I was going to ask the same thing ? Our Walmarts also has the 550 boxes for $18.97 but they also have 50ct Federals for $1.47 which works out to $16.17 for 550 or $14.70 a brick I've been buying these since they raised the bulk from 16.97 to 18.97. I like the individual boxes better than bulk packs
.22 LR v .17 HMR
- Thread starter ripnbst
- Start date
I was going to ask the same thing ? Our Walmarts also has the 550 boxes for $18.97 but they also have 50ct Federals for $1.47 which works out to $16.17 for 550 or $14.70 a brick I've been buying these since they raised the bulk from 16.97 to 18.97. I like the individual boxes better than bulk packs
Rifleman1776
New member
My local Wal-Mart sells the 550 round boxes for $15.00.
I think the original question has been answered repeatedly.
The decision is based on cost of shooting. The .17 is superior but far more expensive to shoot than .22 lr.
Take yer pick.
I think the original question has been answered repeatedly.
The decision is based on cost of shooting. The .17 is superior but far more expensive to shoot than .22 lr.
Take yer pick.
I Realize This Is an Old Thread...
...and this is only quasi-related but this thread and many others I've read recently have just about convinced me to forego a .17HMR and opt for a .22WMR using the lightweight 30gr ballistic tip Hornady cartridges. It seems to me that the .22WMR BT ammo does everything the .17HMR BT ammo does and more.
I do realize the .17 probably disintegrates better thereby avoiding ricochets better but the .22 probably isn't THAT much different in that regard. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
...and this is only quasi-related but this thread and many others I've read recently have just about convinced me to forego a .17HMR and opt for a .22WMR using the lightweight 30gr ballistic tip Hornady cartridges. It seems to me that the .22WMR BT ammo does everything the .17HMR BT ammo does and more.
I do realize the .17 probably disintegrates better thereby avoiding ricochets better but the .22 probably isn't THAT much different in that regard. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Take a look at the 17HM2. It's a 22 long necked down to accept a .17 cal. Only reason I say this is to give another option. They are somewhat pricey if you look in there wrong places but it gives you the ability to shoot your critters at a longer range (especially if you shoot for the soup pot). I personally don't use it that much, but you said .22 LR and .17 HMR and read some of the thread responses and thought I may shed some light on this fun little round.
The reason I'm interested in .22 WMR is largely because of the Remington 597 semi-auto... that and the better diversity of ammo vs. .17 HMR. With the .22 WMR I can shoot Hornady's 30gr BT for small critters as well as their 45gr polymer-filled HP Critical Defense for medium-sized game and even SD (both in a pinch). The other options (.17 HMR and .22LR) have more limitations.
I do agree that .22LR is far cheaper to shoot and will always have one but it just can't do what the .22 WMR can... nor can the .17 HMR for that matter.
I do agree that .22LR is far cheaper to shoot and will always have one but it just can't do what the .22 WMR can... nor can the .17 HMR for that matter.
Mike it all depends on your application for the rifle. Sounds like the 22 mag will be more what your looking for but I have owned each of the calibers mentioned including the Remington Model 597 in both 22lr and 22 mag and I can honestly say the 597 in 22 magnum was my favorite rimfire rifle. I have regretted selling it ever since I sold it. That being said I have heard of issues with the model 597 but both of mine always ran great! As for the most accurate my Savage 17 hmr take the cake there, with easily attainable sub 1 MOA groups at benchrest.
It always depends upon what I'm going to hunt, when I chose which rifle came along.
It always depends upon what I'm going to hunt, when I chose which rifle came along.
I would get a .17 HMR too but no one makes a semi-auto due to safety issues with the cases. The HM2 is a fine round too especially at less than half the cost per round than HMR but I still can't see a big advantage of owning both a .17 HMR (or HM2) plus a .22 WMR. I suppose a .22 WMR plus .17 HM2 combo makes sense but I don't think I'll be doing any squirrel killing. So, I think the .22 WMR with the latest high-tech ammo is a better fit for me. The .17 HMR or HM2 are great squirrel and little rabbit rounds but the Hornady 30gr BT ammo seems to make the WMR nearly as viable for such very small game.
Does anyone have any personal experience with Hornady .17 HMR 17gr BT vs. Hornady .22 WMR 30gr BT on small to medium game... from tree squirrels up to coyote? What about these two cartridges and ricochet?
Does anyone have any personal experience with Hornady .17 HMR 17gr BT vs. Hornady .22 WMR 30gr BT on small to medium game... from tree squirrels up to coyote? What about these two cartridges and ricochet?
I LOVE my lil' .17hmr. The hollow point is WAY more destructive than the balistic tips.
these are from Varmint als web page on the .17hmr
25 yard shots. Notice entry holes are the same.......exit holes are not.
The Balistic tip fragments and does not exit.
Here is a three shot group at 110yds out of a gun vice. group at +1.5 inches zero so i can hold on out to 200yds three shots in same hole! bigger holes are .223,
these are from Varmint als web page on the .17hmr
25 yard shots. Notice entry holes are the same.......exit holes are not.
The Balistic tip fragments and does not exit.
Here is a three shot group at 110yds out of a gun vice. group at +1.5 inches zero so i can hold on out to 200yds three shots in same hole! bigger holes are .223,
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this link is the most informative I have found on all things .17 hmr.
http://www.varmintal.com/17hmr.htm
he does EXTENSIVE testing on Balistic tip vs. Hollow point.
The "TNT" hollow point is the ONLY thing i shoot.
I Have dropped MANY jack rabbits with them. It is like an off switch. the just fall right there.
http://www.varmintal.com/17hmr.htm
he does EXTENSIVE testing on Balistic tip vs. Hollow point.
The "TNT" hollow point is the ONLY thing i shoot.
I Have dropped MANY jack rabbits with them. It is like an off switch. the just fall right there.
I should say that any shots I take will all be within 100 yards because I can no longer hold a rifle steady beyond that for varmints. If I'm not mistaken and if I'm not misreading the charts the .22 WMR will do all I need it to.
The above stated, maybe I should be looking for a quality HP instead of a BT cartridge in either .17 HMR or .22 WMR??
The above stated, maybe I should be looking for a quality HP instead of a BT cartridge in either .17 HMR or .22 WMR??
Volquartsen makes semi auto models in 17mach 2 and 17HMR. One in particular comes to mind called the Fusion, another the TF. Ive never heard any reports that they werent safe and reliable. The "Fusion" can be switched between the 22LR and 17mach 2 just by swapping barrels, the 22WMR can swap with the 17HMR. Im actually considering buying one....not cheap at around 2grand for the rifle and 2 barrels but Id love to be able to swap calibers that easily. The TF is considerably cheaper at about $1000
Fusion
https://www.volquartsen.com/products/431-fusion-take-down-rifle
TF
https://www.volquartsen.com/products/1062-tf-rifle
Edit, after looking at Volquartsens site some more, they actually make almost all of their rifles available in the two 17 calibers....for a few bucks more.
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It's good to know that at least one manufacturer makes a semi-auto in .17 HMR since Remington and Ruger stopped.