Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires Why 22mag when 17HMR is so much better?

You are mistaken sir. The energy released on impact is a function of both velocity and weight. So if you boost up velocity and reduce bullet weight you can still deliver way more energy on target. I have seen lots of ground squirrels hit by 22mag and 17HMR and the latter does a much better job of killing. A large part of this the explosive effect of the 17HMr on impact.

A 22mag might be better in cases where you need penetration into the animal in order to damage vital organs. On the vast majority of small mammals, include coons and fox, a 17HMR will be more effective.