I disagree. Energy is a valid measure of the amount of work the projectile will do. Unlike most of the "formulas" invented it has a sound scientific basis. In my humble experience it also has done a pretty good job (along with projectile construction) of explaining wound channels from 17HMR to 12 Gauge Slugs and everything in between.
We agree however that the 22Mag has more oomph than the 17. Energy, momentum, cross-sectional area, any way you cut it the 22 Mag hits harder.
We do agree on the .22 magnum but that's it...
Holes kill critters, not "energy"...
"energy" may make them fly farther or blow up more but holes kills stuff....
A .223 through the heart kills better than 7,000 ft lbs. of energy up the ass...
Energy is a prehistoric measurement utilized before the last decade of unbelievable projectiles available to the masses that makes any and all energy arguments moot...
Add in the fact that you're even talking "energy" with cartridges so relatively puny is just grasping at straws IMHO...
But regardless, the .22 magnum trumps it in all regards related to killing...
