Are you looking for a powerful and accurate ammunition for small game hunting? Look no further than the .17 Hmr and .22 Wmr. These two cartridges are popular among hunters and shooters alike for their versatility and precision. Let’s dive into the differences between the .17 Hmr vs .22 Wmr and find out which one is the best fit for your hunting needs.
Comparison Table
| Features | .17 Hmr | .22 Wmr |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Velocity | 2550 fps | 2100 fps |
| Bullet energy | 245 ft-lbs | 324 ft-lbs |
| Effective range | 200 yards | 150 yards |
| Bullet weight | 17 grains | 30 grains |
| Recoil | Low | Low |
| Accuracy | High | High |
.17 Hmr Vs .22 Wmr
.17 Hmr
If you’re looking for a small-caliber, high-velocity ammo type, .17 Hmr is the way to go. It has a bullet diameter of .172″, which is smaller than .22 Wmr. It can achieve a muzzle velocity of 2,550 fps, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting. .17 Hmr is highly accurate and has a flat trajectory, making it easier to hit your target. Moreover, it has low recoil, making it ideal for beginners.
.22 Wmr
On the other hand, .22 Wmr is a bit larger in diameter, with a bullet diameter of .224″. It has a muzzle velocity of 2,100 fps, making it ideal for small game hunting. While it is not as accurate as .17 Hmr, it is still a good option for shooting at moderate ranges. It also has a low recoil, making it easy to handle.
What’s the Difference?
The main difference between the two calibers is their bullet size and weight. The .17 Hmr uses a 17-grain bullet, whereas the .22 Wmr uses a 30-grain bullet. The .17 Hmr has a higher bullet velocity of 2550 fps and an effective range of 200 yards, while the .22 Wmr has a lower bullet velocity of 2100 fps and an effective range of 150 yards.
Bullet Diameter and Weight
The .17 Hmr has a bullet diameter of .172 inches and a weight of 17 grains, while the .22 Wmr has a bullet diameter of .224 inches and a weight of 40 grains. The smaller bullet of the .17 Hmr allows for a higher muzzle velocity, making it faster and flatter shooting. However, the larger bullet of the .22 Wmr provides more stopping power and is better for larger game.
Bullet Energy
The .22 Wmr has a higher bullet energy of 324 ft-lbs compared to the .17 Hmr’s 245 ft-lbs. This extra energy makes the .22 Wmr more suitable for hunting larger game.
Muzzle Velocity
The .17 Hmr has a muzzle velocity of 2,550 fps, while the .22 Wmr has a muzzle velocity of 1,800 fps. The higher velocity of the .17 Hmr allows for a flatter trajectory and more accurate shots at longer ranges. However, the .22 Wmr has more energy and stopping power at close ranges.
Trajectory
The .17 Hmr has a flatter trajectory than the .22 Wmr due to its higher muzzle velocity and smaller bullet diameter. This makes it easier to shoot accurately at longer ranges. The .22 Wmr has a more arched trajectory, making it better for shooting at shorter ranges and in wooded areas.
Recoil
Both the .17 Hmr and .22 Wmr have low recoil due to their small size and low power. This makes them easy to shoot and more comfortable for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
Accuracy
Both the .17 Hmr and .22 Wmr are highly accurate cartridges, with the .17 Hmr being slightly more accurate due to its flatter trajectory and higher muzzle velocity. However, the .22 Wmr is still a great choice for accurate shooting at shorter ranges.
Cost
In terms of cost, the .22 Wmr is generally cheaper than the .17 Hmr. However, the price of ammunition can vary depending on the brand and availability.
Decision
Based on the above comparison, it may depend on your personal preference and what you plan to use your rifle for. However, the .17 Hmr is generally better for target shooting and small game hunting, while the .22 Wmr is suitable for larger game hunting.
Why You Should Choose .17 Hmr Vs .22 Wmr
The .17 Hmr is faster and flatter shooting, making it better for longer ranges and open areas.
The .22 Wmr has more stopping power and is better for larger game and close ranges.
Both cartridges have low recoil and high accuracy, making them great choices for small game hunting.
Pros of .17 Hmr
- Higher bullet velocity and flatter trajectory
- Low recoil
- Suitable for small game hunting
- More precise shooting at longer ranges
Cons of .17 Hmr
- Smaller bullet diameter and weight
- Less stopping power for larger game
Pros of .22 Wmr
- More massive bullet, suitable for larger game hunting
- Cheaper ammunition
- Higher bullet energy
- Low recoil
Cons of .22 Wmr
- Slower muzzle velocity and more arched trajectory
- Less accurate at longer ranges
.17 Hmr Vs .22 Wmr: Which is the Best and Why You Choose?
In conclusion, both .17 Hmr and .22 Wmr have their pros and cons. The best caliber for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you plan to use your rifle for. If you’re targeting small game or shooting for fun, the .17 Hmr is an excellent choice. However, if you plan to hunt larger game, the .22 Wmr is a better choice.
Conclusion
The .17 Hmr and .22 Wmr are both excellent cartridges for small game hunting and plinking. While they have some differences in bullet diameter, muzzle velocity, trajectory, and stopping power, both cartridges are highly accurate and low recoil. Whether you choose the .17 Hmr or .22 Wmr, you can’t go wrong with either one for your small game hunting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: While both cartridges are designed for small game hunting, the .22 Wmr has more stopping power and may be suitable for larger game at close ranges.
The effective range of .17 Hmr is around 200 yards.
Both the .17 Hmr and .22 Wmr have low recoil due to their small size and low power.
22 Wmr is generally cheaper than .17 Hmr.
Yes, both cartridges are great for plinking due to their low recoil and high accuracy.
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.
