For anyone stepping into the world of rimfire rifles, the choice between cartridges can be a delightful puzzle. Two of the most popular and often-debated options are the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR) and the classic .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR). Both are fantastic in their own right, but they serve different masters. This isn’t about finding a single winner; it’s about matching the right tool to the job. To help you make an informed decision, we’re going to look at a .17 HMR vs .22LR: A Caliber Comparison with Real-World Data.
The .22 LR has been the go-to rimfire round for over a century, known for its affordability, low recoil, and versatility. The .17 HMR, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer, introduced in 2002. It was designed for one primary purpose: flat-shooting, explosive performance on small game and varmints. Understanding their distinct personalities is key to choosing the one that best fits your needs at the range or in the field.
Breaking Down the Ballistics: Speed, Trajectory, and Energy
This is where the two cartridges truly diverge. The .17 HMR is a speed demon. Firing a tiny 17-caliber bullet, it commonly achieves muzzle velocities between 2,350 and 2,550 feet per second (fps). This results in an incredibly flat trajectory. At 150 yards, you might only need to hold over by an inch or two, making it exceptionally easy to hit small targets at extended ranges.
The .22 LR is the tortoise to the HMR’s hare. Standard velocity loads travel around 1,075 fps, while high-velocity rounds might reach 1,200-1,300 fps. This means its bullet arc is much more pronounced. At 100 yards, the drop can be measured in feet, not inches, requiring more holdover and range estimation skill.
In terms of energy, the .17 HMR again has a significant advantage. It delivers roughly 240-270 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle, compared to the .22 LR’s 100-140 ft-lbs. This makes the HMR more effective on larger varmints like prairie dogs or jackrabbits at longer distances.
Practical Applications: What Are They Best For?
Your intended use should be the biggest factor in your decision.
The .22 LR’s Playground: If your primary activities are plinking, informal target shooting, and harvesting small game like squirrels and rabbits within 50 yards, the .22 LR is perfect. Its subsonic report is very quiet, especially with a suppressor, making it a polite neighbor at most ranges. Its lower power also means less pelt damage on small game intended for the table.
The .17 HMR’s Specialty: The .17 HMR shines in wide-open spaces. It is the superior choice for varmint control—think dispatching groundhogs, crows, or coyotes (with precise shot placement) at ranges from 100 to 200 yards. Its explosive fragmentation on impact is devastating on small pests, and its flat trajectory makes connecting on these smaller targets far easier.
Cost and Availability: The Real-World Budget
This is the category where the .22 LR is the undisputed champion. .22 LR ammunition is one of the most affordable rounds on the planet. You can easily find boxes of 50 rounds for the price of a cup of coffee. This low cost is what makes it the king of high-volume plinking and practice.
.17 HMR ammo is significantly more expensive. A box of 50 rounds typically costs three to five times more than a box of .22 LR. While you can find .22 LR in nearly every store that sells ammunition, .17 HMR, though common, has a more limited selection. For a day of casual shooting where you might fire a few hundred rounds, the cost difference becomes very substantial.
Making Your Choice: Which One is Right for You?
So, how do you decide in the great .17 HMR vs .22LR: A Caliber Comparison with Real-World Data? It comes down to a simple set of questions.
Choose the .22 Long Rifle if:
• Your main goals are affordable plinking and target practice.
• You hunt squirrels and rabbits within 50-75 yards and want to preserve meat.
• You value ultra-quiet operation with subsonic ammunition.
• You are on a budget and want to shoot a lot without breaking the bank.
Choose the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire if:
• You need to make precise, long-range shots on varmints out to 150-200 yards.
• You frequently shoot in windy conditions where a flatter trajectory is beneficial.
• You prioritize terminal performance and explosive impact on pests.
• The higher cost per round is an acceptable trade-off for the performance gains.
Final Thoughts on Two Rimfire Titans
In the end, the .17 HMR and .22 LR are both excellent cartridges that occupy different niches. The .22 LR is the timeless, economical, and versatile workhorse, perfect for learning fundamentals and close-range work. The .17 HMR is the specialized, laser-beam varminter built for reaching out and touching small targets with authority. Many shooters end up owning both because they complement each other so well. By weighing your primary needs against their distinct strengths, you can confidently select the rimfire that will bring you the most satisfaction.