.22 magnum or .17 rimfire for shots to 100 yards?

[Admin]

The 17 is a bit more accurate and can hold it's own on a target board, usually better than a .22 mag can, but not by all that much.

Obviously they are both a low impact round when it comes to Ft. Lbs. of energy, but the .22 mag does do a little better beyond the 50-75 yard mark with a bit larger lump of lead.

I've heard some not so good things about the .17 when it comes to groundhogs on the farm, and reducing the vermin population.

Is this a case where accuracy doesn't really trump a bit more energy like it usually does? ( at least in my mind.....)

[bigweatherby]

I have 2 22 Mags, a Ruger M77 with laminate stock and target gray finish and a Ruger 96/22M. They are both very accurate. I want to get a 17 but I just don't see it taking the place of my 22s.

If I were to get a 17, it would definitely be a HMR not a Mach II.

[Luvs2Play]

I have 2 22 Mags, a Ruger M77 with laminate stock and target gray finish and a Ruger 96/22M. They are both very accurate. I want to get a 17 but I just don't see it taking the place of my 22s.

If I were to get a 17, it would definitely be a HMR not a Mach II.

Tell me why, I have been wanting a 17 since I shot a friends at water jugs. It wasn't long distance, but at about 25 yards I could center the shot in the cap of the jug every time. The copper jacket stayed in the jug, but the lead was never to be found again.

[bigweatherby]

I see the ammo for the HMR everywhere. It is very popular. Guns are selling in HMR like hotcakes.

None of that is true of the Mach II, at least according to the my LGS. They say the Mach II is a neat little cartridge but does not have much to offer really. At least the HMR can say it shoots flatter than a 22 mag. I would just buy a 22 mag or the HMR and I hear that I am not alone in that sentiment.

This is not to say that the little Mach II is bad or anything it just can't really do anything that sets it apart from the others.

[Luvs2Play]

I see the ammo for the HMR everywhere. It is very popular. Guns are selling in HMR like hotcakes.

None of that is true of the Mach II, at least according to the my LGS. They say the Mach II is a neat little cartridge but does not have much to offer really. At least the HMR can say it shoots flatter than a 22 mag. I would just buy a 22 mag or the HMR and I hear that I am not alone in that sentiment.

This is not to say that the little Mach II is bad or anything it just can't really do anything that sets it apart from the others.

Isn't the Mach II a necked down .222?

[dvmcmr]

For most things I do think the .22 mag is better other than the accuracy.

The pure accuracy is what is selling the 17 I believe.

[Luvs2Play]

Isn't the Mach II a necked down .222?

No, did a little lookin.

We have a couple guys hunting coyotes with the 17, they can't find the hole.

[1shot1k]

Good topic....good comments...

As I said elsewhere....IF...I ever get a few dollars...ha ha I want to
build me up a nice 17HMR sniper rig for 100yd tack driving....


As for any damage out to 100....I simply fail to see how rounds like these
from Hornady are not lethal ! I look forward to building one up in the
future and of course will post all about it....:D

A good bolt with a good glass.....and a front folding mounted tripod....etc...

regards,

1shot1k


42



Velocity (fps) / Energy (ft-lbs)


Muzzle

100

200


2525/236
1829/119
1291/59





Trajectory (inches)



Muzzle
100

200


-1.50

0.00
-10.00

[bigweatherby]

17HMR is a necked down 22 mag The MachII is a necked down 22LR.

A friend of mine recently shot a coyote with a HMR in the neck. The bullet actually exited and did a good job of anchoring the dog.

[MrGrimm]

I love the .17 hmr! I've got one in a savage 93. awesome accuracy, no recoil and is great for squirrels (takes they're head off), ground hogs, and coyotes. Don't let the size fool you. Its a nasty little round.

[dvmcmr]

I've heard of a lack of performance on grounhogs from some, and being a tiny bullet have to wonder.
The accuracy is certainly there, and for squirrels, it's a no brainer over a .22.

[MrGrimm]

I guess shot placement counts for alot but using the polymer tipped Hornady 17 gr bullets I've never had a ground hog do anything but twitch. The first one I shot with it entered the back of its head, knocked its front teeth out at 80 yards.