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I have owned and shot both the .22mag and 17hmr, have a CZ 512 semi now. How much difference is there in the two rounds besides a little more speed. My only complaint during the "ammo shortage" was there was plenty of 17hmr on the shelves while .22wmr was iffy.
I can't see why the .17hmr is any better a round in the field.
Had two bolt guns, 17hmr marlin bull barrel shot dimes at 100 yrds much better than the same savage did.
I was suckered into the 17HMR hype when they first come out. I already had a Marlin 922 in 22 mag and loved it so I bought its twin a 917 HMR. Both rifles shot less than half inch groups with the ammo they liked so I found no difference in accuracy. Took them both out for a little rabbit hunting and there was no doubt which was the better performer. The 22mag would absolutely thump those big jacks. The 17 worked fine too but it just didn't have the authority the 22 mag did. Long story short the ammo for the 17 was $15/50 while the 22 mag was $9 so the 17 was sold. On the other hand I haven't seen a box of 22 mag on the shelves here for three years now and 17 you can find almost anywhere.
I have both and like both. I recently started shooting the 30gr ballistic tips in my 22 mag. They are murder on prairie dogs and not much affected by wind that moves my 17's pretty bad.
Having said all that my 17wsm makes them both look anemic.
Here is a great article comparing the two cartridges.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_17HMR_22WMR.htm
If you don't feel like reading it here is the summary in a few sentences.
Used with proper ammunition, the .17 HMR has an advantage in velocity, trajectory, and accuracy. The .22 WMR has an advantage in energy, bullet frontal area, sectional density, and consequently killing power.
After researching and writing this article, I have reached a conclusion about these two cartridges. I would favor the .22 WMR for shooting small game and varmints within 100 yards, and the .17 HMR if shots often run much beyond that distance.
Well I can tell you with zero doubt, in my experience, the WMR is better in windy conditions. I had a Savage HMR and if the wind was anything more than a 5 mph breeze, it blew the bullet so far off course, it was always a guess where it would land. I traded it off for a WMR. I have taken 150yd shots on CA ground squirrels in 10-15mph winds and while the bullet IS affected at that distance, it's predictable and usable. With a steady cross wind, once I have it doped, 150yds is well within the range for consistent hits on ground squirrels, if I do my part.
Again, I miss my cheap Marlin Glenfield 22 mag. Got rid of it to get the HMR. Bad mistake.
why bother with 22mag. the ammo is never available, and when it is it is as expensive more more expensive than centerfire.
223 is cheap and plentiful and leaves 22mag in the dust.
Not sure how $9-$12 per 50 is more expensive than centerfire but I do know there is a time and place for rimfire. Comparing a .22 mag to a .223 is like comparing a Yugo to a Ferrari, Totally different classes and completely different applications.
where can you get 50rds of 22wmr for $9? link please.
Dunno about stomp, but I got two boxes of Remington 22 WMR from a LGS for $9.49/box just a few weeks ago.
Walmart if and when they get them sells the Winchester stuff for $9 and the cci maxi mags for $12
Last I got was a carton 500 round Hornady varmint express 30 grain for $149. Glad to get them. CCI and Winchester Dynapoint 40-45gr about $11/box. It's back on the shelves here.