The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) and the .17 HMR (.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire) are popular rimfire cartridges, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choosing between them often depends on your specific needs and intended use. This in-depth comparison will help you decide which cartridge best suits your shooting style.
.22 LR: The Versatile Workhorse
The .22 LR has been a staple in the shooting world for over a century. Its affordability, low recoil, and widespread availability make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
Advantages of the .22 LR:
- Cost-Effectiveness: .22 LR ammunition is significantly cheaper than .17 HMR ammo, allowing for more practice and target shooting. You can find bulk boxes for a fraction of the cost. This is a major factor for many shooters, especially those who frequently practice or participate in competitions.
- Low Recoil: The gentle recoil makes it ideal for beginners, young shooters, and those sensitive to recoil. This allows for easier target acquisition and follow-up shots.
- Wide Availability: Ammunition and firearms chambered in .22 LR are readily available almost anywhere firearms are sold. You're unlikely to experience supply shortages or difficulty finding what you need.
- Versatility: The .22 LR is suitable for various applications, including target shooting, plinking, small game hunting (rabbits, squirrels), and even some informal pest control.
Disadvantages of the .22 LR:
- Lower Velocity & Energy: Compared to the .17 HMR, the .22 LR has significantly lower velocity and energy. This results in shorter effective range and less stopping power.
- Trajectory: The lower velocity leads to a more pronounced bullet drop at longer ranges, requiring more precise aiming adjustments. This makes long-range accuracy more challenging.
- Less Flat Trajectory: The bullet's trajectory is less flat than the .17 HMR's, meaning more holdover or adjustments are required at longer distances.
.17 HMR: The High-Velocity Rimfire
The .17 HMR, introduced in 2002, offers higher velocity and flatter trajectory than the .22 LR. This makes it a popular choice for varmint hunting and long-range target shooting.
Advantages of the .17 HMR:
- High Velocity & Flat Trajectory: The significantly higher velocity results in a flatter trajectory and less bullet drop at longer ranges. This enhances accuracy at distance.
- Increased Range & Accuracy: You can accurately engage targets at greater distances compared to the .22 LR. This is crucial for varmint hunting and long-range shooting competitions.
- Superior Stopping Power: The higher velocity and energy provide increased stopping power for small game hunting. This makes it more effective for animals like prairie dogs and ground squirrels.
Disadvantages of the .17 HMR:
- Higher Cost: .17 HMR ammunition is considerably more expensive than .22 LR ammunition. This can limit the amount of practice or shooting you can do.
- More Recoil: While still manageable, the .17 HMR has noticeably more recoil than the .22 LR. This can be a factor for beginners or those sensitive to recoil.
- Less Available: While the availability of .17 HMR ammunition has improved, it's still generally less widely available than .22 LR ammo, especially in certain regions.
- Barrel Wear: Some shooters report that the high velocity of the .17 HMR can lead to faster barrel wear than with the .22 LR, although the differences might be negligible for recreational use.
.22 LR vs .17 HMR: A Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | .22 LR | .17 HMR |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle | .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire |
| Velocity | ~1000-1200 fps | ~2500-2600 fps |
| Energy | ~100-150 ft-lbs | ~200-250 ft-lbs |
| Cost | Low | High |
| Recoil | Very Low | Moderate |
| Range | Short to Medium | Medium to Long |
| Accuracy | Good | Excellent |
| Stopping Power | Moderate | High |
| Availability | Extremely High | High (Generally less than .22LR) |
Conclusion: Which Cartridge is Right for You?
The choice between .22 LR and .17 HMR ultimately depends on your priorities and intended use.
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Choose .22 LR if: You're a beginner, budget is a major concern, you need a versatile cartridge for various applications, or recoil sensitivity is a factor.
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Choose .17 HMR if: You need higher velocity and longer range for varmint hunting or target shooting, accuracy is paramount, and cost is less of a concern.
Both cartridges offer excellent performance in their respective niches. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your shooting goals.