17M2 or 22LR? (sorry for the confusing topic, I fixed it)

[handirifle]

For tree squirrel hunting, FOR MEAT!  Is the 17M2 as destructive as the HMR on squirrels?  My understanding is it is usually much more accurate, but how destructive is it?

Ruling out head shots on squirrels, cause I usually have to carry them a bit, it gets messy.

[myarmor]

If you are only hunting for Meat and food, then I would go with the 22LR. Solid lead bullets at slower speeds do not tear up as much meat as an explosive V-Max at around 2000 fps. The V-Max and Speer TNT bullets are designed for rapid expansion and to explode on impact. I haven't shot any animal with a 22LR that made as much damage as the little 17's. As for if the M2 is as distructive as a HMR... I can't say for blunt fact as I haven't shot a M2 - though lots of HMR's- ,  reason stands that the same exact bullet at a faster velocity will cause more damage.
I have hunted squirrels with all the Rimfires out there, other than the M2. And I have to say for me I like the old 22 for them specifically.
-Aaron

[handirifle]

Thanks Armor

[quickdtoo]

Here ya go...

Tim

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148019

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147613

And in case ya missed this at RFC, here's your left hand 17M2!

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143173

[handirifle]

Thanks Quick
Looks like they are out of production though.