22LR vs 17MHR

Varminting and vertebrate pest control. Small game, hunting feral goats, foxes, dogs, cats, rabbits etc.

22LR vs 17MHR

Post by xDom » 12 Mar 2019, 1:28 pm

I've got a 22LR and a .223. Problem is that the .223 is a Varmint style ( too heavy to lug around ). I was thinking about getting a 17 HMR to drop some foxes. What I'm wondering is, is there much difference between high velocity 22 LR rounds eg CCI Stingers and 17 HMR rounds?
Thanks
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by geekwithguns » 12 Mar 2019, 1:55 pm

"The .17 HMR is a specialist of varmint and predator pursuits, and it dominates in ballistic performance by sending a 17- to 20-grain tipped bullet in excess of 2,500 fps. The cartridge is exceedingly effective, but more expensive than the .22."

- https://www.mossberg.com/which-cartridge-is-better/

Stingers around 1,500 fps

- https://www.cci-ammunition.com/products ... oadNo=0050
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by deye243 » 12 Mar 2019, 2:34 pm

Yeah and good luck getting stinger to group out of anything if you do your lucky .
I had a 17hmr for 4 years (anschutz 1517 dhb) and never had a problem dropping Fox's not even at 170 yards .
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Rod_outbak » 12 Mar 2019, 3:19 pm

xDom,

I bought a .17HRM (CZ455 Stainless Synthetic) late last year.

I already had a number of single-shot .22LR rifles, but wanted something with longer legs than a .22LR, but not into the realms of a .223.

The .17HMR gives me about twice the distance I'd shoot with the .22LR, or maybe a bit more.

The effects of wind are more noticeable, but then the projectile is half the weight of most .22LR rounds, and travelling about twice as fast (at muzzle anyway)
For how bitey the round is, it's pretty quiet.
A few people told me that accuracy gets affected if the barrel isnt cleaned regularly (more-so than a .22LR), and I'd probably agree.

From what I've seen, I'd be comfortable shooting a fox out to around 150 metres with the .17HMR.

I've been mostly using the 17Gn Vmax CCI loads, and found they work really well in the CZ. I did try the CCI 17Gn HP pills, and found they werent as tight grouping as the Vmax's. I'd tried the HP's as I read they were better to penetrate, but I still cant better the performance of the Vmax pills in this rifle.
I do also have a box of those A22 rounds to trial, but no idea how they shoot, yet.

I've not used a .22 Mag to say for certain how the .17 HMR compares, but there's been no regret for how this little cartridge has been performing. I bought the CZ 455 because I can swap the barrel between .22LR and .22WMR if I choose, but I only bought the .17HMR barrel to start with. From how hard it seems to be to source a stainless barrel in .22LR, I'm thinking that was just a pipe-dream, and maybe I'll have a reason to just get a CZ 457 in .22LR...

One thought for you; For me, I found the standard trigger was a bit heavy in my CZ.
If I was shooting a .22LR, I'm not sure if I'd have lightened it.
But I tightened my groups by upgrading the trigger; especially out around the 100 metres mark.

Cheers,

Rod.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by xDom » 12 Mar 2019, 3:36 pm

That’s the exact rifle Im looking at , CZ 455 synthetic stainless.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Rod_outbak » 12 Mar 2019, 4:41 pm

I've purchased the following to improve my trigger:

Initially, I bought the Lowey Trigger shim & spring kit from Hinterland Shooting Supplies, which removed the freeplay in the trigger.

I later bought the following from Delta Tactical:
DIP Inc. CZ 455 Adjustable Sear (19000)
DIP Inc. CZ Extended Magazine Catch - 452, 453, 455 (19054)
DIP Inc. CZ 452/455 Trigger Spring Kit (19040)

I didnt end up using the DIP trigger spring kit (yet), as the Lowey one works fine for me. The more important setup was the adjustable sear, which was an absolute bugger to install - you'll understand why they supply a second little steel ball!
Worth it once the rifle is back together, though...

If you havent yet bought it, consider the Stainless Hunter CZ 457. It seems to have the few (minor) niggles of the 455 fixed. Adjustable trigger, 2-piece floorplate, and a 60 degree bolt throw, and a number of other improvements. However, it doesnt look like they are planning to release the 457 in a Stainless/Synthetic model; seems like the 455 is still being sold in that config. Weird..

You'll also need to buy a cleaning rod to suit .17HMR; a rod for a .22 wont fit.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by xDom » 12 Mar 2019, 5:53 pm

I just checked out the 457 online, what's the pros and cons of the different length barrels? Thanks.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Bruiser64 » 12 Mar 2019, 6:34 pm

I have a 22lr, a 22 magnum and a 17 hmr. The magnum and the hmr will both outperform the CCI Stingers. I have shot foxes with the magnum and the hmr. Neither are my first choice as a fox rifle. I much prefer my 204 for foxing. Having said that, I think the magnum and the hmr are good calibres for rabbits and foxes at close range (around 70 metres)The hmr is a flat shooting round. I would definitely choose it over the 22lr with Stingers.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by SCJ429 » 12 Mar 2019, 7:13 pm

Why is your 223 too heavy to lug around?
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Gaznazdiak » 12 Mar 2019, 8:40 pm

.17 WSM :thumbsup:
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Bruiser64 » 12 Mar 2019, 10:02 pm

Gaznazdiak wrote:.17 WSM :thumbsup:


Certainly better energy than the HMR or Magnum. Rifle choices are a bit limited though. From what I have read, the WSM would be a more effective foxing calibre than either the magnum or Hmr. If It was me, and I was set on a rimfire for foxing, this would be my choice. My HMR was purchased with mainly rabbits with the occasional fox or feral cat in mind. I love the HMR as a bunny gun. However, if the op wanted to consider a centrefire, then a 22 hornet or a 204 would be good options IF he was going to reload. Otherwise the WSM would be a good decision.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by bladeracer » 13 Mar 2019, 4:24 am

xDom wrote:I've got a 22LR and a .223. Problem is that the .223 is a Varmint style ( too heavy to lug around ). I was thinking about getting a 17 HMR to drop some foxes. What I'm wondering is, is there much difference between high velocity 22 LR rounds eg CCI Stingers and 17 HMR rounds?
Thanks


I would consider the .17HMR to be significantly more potent than .22LR, although it is far more expensive to shoot as well. The biggest advantage of the HMR is the jacketed bullets are far more accurate than cast soft lead. Hyper-velocity .22LR I've found is generally lacking in accuracy, especially at longer ranges, thus reducing their practical range to no further than accurate subsonic ammo anyway.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Mar 2019, 9:26 am

SCJ429 wrote:Why is your 223 too heavy to lug around?


Varmint Barrel apparently. I used to hall my Howa HB all over the joint as a young fella but these days I need em light to do the same :D Doable but more pleasant carrying a lighter rifle any distance I find now.

Fark I'm getting old! :silent:
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by YoungBuck » 13 Mar 2019, 12:41 pm

Don't know about others, but I cannot get stinger rounds to group better than 3" out of my Savage. The gun really doesn't like em.
I think .17hmr is meant to be quite the accurate round?
It'll shoot the fleas off a dog's back at five hundred yards, Tannen, and it's pointed straight at your head!
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by TassieTiger » 13 Mar 2019, 2:33 pm

I have no issues shooting .22 round all day long with out ear protection.
How does the .17 hmr compare in noise?
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by TassieTiger » 13 Mar 2019, 2:34 pm

I have no issues shooting .22 round all day long with out ear protection.
How does the .17 hmr compare in noise?
Tikka .260 (Z5 5x25/52)
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CZ455 .22 & Norinco .22 (vtex 4-12, bush 3-9)
ATA 686 U/O 12g & Baikal S/S 12g.
Adler a110 reddot
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Howa 300 win mag. SHV 5-20/56
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by SCJ429 » 13 Mar 2019, 7:45 pm

bigfellascott wrote:
SCJ429 wrote:Why is your 223 too heavy to lug around?


Varmint Barrel apparently. I used to hall my Howa HB all over the joint as a young fella but these days I need em light to do the same :D Doable but more pleasant carrying a lighter rifle any distance I find now.

Fark I'm getting old! :silent:


I am no spring chicken but the heaviest thing I lug around when I am hunting is my webbing. If I need to save some weight I take some gear out of it. I carry a Varmint around with a bipod attached and don't find it too taxing. It is no M60 with a belt of ammo hanging off it.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by bigfellascott » 13 Mar 2019, 9:57 pm

SCJ429 wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:
SCJ429 wrote:Why is your 223 too heavy to lug around?


Varmint Barrel apparently. I used to hall my Howa HB all over the joint as a young fella but these days I need em light to do the same :D Doable but more pleasant carrying a lighter rifle any distance I find now.

Fark I'm getting old! :silent:


I am no spring chicken but the heaviest thing I lug around when I am hunting is my webbing. If I need to save some weight I take some gear out of it. I carry a Varmint around with a bipod attached and don't find it too taxing. It is no M60 with a belt of ammo hanging off it.


Yeah used to do the same thing mate, I just find the whole thing more comfortable to do these days with a lighter rifle that can be shot off hand easier if needed, thank christ they aren't anything like the ol M60 - I always seemed to get stuck humping that bastard around, certainly don't miss it! :lol:
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Miniaction » 14 Mar 2019, 9:28 pm

Have you tried the CCI coppers?
https://www.rebelgunworks.com.au/produc ... oint-100pk

They seem to run well through my ruger precision. but I’ve not used them on anything living
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Cooper » 15 Mar 2019, 7:34 am

Miniaction wrote:Have you tried the CCI coppers?
https://www.rebelgunworks.com.au/produc ... oint-100pk

They seem to run well through my ruger precision. but I’ve not used them on anything living


Interesting. I tried them in my cz452 and probably cz455. Can't really remember. But they are s**t. Not just talking about the accuracy. Which was no good in my CZ. But zero expansion and the weren't cheap I think $18 per 50. I'd rather buy 17 HMR ammo. I can buy the 20gr Winchester JHP stuff for the 17 HMR for that price.

If I can find the Copper 22lr I have left I'll try them in my Ruger presicion to see what the accuracy is like. I would not reconmmend them as a hunting bullet at all.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by bladeracer » 15 Mar 2019, 10:45 am

Miniaction wrote:Have you tried the CCI coppers?
https://www.rebelgunworks.com.au/produc ... oint-100pk

They seem to run well through my ruger precision. but I’ve not used them on anything living


Copper-22 don't shoot great for me in anything. They're decently accurate to about 60m then fall apart totally, opening to about 600mm at 100m. The only reason I'd consider them would be if I needed something lead-free, otherwise CCI Std Vel is a much better option.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by bladeracer » 15 Mar 2019, 10:47 am

Cooper wrote:Interesting. I tried them in my cz452 and probably cz455. Can't really remember. But they are s**t. Not just talking about the accuracy. Which was no good in my CZ. But zero expansion and the weren't cheap I think $18 per 50. I'd rather buy 17 HMR ammo. I can buy the 20gr Winchester JHP stuff for the 17 HMR for that price.

If I can find the Copper 22lr I have left I'll try them in my Ruger presicion to see what the accuracy is like. I would not reconmmend them as a hunting bullet at all.


Agreed, I've recovered most of the Copper-22's I've fired and they offer zero deformation at all in any medium. I haven't tried them on flesh, I would expect them to hit pretty hard even without deforming, but you're restricted to shorter ranges than conventional ammo so I don't see any advantage to them at all.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by deye243 » 15 Mar 2019, 5:01 pm

The 17 20g jhp ain't much better little to no expansion past 50y but good on pigs up in QLD I see....
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Chappo » 15 Mar 2019, 9:51 pm

Dunno if it helps but when I was weighing up a caliber between 22lr and 223 last year after a heap of reading I ended up going with a 22 hornet. Love it to bits, it’s a great little cartridge that filled a gap for me.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Bruiser64 » 16 Mar 2019, 12:38 am

Chappo wrote:Dunno if it helps but when I was weighing up a caliber between 22lr and 223 last year after a heap of reading I ended up going with a 22 hornet. Love it to bits, it’s a great little cartridge that filled a gap for me.


I am a fan of the Hornet as well. I regret to this day selling my Brno hornet. It is an accurate round that is going to hit a lot harder than a hmr or magnum. It is cheap and easy to reload. As the OP lives in Victoria he would have no trouble getting one. In fact, buy both the Hmr and the Hornet. Let your hair down. You know it makes sense.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by xDom » 16 Mar 2019, 1:53 am

I'm open to all suggestions! Of the 22 WMR, 17 HMR/WSM and the 22 Hornet could it be said that any of them is less noisy than the other? I wear ear muffs, it's more of a consideration to surrounding residences in the areas I go hunting.
Would these rifles be closer to the 22LR noise levels as opposed to the 223 end?
If one was noticeably quieter that would certainly weigh into the decision.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Chappo » 16 Mar 2019, 7:05 am

xDom wrote:I'm open to all suggestions! Of the 22 WMR, 17 HMR/WSM and the 22 Hornet could it be said that any of them is less noisy than the other? I wear ear muffs, it's more of a consideration to surrounding residences in the areas I go hunting.
Would these rifles be closer to the 22LR noise levels as opposed to the 223 end?
If one was noticeably quieter that would certainly weigh into the decision.


Noise was a consideration for me too. I bought mine for foxes I have around my house that I could never get closer than 200yds from.
I have neighbours close enough to hear me shooting at 6am so I didn’t want to use something too noisy.

It has a 24in barrel and I would say the noise is similar to a 22lr high velocity but a bit louder, (bit more of a crack)

I also chose it because the 22 hornet will have greater knockdown power over the 17 for negligible noise level. It’ll shoot through the wind and grass better
And is reloadable (not that I reload).
If I did reload I probably would’ve made up some tame 223 loads, then again like bruiser64 implied, it’s more fun to just buy more guns!!! :drinks:
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by bladeracer » 16 Mar 2019, 8:59 am

xDom wrote:I'm open to all suggestions! Of the 22 WMR, 17 HMR/WSM and the 22 Hornet could it be said that any of them is less noisy than the other? I wear ear muffs, it's more of a consideration to surrounding residences in the areas I go hunting.
Would these rifles be closer to the 22LR noise levels as opposed to the 223 end?
If one was noticeably quieter that would certainly weigh into the decision.


WMR would be the quieter of the three, but you could load the Hornet down to subsonic levels if you wanted to.
I would put the WMR as closer to .22LR than .223, the Hornet midway between the two, and HMR has quite a crack to it. WMR I can shoot comfortably without hearing protection, Hornet and HMR not so much.

.22LR kept below 1100fps would easily be the quietest of all of them, quieter than some air rifles even.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by Bruiser64 » 17 Mar 2019, 10:33 am

xDom wrote:I'm open to all suggestions! Of the 22 WMR, 17 HMR/WSM and the 22 Hornet could it be said that any of them is less noisy than the other? I wear ear muffs, it's more of a consideration to surrounding residences in the areas I go hunting.
Would these rifles be closer to the 22LR noise levels as opposed to the 223 end?
If one was noticeably quieter that would certainly weigh into the decision.


According to this YouTube video there is no discernible difference in noise level between the 22 magnum an the 17 hmr.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y3kz_u_OBK0

They aren’t using a calibrated noise meter but it should be sufficient to make a comparison as the same device measured both calibres.

https://guns.fandom.com/wiki/.22_Hornet

The link above gives information about the hornet. The link below is a discussion about the hornet vs the magnum at rimfire central. Basically the hornet will be a bit louder than the hmr and magnum. I doubt there is a huge amount in it. The energy level of the hornet is about double that of the magnum or the HMR according to Frank Barnes book “cartridges Of The World”.

https://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/s ... p?t=405171

As previously mentioned I have owned a 22 hornet and currently own the 22lr, 22 magnum and 17 Hmr. The 22lr is noticeably quieter than the hmr, magnum and hornet. If you are looking to shoot foxes and won’t be reloading l would recommend the magnum with a 40 grain pill or the 17wsm. This is purely based on the high cost of factory hornet ammo. But if you will reloading get the hornet. The 17 wsm will be louder than the magnum and hmr as it has more powder and velocity.
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Re: 22LR vs 17MHR

Post by xDom » 17 Mar 2019, 5:14 pm

:thumbsup: Good stuff Bruiser
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