. It isnt very loud and most of the time they couldnt hear me shoot in the backyard from in the house. Its also tons of fun to shoot but ammo cost is why I sold mine. With either one shootin and hunting with either is fun.

[Pizza Bob]

As was stated, ammo for the .17 HMR isn't cheap. Fairer comparison would be the .22 WMR to the .17 HMR. But they are fun to shoot and an inherently accurate cartridge.

I'll just muddy the waters a little - the .17 HM2 is a fairer comparison to the .22 LR. Ammo for the .17HM2 runs about $5.00/box of 50 vs. $13.00 for the .17 HMR. However, the .17HM2 never caught on like its big brother and there is always the chance that it will go away altogether - of course if that happens it either goes in the safe as a future collectible or gets rebarreled to .22 LR. With either wind drift is definitely a factor - much more so than with the heavier .22's. I have one of each of the .17's.

Everybody needs a rimfire in their arsenal - better yet, multiple rimfires. Have fun.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

[tlgpa]

Originally Posted by imp81318

I am in the market for a small-caliber rifle for small game hunting and plinking. I know the ballistic differences between the .17 vs .22, but what about the other "intangibles". I've been told the .17 is quite a bit louder, but how does the recoil compare? (This is only a concern as I'm thinking about breaking my wife into shooting rifles with it at some point in the future.)

What about ammo prices? Availability? Anything else I'm not thinking of?

Recoil is insignificant. You won't feel either.
Cartridge Rifle Weight Recoil energy(ft-lb) Recoil velocity ft/s
.17 HMR .........7.5.....................0.2.............. .......n/a
.22 LR ........... 4.0.....................0.2.....................n/a

The HMR is barely louder than a .22

The HMR is a more effective hunter.
The .22 is a more economical plinker.

Expect to pay:
$13-$16 for 50 HMR
$13-$16 for 500 .22LR bulk

You need to decide what is more important, hunting or plinking. If $13-$16 for 50 HMR's is affordable for plinking, go HMR.

[Karl/PA]

Another thing about hummers, especcially if you're looking to hunt with it. Expect more meat damage then you would expect from such a tiny projectile. No bofy shots for squirrels. All you would have left is head and tail. Those vmax bulets just explode when they hit. They're great for any animal up to coyote size.

[lexnaturalis]

I have both a 17HMR and a .22LR, and the different in recoil and sound is negligible. I thoroughly enjoy shooting both.

I've never had a problem with availability for either, and as more manufacturers make 17HMR rounds the prices have dropped. The price will never compare to .22LR, but getting 50 for $12 is possible now, so it's not outrageously expensive.

[indianjack]

If it is noise you are worried about there are sub sonic rounds for 22 LR, not sure about 17.