I have to agree with Mossy...I have a .22 mag and my buddy has the .17. The price of shells are identical here. As for groups, they are pretty similar but on windy days mine is a little better. His shoots at longer ranges with less drop, but less hitting power. Most gophers will attest
I would recommend the .22 mag for critters and for plinking, but a .22 lr will definately be WAY cheaper. But my love for gopher shooting is about more than just the money. I just bought 2 bricks of Fed. .22 Mag TNT's for $210. Most people can't believe I would "waste" money on shooting varmints. But the stress relief is cheaper than an hour with a shrink
No more fighting...were all friends here! JDinAB