22WMR to replace 22LR/17HMR??

[Muir]

The 22WMR can be every bot as accurate as the HMR provided you find the right ammo. Chambers are not as standardized as HMR and the ammo is not made by one maker, as is HMR. So if you are interested in WMR, and I am a huge fan, make sure you have a selection of ammo available. If your shop carries one kind, you could be screwed if your rifle doesn't like it.

I have about 7 WMR's. Do not get a cleaning fetish with WMR. You will never get the best accuracy. My CZ 452 is a gem as is my Savage SSVL. Both rifles took 200 rounds to achieve their top accuracy. I doubt I've ever cleaned the barrels.
My BRNO 611? Loves everything but CCI MAxi MAg the most. ~Muir

 

[Smellydog]

I've heard of this saying that WMR is a better fox round but in my experience it's no different than HMR.
I shot a WMR for several years as my sole fox rifle and it was very good provided all shots were under 100yds.
The HMR though kills them beyond 100yds and is accurate and flat enough to put one through the ribs to...150+yards.


As with all the popular rimfires some shots will produce runners but they don't go far. Avoid head shots. Across the ribs, you know they are dead.
I don't own a 22 at the moment just two HMR rimfires.

 

[Foxyboy43]

Morning SD. My experiences with three foxes and the .17 were honestly not so good, one rib-shot stood in clear distress and a follow-up shot to the same place didn’t make much difference so a third, a head-shot, settled it. It was enough for me to decide not to use the 17 vmax on foxes again unless a clear head-shot was on. I was using 17gns Vmax which I know are pretty explosive on rabbits and I wonder would it have been a different result with 20gns -which to date I have only used on paper - same zero at 100yds so I would be interested to know what you and perhaps others use plz?

 

[Overlay]

Morning SD. My experiences with three foxes and the .17 were honestly not so good, one rib-shot stood in clear distress and a follow-up shot to the same place didn’t make much difference so a third, a head-shot, settled it. It was enough for me to decide not to use the 17 vmax on foxes again unless a clear head-shot was on. I was using 17gns Vmax which I know are pretty explosive on rabbits and I wonder would it have been a different result with 20gns -which to date I have only used on paper - same zero at 100yds so I would be interested to know what you and perhaps others use plz?

its been a while since I used a 17 HMR, as a bunny basher brilliant piece of kit, unfortunately on foxes not so good I experienced pretty well mirror of what you encountered, the rifle is long gone, I moved to the 22 hornet for foxes under a 100 mtrs and never looked back
I’ve just got a 22 WMR hopefully scoping up and zero this weekend, pretty happy for head shots on foxes to 50 mtrs when out Rabbiting it’s got that extra bit more than the 22 LR

 

[zerovarm]

I've heard of this saying that WMR is a better fox round but in my experience it's no different than HMR.
I shot a WMR for several years as my sole fox rifle and it was very good provided all shots were under 100yds.View attachment 293157
The HMR though kills them beyond 100yds and is accurate and flat enough to put one through the ribs to...150+yards.View attachment 293158


As with all the popular rimfires some shots will produce runners but they don't go far. Avoid head shots. Across the ribs, you know they are dead.
I don't own a 22 at the moment just two HMR rimfires.

100 yard rabbit/fox control for the wmr and 100-150 rabbit/fox for the hmr. Seems to be "good reason" to have and enjoy both
Would never part with my 452 or 611 in wmr but at same time love shooting my fathers T1x 17hmr. Options are good

 

[zerovarm]

its been a while since I used a 17 HMR, as a bunny basher brilliant piece of kit, unfortunately on foxes not so good I experienced pretty well mirror of what you encountered, the rifle is long gone, I moved to the 22 hornet for foxes under a 100 mtrs and never looked back
I’ve just got a 22 WMR hopefully scoping up and zero this weekend, pretty happy for head shots on foxes to 50 mtrs when out Rabbiting it’s got that extra bit more than the 22 LR

You will enjoy the wmr. And using 30gr Vmax there's no issues dropping a fox at 100 yards with a shot to the boiler room. Check the ballistics against the 22lr, significantly more energy.

 

[TringSaint]

The 22WMR can be every bot as accurate as the HMR provided you find the right ammo. Chambers are not as standardized as HMR and the ammo is not made by one maker, as is HMR. So if you are interested in WMR, and I am a huge fan, make sure you have a selection of ammo available. If your shop carries one kind, you could be screwed if your rifle doesn't like it.

I have about 7 WMR's. Do not get a cleaning fetish with WMR. You will never get the best accuracy. My CZ 452 is a gem as is my Savage SSVL. Both rifles took 200 rounds to achieve their top accuracy. I doubt I've ever cleaned the barrels.
My BRNO 611? Loves everything but CCI MAxi MAg the most. ~Muir

Ah, so a bit like the HMR which also seems to work better with a shot in barrel as opposed to a shiny clean one.

 

[TringSaint]

Morning SD. My experiences with three foxes and the .17 were honestly not so good, one rib-shot stood in clear distress and a follow-up shot to the same place didn’t make much difference so a third, a head-shot, settled it. It was enough for me to decide not to use the 17 vmax on foxes again unless a clear head-shot was on. I was using 17gns Vmax which I know are pretty explosive on rabbits and I wonder would it have been a different result with 20gns -which to date I have only used on paper - same zero at 100yds so I would be interested to know what you and perhaps others use plz?

Indeed, I wouldn’t use the HMR on a fox unless it was <30m and I could do a headshot. Taken one like this but the round is so small it hasn’t got the mass to penetrate deep into the animal to do the necessary damage.

 

[TringSaint]

I do think that a T2 or Guncraft WMR is on the cards for the sake of the HMR - just as capable and a lot more fun!

Just need to get a new job now and get the necessary reddies!!

What’s a trade in price for a used CZ 452 with a Nikko 4116x50 scope and per moderator?? £50? Or less??

 

[landkeeper]

Morning SD. My experiences with three foxes and the .17 were honestly not so good, one rib-shot stood in clear distress and a follow-up shot to the same place didn’t make much difference so a third, a head-shot, settled it. It was enough for me to decide not to use the 17 vmax on foxes again unless a clear head-shot was on. I was using 17gns Vmax which I know are pretty explosive on rabbits and I wonder would it have been a different result with 20gns -which to date I have only used on paper - same zero at 100yds so I would be interested to know what you and perhaps others use plz?

When I had a hmr I much preferred the 20grn non ballistic tip to the 17grn vmax ,I shot a lot of foxes with that bullet ,never had a problem in the bib or behind the shoulder and down they go

 

[Smellydog]

Morning SD. My experiences with three foxes and the .17 were honestly not so good, one rib-shot stood in clear distress and a follow-up shot to the same place didn’t make much difference so a third, a head-shot, settled it. It was enough for me to decide not to use the 17 vmax on foxes again unless a clear head-shot was on. I was using 17gns Vmax which I know are pretty explosive on rabbits and I wonder would it have been a different result with 20gns -which to date I have only used on paper - same zero at 100yds so I would be interested to know what you and perhaps others use plz?

Hello FB.
I have never had an issue, I have had to shoot again but rarely and no worse than with WMR.
I have had pass through a which I like. Two holes are better than one.
I found no difference with 20gn ammunition but definitely did not like the 50gn offerings in WMR. They zipped through with little to no expansion.
I really don't get folks issues with it on fox. Fox are not particularly super tough. I've shot enough with both rounds now to know non is better however the HMR will give you an advantage of you mis judge the range some.
I still do not recommend head shots with anything, especially rimfires! No matter how close!!

 

[kernowshooting]

A few mates have Guncraft WMR ARs. They have some intermittent issues, but Guncraft is apparently great to work with and will send you any parts you need, give advice, etc etc.

T2 - they have some exciting developments planned for release in the WMR area soon, give Richard a ring to find out a bit more.

There's a cheap used guncraft (or there was a few days ago!) On UKV if you want to go down that route.

My only hesitation with WMR is the ammo cost!

the gen 2 Guncraft AR's are good, fusier on ammo but I love mine but more for fun and rabbits to 75/80m, if i'm foxing, still prefer my .223 foraccuracy and take down. Can't guarantee the 22wmr will drop charlie every time like the .223 does..the 17 for rabbits 50-125m

 

[Foxyboy43]

Hello FB.
I have never had an issue, I have had to shoot again but rarely and no worse than with WMR.
I have had pass through a which I like. Two holes are better than one.
I found no difference with 20gn ammunition but definitely did not like the 50gn offerings in WMR. They zipped through with little to no expansion.
I really don't get folks issues with it on fox. Fox are not particularly super tough. I've shot enough with both rounds now to know non is better however the HMR will give you an advantage of you mis judge the range some.
I still do not recommend head shots with anything, especially rimfires! No matter how close!!

Aye - heads are generally a no-no for me too - call me old-fashioned or maybe just old but far too much chance of a dreadful long lingering death - my conscience simply precludes it. Interesting though that you have had great success with the wee bullet - I love them - fantastic accuracy and plenty of power for long range bunnies and as you can testify clearly, larger quarry.
Thanks.

 

[User00035]

Nothing can replace a .22 lr.

Plenty that can partner it, but nothing does what a .22 lr does better than a .22 lr.

Every gun cabinet should have one.

 

[Smellydog]

Nothing can replace a .22 lr.

Plenty that can partner it, but nothing does what a .22 lr does better than a .22 lr.

Every gun cabinet should have one.

I use to think the same but have not had a 22 for a couple of years now after decades of ownership. I always found it lacking, unless collecting dozens of rabbits for sale.
One day I may get another but for now the larger rimfire trump's a 22 for me, the shotguns cover a lot of a 22's arena to.

 

[gonzo]

Got my first wmr yesterday. It's my new favourite calibre of the week....
I'd just keep them all. But if not possible, would always keep a 22lr.

 

[Smellydog]

Well I've just had a super morning out with the HMR.
Seven squirrels I had.
I nearly had a a fox as it came towards me through long grass but the mere rustle of my coat as I tried to slip the rifle off my shoulder had it turn around and run off!
Got rid of a Canada from the hall grounds.
And shot a crow at silly distance with it. I'm not going to say how far because no one will believe it!

 

[Foxyboy43]

Well I've just had a super morning out with the HMR.
Seven squirrels I had.
I nearly had a a fox as it came towards me through long grass but the mere rustle of my coat as I tried to slip the rifle off my shoulder had it turn around and run off!
Got rid of a Canada from the hall grounds.
And shot a crow at silly distance with it. I'm not going to say how far because no one will believe it!View attachment 293602

Nice!

 

[Smellydog]

So I got offered some cheap old Hornady ammo the other day 12£/50.
Now I know this ammo is from the troubled period but it's fine, all I gotta do is look closely for the split ones.
This is what I look for.
That done I've got some cheap ammo with only six to be discarded in this box. Winner winner
I don't know how old the ammo is but it says 02 on the batch!

 

[TringSaint]

That’s the biggest issue with the HMR - split cases.

It’s when you keep them for a while and the damp gets in and it ends up being squib round time!!
Had that happen 4 times and it is a PITA!