17HMR or ?

https://Immersive-optics.com/
A

adi

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Hi,
I've got 22LR and got 17HMR as well, which I've been using for pest control. 17HMR I really like it for long range bunnies (not much drop), but thinking to change it to something else for mid/long range including foxing. So not sure what caliber people usually prefer over 17HMR, based on bullet drop, ammo not too expensive etc?

Thinking to either get variation and get another caliber or give up 17HMR and get the suggested one.
Thanks
 
.22wmr if you want to keep with the rimfire, if you reload then have a look at a hornet but personally forget them if you dont or like old keeper says the .204 is now very popular but for me personally I would look for a nice litlle .222
 
As Sir-lamp-alot says, the 222 is an excellent foxing round as is the 204 or even the 243. All will deal with doxes at normal shooting distances (it depends what your definition of long-range is). All three of these calibres will tend to destroy rabbits as well as killing them. At the end of the day, you pays your money and takes your choice.
 
Are you likely to want to go after Muntjac or CWD in the future? If you do a 222 or 223 might be a good option.
If you fancy reaching out further with the potential of longer shots on crows and capable for foxes too a 204 Ruger is worth looking at.
The hornets are good too if you happen to reload they can be very cheap to feed too.
I could just tell you what I have is the best, but I am not going to.
What I will do is give you some questions to ask yourself.
The first is as above, small deer?
How far do you want to reach out?
Are you going to reload?
What ammunition can you get easily if not?
What is your budget?
My 222 for instance was considerably cheaper than a 223 of the same model.
Hard to say what would be best for you. But asking the above might narrow it down for you.
 
Thanks, I do have 243, for deer. Just wanna go for a better replacement I can use rather than 17 HMR mainly for rabbits/Bunnies. Is 22WMR/222 a lot louder as compared to 17?
 
Sonicdmb73 said:
Are you likely to want to go after Muntjac or CWD in the future? If you do a 222 or 223 might be a good option.
If you fancy reaching out further with the potential of longer shots on crows and capable for foxes too a 204 Ruger is worth looking at.
The hornets are good too if you happen to reload they can be very cheap to feed too.
I could just tell you what I have is the best, but I am not going to.
What I will do is give you some questions to ask yourself.
The first is as above, small deer?
How far do you want to reach out?
Are you going to reload?
What ammunition can you get easily if not?
What is your budget?
My 222 for instance was considerably cheaper than a 223 of the same model.
Hard to say what would be best for you. But asking the above might narrow it down for you.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Won't be using for deer, and not reloading, may be in future at some point I will.
range wise I am looking to shoot up to 250/300 yards max, 17 HMR felt easy to get on like zeroing 100 yards, up to 200 yards I don't have to mess with elevation.

I would also like to know how much does the ammo usually cost for 222/22WMR and 204 suggested so far.

Thanks all so far for ur inputs.
 
The .22 is great for rabbits. The .17 is great for longer range rabbits and will cope with a fox at a reasonable range if one happens along. So I'd be tempted to keep 'em both and get a .22 centrefire of choice for foxes. Although ammo will be more expensive for that, there are, of course far less foxes than rabbits generally so you won't use as much. As for which .22 centrefire to get, there's about 101 threads on here about that. Fill your boots. But they'll all do the job quite well so I wouldn't get too hung up on on any one of them.
 
J.kerslake said:
Get rid of the .22 for a .222🤷‍♂️

why is that nonsense?!
Click to expand...
Two reasons. Firstly, if I'm understanding your strange gunlaws, a .22LR and a .222 don't fall under the same category. You could own both without crossing wires of the local authorities. If that is true, then it wouldn't be an either-or proposition.

That said, the second reason comes into play: No shooter worth their salt should be without a good 22LR! (at least in my opinion) I would have advised to get rid of the 17HMR and buy a .222. The deuce is a fine cartridge that puts the 17HMR in the closet with regards to accuracy and range. ~Muir
 
Muir said:
Two reasons. Firstly, if I'm understanding your strange gunlaws, a .22LR and a .222 don't fall under the same category. You could own both without crossing wires of the local authorities. If that is true, then it wouldn't be an either-or proposition.

That said, the second reason comes into play: No shooter worth their salt should be without a good 22LR! (at least in my opinion) I would have advised to get rid of the 17HMR and buy a .222. The deuce is a fine cartridge that puts the 17HMR in the closet with regards to accuracy and range. ~Muir
Click to expand...
It also put the .22 in the closet...in my opinion! I’ve got a 17hmr, .222 and a swede, swapped my .22 for the swede and kept hold of the hmr. 17hmr will do twice as much as the .22...in my opinion!
 
Bah! How many different varieties of 17HMR can you get? And is their any loading that will elevate it beyond the class of a bantam weight vermin cartridge? Not likely. Having an HMR and a .222 is like having a varmint rifle and a varmint rifle wanabe.

The 22LR on the other hand, has a multitude of cartridges that can be utilized for many situations. From a 20 grain bullet that operates at air-rifle velocities, to a 60 grain Subsonic designed for large bipeds. In between there are all manners of cartridges including tracers. Accuracy potential of the cartridge s unquestionable. The quality of the ammo is generally, far better than the HMR's track run.

Nope. From the Olympics to the cabbage patch, the 22LR is indispensable. ~Muir
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

For Sale: CZ 455/457 .17 HMR 20" Varmint Barrel and magazine for sale, threaded 1/2" for moderator
Replies
3
Views
287
andyk
andyk
First rifle
Replies
18
Views
887
Robby56
Robby56
Introducing myself
Replies
2
Views
226
bullet chucker
B
Caliber increase, change shot placement or both?
2
Replies
35
Views
2K
25 Sharps
25 Sharps
Variation query
Replies
5
Views
483
Edinburgh Rifles
Edinburgh Rifles
Shooting Supplies : Ammo - Reloading - Firearms - Optics - Accessories
Back
Top