.17 hmr vs .22 mag.....again

The non-stop debate between the .17 hmr and .22 mag has been one of legend. I have never seen such a debate among other calibers. Funny thinig is, despite ballistics and facts, despite the fact that they have seperate applications, both sides are set in their ways. Let's look at some facts here.


http://www.chuckhawks.com/compared_17HMR_22WMR.htm


http://www.varmintal.com/17hmr.htm

Now that you have seen some facts, not all but some, let's talk about their application.

The .22 mag has a better Killing potential out to about 100 yards according to ballistics. The only thing that counters that is that the .17 hmr is a much more accurate round. Because the .22 mag has a better killing potential, that just means instead of having a 2 inch kill zone, you have a 4 inch kill zone (not exact, just an explaination), but seeing as though the .17 is so accurate, this doesn't really matter in the long run if your a half decent shot. I use a bottom of the line, pre accu-trigger savage 93 series and I shoot 2 inch groups out to 150 yards in some wind, there are some people that can do better, particularly with better setups. All this being said, to put it bluntly the .22 mag is not better at taking game than the .17 with a good shot, depending on the ammo used, in my opinion.

I don't know, the .22 mag is more powerful. I haven't shot the .17 though so I wont make a decision until then. Good info though.

VERY GOOD INFO BUT I AGREE WITH TYRANT GI I AM A BIG BELIEVER IN THE .22 MAG. I AM ACTUALY LOOKING IN GETTING THE .22 MAG RUGER SEMI AUTO. BUT ON THE OTHER HAND I WOULD NOT MIND AT ALL HAVING A .17 HMR.

I felt the same until I got my .17