Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Rimfires 22 Mag or 17 HMR?

My dad recently started rumbling about wanting a 22 Mag for some close in groundhog shooting (fields too small for centerfires, but wanting a bit more punch than a LR).

Then yesterday, we hit a local gunshop while out running around, and they had a very nice used Marlin 17VS sitting on the rack. Seems that now he's got the itch for something that he has zero experience with.

Anyway, I've always been a straight LR shooter. For those that have experience with the "other" rimfires, two questions...

Would you go 22 Mag or 17 HMR (and why)?

Secondly, can anybody recommend a reasonably priced, accurate, rifle in one chambering or the other?

Thanks!

I'll tell you this right now.

I have messed with just about every sub $1K 17HMR bolt rifle made in the last 10 years. I also shot a lot of fine 22 mags during the 20 years bofore that.

For the Money- you WILL NOT buy a better made nor more accurate Magnum rimfire rifle than that Marin 17VS (which is no longer made).

I have never seen one once properly broken in that was not a SOLID MOA rifle with an entire clip full of ammo. Many have crowded 1/2 MOA with their favorite loads.

If your dad gets into the Marlin for the right amount of ($$ $250 or so) then it will be no problem for him to sell it down the road if he wants something different.

One thing to discuss with your dad is IMHO hunting groundhogs with a rimfire magnum(any caliber) is about like hunting deer with a .223. Yes - it will kill cleanly- but accurate placement of the shots is a must- there is no room for error. The 17HMR exterior ballistics help with that greatly. Out to 125 yards is shoots straight as a string and can hit a quarter with it every shot if you are up to it.

I've had three .17HMRs since they've been introduced, and I concur with jim62's post. I did not sell any of them, but gave one to a friend who just "needed one" since he didn't have one :^) . I've still got two, and will probably add a .22 Mag barrel to the CZ455 just because I can do so.

I've made 250 yard, one shot kills on prairie dogs with my Marlin, something I wouldn't have thought possible. It's a heckuva cartridge for a rimfire.

Buy both!!


You live once.....

Thanks to all for the positive reinforcement.

Looks like a run back to the shop on Monday to sate his appetite. BTW, they want $300 for it, in excellent condition, with some cheapish scope on it. I guess he's not stealing it, but not too far out of line either.

As for this:



He's 71 years old, and been killing 'hogs for many many years. He has started hitting a few smaller fields, where a 223/22-250/etc just wouldn't be welcome. He is smart enough to realize the shortcomings of a rimfire (though we've killed a bunch with the straight 22 LR version over the years), so it sounds like it may be just what is needed for some of these places.

Thanks again!

I would get a 22 Magnum if you want to shoot groundhogs. The 17 HMR required head and neck shots to anchor the groundhogs I tried to shoot. The 22 Magnum will kill with body shots. The 17 HMR was more accurate than the 22 Magnum, but considering the distances you would be using it, I would not worry about it. I got rid of the 17 HMR and now only have a 22 Magnum and I don't miss the 17.

I would recommend the CZ 452 and 453 rifles in whatever catridge you decide to get.

What does 17HMR ammo sell for in your area? That was the deciding factor for me when I had mine. 17 ammo around here went apeschitt. 16-18 a box. Premium 22mag can still be had for 10-12. If your shooting it in quantity that makes a helluva difference.

Yeah, I just bought a box of Winchester 40 grain hollowpoints for $11 and the store also had the Federal 50 grain for $10. I didn't look at the 17 HMR prices, but they have gone up for sure.

The 17HMR is going to be flatter shooting.. but the 22 Mag offers a heavier bullet for a heavier animal such as a ground hog..

I always struggle with the logic on the ones I have.. but for a guy who is 71, actually either one would make perfect sense..

if I make it that far, maybe mine will be more attractive to me then..

I have 22 mags in Marlin and Ruger and also a 17 in both Marlin and Ruger...plus one each in an NEF...

ever think of down loading your 223 with a Sierra 50gr blitz, better than the 17HMR and 22 mag, and just as loud

for groundhog a .22 mag hands down

There, you have it. That's the answer...

I have both. The .22WMR hits with a bit more thump, the .17 HMR is more accurate and has a more effective reach. FMJ CCI rounds in the .17 HMR kills hogs pretty well. Don't try that with the plastic tips. The most accurate .17 HMR round in my Anschutz 1717 is the CCI TNT, using the Speer HP bullet.

IMHO,

DF

For close in Groundhogs (out to about 125yds) I use my 22 WMR's (Savage/Anschutz 164M and Savage/Anschutz M54 sporters)and they have done a great job with the Rem. 33gr plastic tip bullets.
I'd find a good 22 WMR scope it and go shoot chucks.

Dirt Farmer..

try the 22 Mag ammo with the Polymer tips like the 17HMR has.. and you'll find them to be just as accurate...

at least in newer guns... the older ones seem to like the 40 grain bullets..

Thanks for the info. I'll give it a shot...

DF

Good suggetion except for the 40 grain pills. Luckily mine (old chuckster) likes the federal 50 gr. hollowpoint, which does a great job on coyotes as well as sagerats and other vermin...The 33gr. remington accutip (I think that's what they call them) works like gangbusters in the old girl too (1/2" groups at 50 yards...

To answer your question, I'd look at the savage or marlin 983 bolt action in 22 magnum. I'm like you though, if it's close range I'd opt for a good accurate 22 LR over either one....Much cheaper to shoot and the hp's will do their job..

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/firearms/22WinMagnum/983.asp

Try that Hornady 30gr. Vmax load. A buddy's CZ452 will shoot that load into a 1/2" @ 100 yards with it. I saw it happen, and when he let me shoot it, I could duplicate it. Good stuff, it almost swayed me into a .22 Mag, but the HMR is still my favorite, flatter shooting and better in the wind than most folks think.

22 mag hand down!

Mine didn't like the hornady's. It shot the cheap azz winchester's better....