Switch .22lr for .22 wmr or .17 hmr

[BelMali]

Currently have a .22lr, I'm awaiting a cert for a .222 rem, specifically for Foxes.

I want to swap, or Im thinking of swapping, my .22lr for either a .17 hmr or .22 wmr. My reasoning being I don't target shoot anymore so I've only been using the .22lr for vermin. I want something with a bit more punch for rabbits at further ranges, and flatter for lamping, and should the occassional fox be in range.

I'll be honest I have a thing for the .22 wmr based off nothing but well I can't explain it I know the .17 hmr is more point and shoot, based off trajectory tables etc, but I'm looking for more real world opinions rather than just youtube videos and comparisons. It'll either be a CZ 457 in .22 wmr or a Tikka T1x in .17 hmr

I'll just note, I'm in the Rep of Ireland, before anyone suggests anything exotic that requires reloading, we, for all intents and purposes, can't do that here.

 

[Cogswell & Harrison]

First off, congratulations on your choice of .222 Remington.

I'm in the minority on this but I own and would heartily recommend a CZ457 in .22 WMR. If, and it's a big if, that you find it's not to your liking then a simple barrel swap to .17 HMR is achievable with the 457.

As I said, there will be many who would advocate .17 but it's not for me.

 

[Smellydog]

I've used both extensively and there is nothing in it except for the reasons you said. Flatter shooting in the 17.
The 22wmr is though plenty flat over 100 yards.
I found no difference in performance on Charlie.

 

[Herb64]

One of the best things I did was change from 17 HMR to 22 WMR.

 

[VssF]

I cant comment from authority of the cal but I've put in for my fac after a 5 year hiatus. I used to have a .22LR and. 17HMR but decided to put in for a 22LR n 22wmr this time. It was an itch that needed scratching. The waiting game begins.

 

[VssF]

Please keep me posted what you decide

 

[Foxyboy43]

Funny thing is I had a .22 wmr and loved it, shot plenty of bunnies and occasional foxes without any problems. Then I switched to .17hmr and have stayed with it for 10 years or more - a flat shooting bunnybuster as far out as you want to shoot and enough poke for occasional opportunistic foxing.

 

[Drum123]

Got both , use the 17 more but that's more to do with ammunition availability locally.
Nothing in it really as far as useable range , maybe the 17 edges it but that's got to depend on the accuracy of the individual rifle. I'd certainly look at ammunition availability and base my choice round that

 

[BelMali]

Thanks for all the responses, I won't clog up the thread by quote replying each comment.

@Cogswell & Harrison
Yea I'm looking forward to getting the .222, if its granted, slowest application Ive ever put in.

Swapping out barrels is treated like a seperate firearm here, but it is feasible if I found .22 wmr wasn't suiting

@Smellydog
Thanks, thats kind of what I wanted to hear

@Herb64
Oh really? What did you find better with the .22 wmr? knock down power?

@seanct
Itch is a good way of describing my feeling towards .22 wmr, tbh if I could keep my .22lr I probably would but id still be choosing between .22wmr and .17hmr anyways
Ill keep you posted

@Foxyboy43
Thanks for the input and the youtibe vid.

@Drum123
Tbh ammo is available for both, problem in Ireland is the variety of loads for both calibers

 

[Herb64]

@BelMali yes

 

[63]

I ran a 22wmr for a long time, found it ideal as an all-rounder for rabbits, pests and the occasional fox. It was more authoritative than a 17hmr.

 

[BelMali]

@BelMali yes

Thank you

 

[BelMali]

I ran a 22wmr for a long time, found it ideal as an all-rounder for rabbits, pests and the occasional fox. It was more authoritative than a 17hmr.

That is what I'm looking for, I've dealt with many vermin with my .22lr, and a few foxes(guesstimating sub 40m but they all dropped on the spot) but that is what Im looking for, point and shoot with knock down power.

 

[Brad93]

I'd never get rid of my .22LR.

So quiet.

.17HMR is a cracking (excuse the pun) round though, i've got an anschutz and it's a lovely rifle just wanted the longer 18" barrel really.

 

[BelMali]

I'd never get rid of my .22LR.

So quiet.

.17HMR is a cracking (excuse the pun) round though, i've got an anschutz and it's a lovely rifle just wanted the longer 18" barrel really.

I was using my .22lr for target shooting/vermin control, now that I'm not doing target shooting Id prefer something like I said with a bit more reach and power.

I already had a job when I submitted fot my .222, if I was to keep my .22lr and put in for a .22wmr or .17hmr it would honestly be too much hassle, its a bit of a postcode lottery here in Ireland.

 

[Smellydog]

point and shoot with knock down power.

That might not happen! Expect them to run!
I always get a second shot in if I can with any rimfire!

 

[Rake Aboot]

Keep the .22lr
Far more versatile than any of the others .

As far as WMR or hmr then WMR all the way
Enjoyed mine while I had it

 

[BelMali]

Keep the .22lr
Far more versatile than any of the others .

As far as WMR or hmr then WMR all the way
Enjoyed mine while I had it

I had an awful time "justifying" my .222 application, still hasn't been granted yet.

If I go looking to keep my .22lr and add another rimfire I think it would be unlilely to be granted, a substitution is just easier

 

[Sash]

I have a .222Rem, - love it.
And I have a Sako Quad with a .22LR barrel and a .22WMR barrel.
When I first acquired it, I considered getting a .17HMR barrel as well - glad I did not do that since, as it turns out, the WMR barrel pretty much lives on the rifle - I only put the .22LR barrel on for the odd competition.
The WMR is great for foxes, the odd crow, Canadas up to about 125 metres - for anything bigger/further away, the .222Rem comes out.

 

[MAH]

Currently have a .22lr, I'm awaiting a cert for a .222 rem, specifically for Foxes.

If you're getting a 222 (great choice), I suggest you keep the 22lr.
The fantastic thing about 22lr, a moderator and sub sonic ammo is they are quite.
Your 222 will cover the gap you are trying to fill with the 17hmr and 22wmr.

M