17 HMR or 22 Mag?

cgturner7 · 01-07-2005, 03:34 PM

Thinking of buying a plinking gun (cans, coons, rabbits, possums, etc). Which would be better and in what rifle? I'm leaning towards a Henry lever just because I've always wanted a lever gun since my Model 94 replica BB-gun. Does the 17 HMR offer anything more than cost of ammo?

aborquez18 · 01-07-2005, 03:46 PM

Actually the cost of ammo is about the same around here. The loads I buy for my .17 are cheaper than my .22 mags. The .17 is a much more flatter shooting gunn if you like that. I prefer my .17 over the 22 mag. Ive taken plenty of yotes with both of them. My friend owns a henry lever action 22. Ive never seen a gun jam so much as that one. He had to modify it just so it wouldnt jam anymore, it still does ocassionally.
Try a savage in bolt action.

redsox3624 · 01-07-2005, 04:37 PM

I own a Henry lever action 22 long rifle. i love that gun. fun to shoot, very accurate, pritty cheap and a scope can be mounted easily. i have never had a jam problem. i would buy it in 22 mag. the mag shoots flatter and has more power. and since were talking very small calibers recoil is not a problem.
I would buy another Henry any day.

Pro-Line · 01-07-2005, 05:02 PM

There is not much difference to 75 yards or so. Where the 17 shines is its flat trajectory after 100yds. It's much easier to kill groundhogs for me at 150 with the 17, because it is still pretty flat at that range.

The price of ammo isn't much different for either. I'm paying $7.50 a box for the 17's and the 22mags are 5.99.

clearanceman · 01-07-2005, 06:46 PM

If the 17 is the same price for ammo now, I would get the .17.

zrexpilot · 01-07-2005, 07:18 PM

In my opinion the .17 is just to small of a bullet . coming in at 17 and 20 grains, thats about the size of a pellet. I would prefer the .22 mag, it has the power to kill bigger game. even better would be a .22 hornet. get a .22 longrifle for plinking and a .22 hornet for hunting, it's one awsome little caliber but not cheap to shoot, about .40 cents a shot. But it's a flatter shooter than the .17 and .22 mag, has way more power with just a tad more noise. but thats just my opinion.

gopher slayer · 01-07-2005, 07:23 PM

the 17hmr shoots flater and its more destruction on game. 17hmr is one of the most accurate rounds out there and its a hell of alot of fun to shoot.

DIXIEBANJO · 01-07-2005, 07:44 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: gopher slayer

the 17hmr shoots flater and its more destruction on game. 17hmr is one of the most accurate rounds out there and its a hell of alot of fun to shoot.

I agree.

gopher slayer · 01-07-2005, 07:54 PM

heres some info and some tests for 17hmr damage.

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

zrexpilot · 01-07-2005, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Thinking of buying a plinking gun (cans, coons, rabbits, possums, etc).

I have read that the .17 is rated for game that weighs 2 1/2 pounds or less. I have also read guys having to shoot a coon 4 times with the 17 before dropping them. Thats what I've read, anyhow