A Tale of Two Cartridges: From Origins to Popularity
The crack of a rimfire rifle echoes across the fields, a sound synonymous with hunting, target practice, and simply enjoying the outdoors. Among the many rimfire cartridges available, two stand out as perennial favorites: the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR) and the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR). Both offer unique advantages and disadvantages, making the choice between them dependent on the individual shooter’s needs and preferences. This article will delve into a detailed comparison of these two popular rimfire rounds, providing the information you need to make an informed decision about which cartridge best suits your shooting style.
The world of rimfire cartridges is a fascinating one, and understanding the history of the .17 HMR and .22 WMR provides valuable context for their current appeal.
The .22 WMR, also known as the .22 Magnum, holds the distinction of being one of the first successful magnum rimfire cartridges. Introduced by Winchester in the late nineteen-fifties, the .22 WMR was designed to offer significantly improved performance over the standard .22 Long Rifle. This enhanced performance was achieved through a larger case capacity, allowing for more propellant and, consequently, higher velocities. The initial purpose of the .22 WMR was to provide a more effective round for small game hunting, offering a flatter trajectory and greater energy on impact than its .22 LR predecessor. It quickly found its place in the hunting community, becoming a popular choice for varmints and other small animals.
The .17 HMR, a relative newcomer, entered the scene in the early two-thousands. Developed by Hornady, this cartridge was a direct evolution of the .22 WMR, utilizing the same case necked down to accept a smaller .17-caliber bullet. The driving force behind the creation of the .17 HMR was to capitalize on the perceived advantages of a smaller, faster bullet. The designers aimed to create a rimfire cartridge with an exceptionally flat trajectory, high velocity, and impressive accuracy. The .17 HMR quickly gained popularity among hunters and target shooters alike, who were drawn to its impressive performance characteristics. It has become a highly sought-after round and is recognized for its precision and effectiveness.
Unpacking the Ballistics: Velocity, Trajectory, and More
The heart of any comparison between two cartridges lies in their ballistic performance. Here’s a close look at the key factors that differentiate the .17 HMR and .22 WMR:
Velocity
The most obvious difference between these two cartridges is their velocity. The .17 HMR, with its lighter bullet, consistently achieves significantly higher muzzle velocities. The typical muzzle velocity for a .17 HMR round ranges from three thousand feet per second to three thousand two hundred feet per second, depending on the specific bullet weight and load. The .22 WMR, on the other hand, generally clocks in with muzzle velocities between one thousand nine hundred and one hundred feet per second, depending on the load and bullet weight. This increased speed makes a significant difference in the way each cartridge performs.
Trajectory
The flatter the trajectory, the less a bullet drops over a given distance, and the more precise your shot will be. The .17 HMR’s high velocity translates into a remarkably flat trajectory. This means that for a given range, the .17 HMR bullet will drop significantly less than a .22 WMR bullet. This flatter trajectory makes the .17 HMR particularly well-suited for shooting at longer ranges and for situations where precise aiming is critical. For example, when zeroed at one hundred yards, a .17 HMR bullet might drop only about an inch at one hundred fifty yards. In contrast, a .22 WMR bullet might drop more than three inches at the same distance.
Energy on Impact
While velocity is a crucial factor, it is not the only determinant of a round’s effectiveness. The .22 WMR, with its heavier bullet, generally delivers more energy on impact. The .22 WMR can produce approximately two hundred and fifty foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. The .17 HMR delivers around two hundred and fifty foot pounds. The difference in energy on impact can translate into a difference in terminal performance, particularly on larger or tougher game.
Bullet Selection
The available bullet options also influence the performance of both cartridges. Both .17 HMR and .22 WMR offer a range of bullet weights and designs. The .17 HMR often comes in bullet weights around seventeen grains, and .22 WMR generally uses bullets in the thirty to fifty grain range. Popular bullet types include hollow points for rapid expansion, full metal jackets for greater penetration, and polymer-tipped bullets, designed to enhance accuracy and initiate controlled expansion.
Effective Range
When considering the performance of any cartridge, it is important to understand its effective range. The effective range is the distance at which a shooter can consistently and ethically make a shot on a target, taking into account the trajectory, energy, and wind drift. Due to its flatter trajectory, the .17 HMR often has a slightly longer effective range than the .22 WMR, particularly when considering ethical hunting scenarios. However, it’s crucial to remember that factors like wind conditions and target size play a vital role in determining the effective range of any cartridge.
The Advantages of the .17 HMR: Precision and Speed
The .17 HMR, with its unique design, offers several key benefits:
Flatter Trajectory
As we’ve discussed, the flat trajectory makes the .17 HMR a natural choice for shooting at distance. It reduces the need for holdover (adjusting your aim to compensate for bullet drop), which can improve accuracy, especially for novice shooters or when quickly engaging targets. This trajectory advantage is particularly noticeable at ranges beyond one hundred yards.
Higher Velocity
This higher velocity contributes to the flatter trajectory and also results in faster bullet travel time. This can be advantageous in situations where the target is moving or where the shooter needs to compensate for wind. The .17 HMR’s high velocity makes it a great choice for targets that require quick and accurate shots.
Excellent for Varmint Hunting
The .17 HMR is a favorite among varmint hunters. The flatter trajectory and relatively small bullet size make it an excellent choice for targets such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other pests. The bullet’s high velocity often results in explosive fragmentation upon impact, which increases its effectiveness in taking down varmints quickly and humanely.
The Strengths of the .22 WMR: Power and Versatility
The .22 WMR has its own set of unique strengths:
More Energy on Impact
The .22 WMR, with its heavier bullets, delivers a greater amount of energy on impact. This makes it a better choice for taking down tougher game. The .22 WMR is an excellent round for larger game because of this increased stopping power.
Heavier Bullets
These heavier bullets retain more energy at longer ranges and are less susceptible to wind drift than lighter projectiles. This can translate to more consistent performance, especially in windy conditions.
Greater Bullet Diversity
There is a good selection of bullet weights and types available for the .22 WMR. You can select a bullet design that is optimized for your specific needs.
Where They Excel: Hunting, Target Practice, and Plinking
Both the .17 HMR and .22 WMR can be used for a variety of purposes, but they are each better suited for different applications.
Hunting
The .17 HMR excels when hunting smaller varmints, such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and rabbits. Its flat trajectory and high velocity make it a very effective round at longer ranges. When hunting, you should always use the right round for the animal you are hunting. The .22 WMR is suitable for slightly larger game, such as coyotes, foxes, and other similar sized animals, offering a bit more stopping power.
Target Shooting
Both the .17 HMR and .22 WMR can be used for recreational target shooting. The .17 HMR’s flat trajectory and high accuracy are often preferred for longer-range target shooting.
Plinking
Both cartridges are excellent choices for casual plinking. The .17 HMR and .22 WMR can make for some fantastic fun at the range.
Rifle Availability, Cost, and Considerations for Choosing
Before choosing one cartridge over the other, several considerations are important.
Rifle Availability
Rifles chambered in both .17 HMR and .22 WMR are readily available from a wide variety of manufacturers. Popular brands include Savage Arms, Ruger, CZ-USA, and others. Both cartridges are widely supported, meaning that you will find a range of rifle styles from bolt-action to semi-automatic.
Cost
The cost of both .17 HMR and .22 WMR rifles is typically quite affordable, making them accessible to shooters of all budgets. Ammunition costs can fluctuate, and can depend on factors such as availability.
Making the Right Choice
The best cartridge for you depends on your priorities and how you plan to use your rifle. If you prioritize a flat trajectory, high velocity, and excellent accuracy at longer ranges, the .17 HMR is an excellent choice. If you value more energy on impact, the ability to take down slightly larger game, and a wider selection of bullet types, then the .22 WMR might be the better option. Consider the following questions: What type of game will you be hunting? What are the typical ranges at which you will be shooting? Do you want a flatter trajectory or more impact energy? What is your budget? The answers to these questions should guide your decision.
Conclusion: The Perfect Rimfire for You
Ultimately, the choice between the .17 HMR and .22 WMR boils down to your individual needs and preferences. Both cartridges offer excellent performance and are well-suited for a variety of shooting activities. By carefully considering your specific requirements, you can select the rimfire rifle and ammunition that will provide you with the most enjoyment and the best results.
Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of each cartridge, it is time to visit your local gun shop to get your hands on one and get shooting!
