17hmr vs 22 LR

**lil hunter** · 10-18-2004, 04:31 PM

I have been looking at 22 Lr's, but realized, some 17hmr gun cost about the same price as the 22's.(they're a little more, but nothing major) I started looking at the ballistics of them, and saw that, the 17hmr has about 100 more ft lbs of energy than the 22LR's have. For squirrel, and crow, I think this would come in handy. I also like that, not everyone and their brother has a 17, but most people have at least one 22. So, for squirrels, occasionally crow, and mainly just shootin coke cans, what do you think would be my best choice?? Not planning on buying right now, but I will hopefully around next spring.

**huntinsonovagun** · 10-18-2004, 04:37 PM

If you're plinking, I say .22.....ammo is cheap!!! 17 would be nice though. I am thinking a bit big for squirrels unless head shots though

I hear they are deadly on coyotes. I hate picking out guns...............

AJ · 10-18-2004, 09:15 PM

Personally, I would buy a .22 lr. No hesitation at all. The .22 lr can be super accurate, it can handle varmints and can take squirrels without blowing them up like the .17 HMR does. Granted it does not have the range of the .17 HMR but it is also a lot cheaper to feed. You can almost get a brick of 500 rounds for what a box of HMR ammo costs.

I would get a decent bolt 22 lr. Sure the semi auto guns are a lot of fun to play with but at your level, the bolt gun will do you a lot more good. Slow the rate of fire down and make the first shot count.

Another option is the H&R Sportster in 22 lr, 22 Mag, 17M2, or 17 HMR. They run about $150, but you can send to H&R and get the other barrels for under $65 per barrel. You can have a .22 lr, .22 Mag, and a .17HMR for under $275.

**lil hunter** · 10-18-2004, 10:46 PM

Good advise AJ. i didn't realize HMR ammo was so expensive. I picked out a Savage22LR the other day that costed $113. Maybe thats what I'll end up gettin next spring. Thanks.

**David_218** · 10-19-2004, 08:21 AM

There's a new .17 Rimfire cartridge out now called the .17 HM2. It is based on a necked down .22 Stinger case to .17. I think this one would be more suitable for Squirrels than the .17 HMR and a few dollars cheaper too.