A Look Back at the History of These Rimfire Legends
The .22 Long Rifle
The .22 Long Rifle boasts a heritage that stretches back well over a century. Born from a lineage of .22 rimfire cartridges, the .22 LR rapidly gained traction due to its simplicity, affordability, and versatility. Its widespread adoption coincided with the rise of mass-produced firearms, solidifying its place as a staple for recreational shooting, target practice, small game hunting, and even military training. The cartridge’s enduring popularity stems from its remarkably balanced blend of performance and cost-effectiveness. The .22 LR has become synonymous with the rimfire experience, a testament to its lasting legacy. It’s a round that has introduced generations of shooters to the sport, providing a gateway to marksmanship and a fundamental understanding of firearms. The .22 LR’s long history is a story of continuous refinement, adapting to the ever-changing demands of shooters around the globe.
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, in contrast, is a relative newcomer to the scene. Developed in the early 2000s, the .17 HMR was engineered with a clear objective: to deliver exceptional velocity and pinpoint accuracy, particularly at longer ranges. This cartridge was a direct response to the need for a rimfire option that could provide superior performance in varmint hunting and target shooting scenarios where flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift are paramount. Built upon a necked-down .22 WMR case, the .17 HMR immediately generated significant excitement among shooters seeking a more potent rimfire option. The .17 HMR quickly earned a loyal following, gaining traction with hunters and target shooters alike. This new offering presented a significant step forward in rimfire capabilities.
Unveiling the Ballistic Realities
Velocity and Trajectory
The .17 HMR is celebrated for its ballistic prowess. The .17 HMR launches a lightweight, high-velocity bullet, typically in the range of 17 grains. These tiny projectiles leave the muzzle at velocities that often exceed feet per second, a significant advantage over most .22 LR loads. This blistering speed translates to a noticeably flatter trajectory, a crucial factor when engaging targets at distances beyond a hundred yards. The increased velocity also leads to a significant advantage in terms of effective range. The .17 HMR retains its velocity and energy far better at distance.
The .22 Long Rifle, in comparison, typically fires bullets weighing between 36 to 40 grains, although some lighter and heavier options exist. The velocity is generally lower, often ranging from approximately to feet per second depending on the specific ammunition. While the .22 LR’s velocity may be less striking than that of the .17 HMR, its heavier bullets retain energy differently, and its performance is still quite reasonable at the ranges for which it is best suited. The .22 LR’s trajectory is generally a bit more curved than the .17 HMR, which can require more precise holdover adjustments at longer distances.
Impact Energy
When we delve into the impact energy, the .17 HMR’s higher velocity translates to greater energy on impact, especially at longer ranges. While the .22 LR may have a slightly greater initial energy at the muzzle, the .17 HMR’s superior ability to maintain its velocity results in more energy at typical hunting ranges. This characteristic gives the .17 HMR an advantage in terms of terminal ballistics, contributing to greater effectiveness in taking down small game and varmints.
Wind Drift
Wind drift is another crucial factor that sets these two cartridges apart. The .17 HMR’s higher velocity and flatter trajectory make it less susceptible to the effects of wind. This means that the bullet will travel a straighter path and less of an adjustment is needed to compensate. The .22 LR, with its slower velocity, is more significantly affected by wind, requiring shooters to make more precise adjustments to account for wind drift, especially at extended ranges. This is a critical factor for precision shooting and hunting in windy conditions.
Deciphering Bullet Performance and Terminal Ballistics
Bullet Types
The .17 HMR often utilizes lighter, faster-moving bullets. These bullets are often constructed with thin jackets and hollow point designs. The design allows for rapid expansion upon impact. The rapid expansion creates a devastating effect, which leads to effective performance when hunting smaller animals. The .17 HMR’s fast-moving bullet and rapid expansion are key to delivering energy on impact, causing immediate and often dramatic effects on small game.
The .22 LR bullet comes in a wider variety of types. Many popular .22 LR rounds feature a round-nose or solid bullet. Other common options include hollow points, and some even have segmented designs for improved expansion and fragmentation. The .22 LR’s terminal performance can vary significantly depending on the bullet type. Hollow points offer good expansion on impact, while solid bullets are known for excellent penetration. This makes the .22 LR a versatile round that can be tailored to a wide range of shooting applications.
Hunting Applications
When considering hunting applications, the .17 HMR shines when targeting small game such as prairie dogs, groundhogs, rabbits, and other varmints at distances out to 150-200 yards. The .17 HMR’s flatter trajectory, higher velocity, and effective expansion allow for clean kills at ranges the .22 LR might struggle.
The .22 LR is exceptionally well-suited for hunting small game at shorter distances, and its light recoil makes it a comfortable choice for beginners. Its limitations come into play at longer ranges, where wind drift and energy loss become more significant. However, at ranges under 75 yards, the .22 LR remains a very capable cartridge. The .22 LR provides an excellent option for pest control around farms and for controlling invasive species.
Firearms and Ammunition: The Practical Realities
Firearm Availability
The .22 LR enjoys a massive selection of firearms chambered for the round. This widespread availability ranges from bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, and pistols. The .22 LR platform is exceptionally affordable, providing a wide range of options from budget-friendly plinkers to high-end target rifles. The abundance of firearms available in .22 LR makes it an exceptionally accessible round.
The .17 HMR, while not as prolific as the .22 LR, is still well-represented in the firearms market. You can find bolt-action rifles are the most common type of .17 HMR firearm. The market also includes semi-automatic rifles, although these are less common. While the initial cost of .17 HMR rifles may be slightly higher than some entry-level .22 LR options, the selection is growing.
Ammunition Costs and Availability
Ammunition costs are a critical consideration for any shooter. The .22 LR is famous for its incredibly low ammunition prices. A box of 50 rounds can often be purchased for a price that makes it an incredibly affordable option for practice. The .17 HMR ammunition typically costs more than .22 LR, which is partially reflected by its performance and specialized components. When considering large amounts of ammunition, it’s something to keep in mind.
The .22 LR ammunition is available virtually everywhere. It can be found in a wide range of retail outlets, online retailers, and gun stores. The .17 HMR ammunition is still easily accessible, but may not be as readily available. Both rounds are widely available, but the .22 LR is the more prolific in terms of distribution.
Reloading
While neither round is typically reloaded by most, it is theoretically possible to reload .22 LR, although it is often considered impractical. The .17 HMR cartridges are typically not reloaded at all.
Precision and Practicality: Gauging Accuracy and Impact
Accuracy
Accuracy is a critical factor for any shooter. The .22 LR, with the right firearm and ammunition, is known for producing excellent accuracy. The precision potential is particularly impressive at short to medium ranges. Many target shooters and competition marksmen have achieved remarkable results with .22 LR rifles, showcasing the round’s inherent accuracy potential.
The .17 HMR is lauded for its inherent accuracy, especially at longer distances. Its flatter trajectory, combined with high-quality manufacturing, contributes to its ability to achieve tight groups at ranges where the .22 LR may begin to falter. Many .17 HMR rifles are capable of producing sub-MOA groups, a testament to their accuracy capabilities.
Recoil and Noise
Recoil is negligible in both cartridges. This lack of recoil makes both .22 LR and .17 HMR a great option for beginners. The near-absence of recoil also enables rapid follow-up shots, which is useful in target shooting or hunting.
Noise levels are also important. The .22 LR is very quiet and suitable for those who prioritize low sound. The .17 HMR is louder than the .22 LR due to the higher velocity. For those seeking quieter shooting, a suppressor can be used with the .22 LR.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Each Round
.22 LR Pros and Cons
The .22 LR offers unparalleled affordability. Its low ammunition costs allow for vast amounts of practice. Firearms in .22 LR are plentiful and inexpensive. The round is very quiet, which makes it ideal for backyard shooting and pest control. Its low recoil is very friendly to beginners. However, the trajectory is more curved, and the effective range is shorter, especially in windy conditions. Its energy delivery is lower at longer ranges compared to the .17 HMR.
.17 HMR Pros and Cons
The .17 HMR boasts a flatter trajectory, which reduces the need for holdover adjustments at longer ranges. The .17 HMR delivers higher velocities, which increases the effective range, especially in windy conditions. It has the potential for excellent accuracy in appropriate firearms. It also offers increased energy at longer ranges compared to the .22 LR. The .17 HMR has a higher ammunition cost than the .22 LR. It is also a louder round.
Making the Right Choice: Which Round Fits Your Needs?
The optimal choice hinges on individual priorities. For those prioritizing the most economical option, the .22 LR remains the undisputed champion. If your focus is on plinking, small game hunting at shorter ranges, or introducing new shooters to the sport, the .22 LR is an excellent choice. Its affordability and ease of use make it an accessible option.
If your shooting goals include longer-range varmint hunting, precise target shooting, or a desire for a flatter trajectory, the .17 HMR is a more sensible choice. The .17 HMR’s superior ballistics, especially in windy conditions, allows for more accurate shots at extended distances.
In Conclusion
The .17 HMR and .22 LR are both worthy contenders in the rimfire arena. The .22 LR provides a classic, budget-friendly experience suitable for a wide variety of shooters. The .17 HMR offers enhanced performance and longer-range capabilities, especially for those with specific hunting or target shooting objectives. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs. Evaluate your priorities, consider the potential use cases, and select the rimfire cartridge that aligns with your shooting style and goals. Happy shooting!
