{"id":13450,"date":"2024-01-17T20:20:27","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T20:20:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/?p=13450"},"modified":"2024-04-11T03:06:15","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T03:06:15","slug":"17-hmr-vs-22lr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/17-hmr-vs-22lr\/","title":{"rendered":"17 HMR VS 22LR"},"content":{"rendered":"

Buckle up, we’re driving headfirst into the ultimate rimfire cartridge showdown \u2013 the 17 HMR VS 22LR. These little guys pack a punch in their own right and have their own fan clubs. So, grab your popcorn (or gun oil) as we break down the history, practical uses, ballistics, bullet types, and wallet-friendly factors of these mini powerhouses.<\/span><\/p>\n

17 HMR VS 22LR<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You could call this comparison a blast from the past vs. a modern marvel. In terms of performance, the .17 HMR outpaces the larger diameter .22LR bullet. It has roughly double the velocity (2,500 FPS VS 1,200 FPS) and energy (240 FT LBS VS 120 FT LBS) than the .22LR. The .17 HMR achieves these feats by using a longer case, and a lighter grain weight bullet.<\/span><\/p>\n

The LR in 22LR stands for “Long Rifle.” That’s so you don’t get it confused with .22 Short or .22 Longs. By comparison, the HMR in .17 HMR stands for “Hornady Rimfire Magnum.” The .22LR is widely considered the most affordable rimfire round to shoot, while the .17 HMR is considered to be the better option for varmint hunting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Quick History Lesson<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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17 HMR VS 22LR: The .22LR (Top) is a rimfire classic, while the .17 HMR (Bottom) is the new kid on the block.<\/p><\/div>\n

We’ve got the OG .22 Long Rifle (22LR) in one corner, rockin’ it since the late 1800s. This cartridge has seen it all, evolving from black powder to the smokeless stuff that changed the game. It was like the kid who showed up with a new toy and became the playground legend. Everyone loved it, and why not? Affordable, low recoil, and versatile \u2013 it was the one-stop-shop for shooting enthusiasts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then there’s the shiny new contender, the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (17 HMR), which made its grand entrance in 2002. It’s like the rookie of the year, teaming up with Marlin and Ruger to create a cartridge that takes accuracy and performance up a notch. The .17 HMR wasn’t content with just being good \u2013 it wanted to be exceptional. It tried to redefine what was possible in the rimfire world.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Cartridge Specs<\/th>\n.22 Long Rifle<\/th>\n.17 HMR<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Parent Casing<\/td>\n.22 Long<\/td>\n.22 WMR<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bullet Diameter<\/td>\n.223<\/span>“<\/td>\n.172<\/span>“<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Neck Diameter<\/td>\n.226″<\/td>\n.190″<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Base\u00a0Diameter<\/td>\n.226″<\/td>\n.238″<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Case Length<\/td>\n.613″<\/span><\/td>\n1.058″<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Overall Length<\/td>\n.888″<\/span><\/td>\n1.349″<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Grain Weight<\/td>\n29gr-60gr<\/td>\n15gr-20gr<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Max Pressure (SAMMI)<\/td>\n24,000 PSI<\/td>\n26,000 PSI<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

Jack-of-All-Trades VS The Varmint Sniper<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hold onto your holsters, folks! The .22LR is the MacGyver of cartridges<\/a>. It’s everywhere and does it all. Plinking, target practice, introducing newbies to the gun world \u2013 this guy’s got you covered. It’s like a trusted friend who always has a solution, no matter the situation. Got tin cans lined up? The .22LR is your partner in crime. Do you just want to have a chill day at the range? The .22LR’s got your back.<\/span><\/p>\n

But then, the .17 HMR struts in, all sophisticated. It’s got its eyes set on varmint hunting and target shooting. When you want to put the bullseye on small critters from a distance, the .17 HMR is your wingman. It’s like your friend who’s really into precision and wants to hit the bullseye dead-on every single time. Whether you’re dealing with pesky rodents or going for bragging rights in a shooting competition, the .17 HMR is your go-to choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Deadly At Range?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let’s talk science, shall we? The .22LR rolls with 30 to 40-grain bullets, cruising at subsonic speeds. It’s your go-to buddy for the short to medium range. That buddy is up for anything \u2013 from a lazy day at the range to some impromptu plinking. You don’t need to worry about fancy calculations or wind deflections. Just point, shoot, and have a blast.<\/span><\/p>\n

But here’s where the .17 HMR sneaks in with its 17-grain bullets that fly at warp speed. Translation: flatter trajectory, less bullet drop, and wind? Pfft, like that\u2019s even a challenge! Shooting far? Yeah, the .17 HMR’s got that covered. It’s like the buddy who’s been practicing their trick shots and is now ready to show off. Whether for long-range targets or varmint hunting at extended distances \u2013 the .17 HMR is the marksman’s best friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ballistics<\/b><\/h2>\n
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The .17 HMR is a ballistic screamer compared to the almost sub-sonic .22LR round.<\/p><\/div>\n

Comparing the ballistics of 17 HMR VS 22LR, the differences become apparent quickly:<\/p>\n