"T" BOLT---.22MAG VS .17HMR

[williamlayton]

Sell me on what you think is the best--at ranges too 200 yards.
Scope in question also.
I am leaning towards the .22 mag because of throat errosion reported on the .17HMR.
Blessings

[Ethan]

I have on in 17 HMR I have had clos to 1700 rounds through mine. I love it for groundhogs and tree rats (head shots only) All in all you cant go wrong with either one.

[briarpatch]

The two are not that far apart from what they will do, when you look at charts. I have never compared the two in the field. I would take the 22mag over the 17.

[pastorp]

William,

You should pm Ladobe for his insight, I know he says he was a big 22 caliber fan but after trying the 17s he switched. I have had no experience personally but remember reading his coments.
The Browning forum may not be the best place to ask a caliber question anyway...

Regards,

[mechanic]

At 100 yds and under, the 22 mag. hands down.  At over 100 yards, no doubt the .17.
 
Ben

[Rutin2tin]

Late to the party as usual.
I've owned a Marlin 782 22 WMRF since the mid 70's, and back in Spring 2004, I added a 17 HMRF rifle to the stable.
Couldn't get My hands on a Marlin in that caliber, so I opted for a bull barreled, wood stocked Savage 93RGV17 rifle.
The 17 HMRF shoots much flatter out to 150 yards, and as long as the wind is very light, the 17 is the superior varmint cartridge.
Windy conditions, forget about the 17 magnum and pick up the 22 magnum.
The 22 magnum ammunition is less expensive as well.

If I could only own one of the two calibers, I'd prolly opt for the old standby.....22 WMRF.

[tatonka]

I own both and each has their place. The 17 HMR has great expansion on soft targets out to 100yards or so. I use it primarily for starling control and occasionally for tree squirrels (head shots only). I use the 22 mags for coyotes out to 50 yards or so on coyotes but I would never use the 17 HMR on a coyote. It lacks penetration. Accuracy gives a slight edge to the 17HMR providing there is no wind. I've shot the 22 mag for many years and it is my favorite rimfire. Good shooting

[Drilling Man]

  I've used both, as far as killing power on bigger animals, the 22 mag. is superior.  I no longer have any 17's.
 
  DM

[Val]

At 100 yds and under, the 22 mag. hands down.  At over 100 yards, no doubt the .17.
 
Ben

I agree with Ben. I have a 22 mag which I like very much. In my opinion, the max effective range is about 150yds.