As a hunting enthusiast, you must be familiar with the 17 Caliber and 22 cartridges. These two ammo types are popular among hunters, but which one should you choose? In this article, we will compare the 17 Caliber Vs 22 and help you make an informed decision.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | 17 Caliber | 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Size | 0.17” | 0.22” |
| Bullet Weight | 17-25 gr | 30-40 gr |
| Velocity | 2,500 fps | 1,200 fps |
| Recoil | Low | Moderate |
| Accuracy | High | High |
| Price per Round | Expensive | Affordable |
17 Caliber Vs 22: What’s the Difference?
The 17 Caliber and 22 cartridges differ in their bullet size, velocity, and recoil. The 17 Caliber has a smaller bullet size, faster velocity, and lighter recoil, making it ideal for small game hunting. On the other hand, the 22 has a bigger bullet size, slower velocity, and heavier recoil, making it ideal for medium game hunting.
Recoil and Accuracy
The 17 Caliber has minimal recoil, making it perfect for beginners and people with a low tolerance for recoil. On the other hand, the 22 caliber has moderate recoil, making it ideal for people who are used to firearms’ recoil. When it comes to accuracy, both calibers are highly accurate, but the 17 caliber takes the lead with its pinpoint accuracy.
Bullet Size and Weight
The 17 caliber bullet is smaller in size and weighs between 17-25 grains. The 22 bullet, on the other hand, is larger and weighs between 30-40 grains. The size and weight of the bullet affect its accuracy, velocity, and trajectory.
Velocity and Accuracy
The 17 caliber bullet has a higher velocity than the 22 bullet. The high velocity makes it suitable for long-range shooting and varmint hunting. The 22 bullet has a moderate velocity, making it suitable for plinking, target shooting, and small game hunting. Both bullets have high accuracy, but the 17 caliber bullet has a slight edge over the 22 bullet.
Recoil and Noise
The 17 caliber bullet has low recoil and produces less noise than the 22 bullet. The 22 bullet, on the other hand, has moderate recoil and produces a loud noise. The recoil and noise produced by the bullet affect the shooter’s comfort and accuracy.
Price per Round
The 17 caliber bullet is more expensive than the 22 bullet. The price per round of the 17 caliber bullet is around $0.35, while the 22 bullet is around $0.05. The price difference may not seem significant, but it can add up quickly, especially for frequent shooters.
Applications and Uses
The 17 caliber bullet is suitable for long-range shooting, varmint hunting, and competitive shooting. The 22 bullet is suitable for plinking, target shooting, small game hunting, and self-defense.
Hunting and Shooting
The 17 caliber is perfect for small game hunting, while the 22 caliber is ideal for both small and medium game hunting. Both calibers are great for target and sport shooting.
Why Choose 17 Caliber over 22?
- High velocity and accuracy
- Suitable for long-range shooting and varmint hunting
- Low recoil and noise
Pros of 17 Caliber
- Faster velocity
- Smaller bullet size
- Lighter recoil
- Ideal for small game hunting
Cons of 17 Caliber
- Expensive
- Limited applications and uses
Pros of 22
- Bigger bullet size
- Less expensive
- Suitable for medium game hunting
- Good range
Cons of 22
- Lower velocity and accuracy compared to 17 caliber
- Limited range and applications
17 Caliber Vs 22: Which is the Best and Why You Choose?
Choosing between the 17 Caliber and 22 cartridges depends on your hunting needs. If you are hunting small game, the 17 Caliber is ideal for you, while the 22 is better for medium game hunting. However, if you’re looking for a cartridge with a good range, the 22 is the better option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 17 caliber vs 22 debate is a matter of personal preference and shooting needs. Both bullets have their pros and cons, and it’s up to you to choose the one that suits you best. We hope this article has helped you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference between a .17 caliber and a .22 caliber is the size of the bullet. .17 caliber bullets are significantly smaller than .22 caliber bullets. The .17 caliber bullet is about half the size of a .22 caliber bullet.
It depends on what type of game you are hunting. Generally, the .22 caliber is the most versatile and is suitable for small game such as squirrels and rabbits. The .17 caliber is best suited for varmint hunting or shooting small targets at close range.
Generally, yes. The .17 caliber has a flatter trajectory than the .22 caliber, making it more accurate at longer ranges.
The .22 caliber has more stopping power than the .17 caliber due to its larger bullet size.
No, the .17 caliber is not more powerful than the .22 caliber. The .22 caliber has more energy and delivers more energy to the target than the .17 caliber.
Peter B Brewster is an avid writer who loves to share his knowledge about scopes, binoculars, mounts, sights, and other related products. He has been writing for several years and has gained a reputation for his expertise in the field.
