22 or 17?

[Wade Joseph]

I am in nned of a rabbit/squirel/ "critter" getter. I would love to be able to pick off tree rats at 100yds and have yet to find a 22 that is that acurate. Thats why I am thinking 17 but it just doesnt seem big enough for yotes or larger critters. A 22 mag would get the larger stuff but have not seen one that was as accurate as most 22 long rifles.

This is where it would help to be rich so I could buy all three.

[love to hunt]

Wade.

I have a .17 HMR in the marlin heavy barrel and it is a dream to shoot. I have taken critters the size of Red Fox out to 100 and it does the job just fine. I would never try it on Coyote as the is not enough umph to getter done.

The real beauty is there is almost 0 trajectory out to 100 so you pretty much hold center mass and squeeze.

For the application you are talking about the .17 hmr would be a perfect choice.

[Kodiak]

hummer hands down, there isnt much wind out in the woods so i would go fo the hummer. we used them out prarie dog shooting this spring and they hammered em within 100yds but anything after that is just going to maim game.

J

[BLACKJACK]

What does 'hmr' stand for?

How much do the .17 caliber shells cost as compared to .22's?

[almostthere!]

Actually, the 17 HMR is more powerful than the 22 WMR and it hits farther.

H= Hornaday

M= Magnum

R= ??? Round? Remake? Reject?

[JollyT]

Rimfire???!!!!!

[KatoMike]

Cost of the 17 hmr ammo is quite a bit more than .22. 500 rds. of the 17 hmr will run you about $100 while 500 rds. of .22 will cost you $25 - $35.

[snapcrackpop]

Don't forget, for the 17HMR they make a heavy load and a FMJ load also.

The 17 grains load and a 20 grain "GamePoint" load and the new FMJ 20 grain load.

[harvey lee]

hmr=HORNADY,MAGNUM,RIMFIRE.

[Wade Joseph]

Thanks for the input fellas. Now the question is, what .17 can I get for a reasonable price.

[love to hunt]

The marlin is $199ish if I remember correctly. Mine will keep the holes touching on a calm day.

[icehousebob]

Wade, a hunting buddy of mine bought the heavy barreled Marlin .17 and says it drives tacks for him. He's taken several coyotes with it that were targets of opportunity in the last year. He sold me the same model of Marlin in .22 Mag when he bought the .17. The .22 mag also is a great shooter, at least that's what #2 son says. He borrowed it last fall and I haven't seen it since.