The two smallest varmit rifles

[ozark]

The .22 Magnum and the .17 Cal. HMR are both considerable better varmit rifles than the .22 cal. LR. Both will take small woodchuck size varmints out to distances beyond 100 yards. Of the two which is the best choice?
Since both have to depend on factory loads it appears that the loads available makes the .17 HMR slightly more accurate. It is not at all unusual to get three shot groups consistently with in one inch at 100 yds. with the .17 hmr. For the .22 Magnum groups average about a half inch larger.
Due to having a higher velocity the .17 HMR shoots flater and zeroing both 1.5 inches high at 100 yards the .17 HMR will give you about a 40 yard added distance without falling below two inches. I consider two inches outside the aiming point still within killing accuracy of woodchucks, fox, bobcat etc.
If penetration is a desirable then the .22 mag. has the advantage. Both are accurate. Both are effective but I would give the edge to the .17 HMR believing that most hunters would be better satisfied with it. JUST MY OPINION

[olsmokey]

I will have to agree, I have noticed in my rifle the 20gr bullets seam to be more acurate then the 17gr. What has been your experience.

[ozark]

It is too close for me to call. Both are exceptionally accurate and there isn't a large difference in the impact point switching from one to the other. Putting a soft drink can filled with water and then firing the .17 Cal into it is impressive. All you get is a large area of water vapor and a can that is litterally exploded. Youngsters love to fire and witness this explosive type impact.

[sw]

I agree with Ozark concerning the extreme accuracy of the 17HMR. The impact points of the 17 and 20g bullets are surprisingly close, if not the same out to 120 yds or so. I have wondered about the energy, accuracy, killing ability of the 33g V-max in the 22 mag. A serious option to the 22 mag, which I use, is to down-load my 223 and use a very fast powder and either 40 or 50g NBTs and load between 1800-2000'/sec for somewhat noise sensitive areas(such as the woods behind my house). The use of my nice WCX sighted 223 this way allows the use of 1 rifle for 2 situations.

[12ptdroptine]

I have a H&R Handi Rifle that ...My last 5 shot group had 4 of them in 3/8 inch at 50 yds..The last was about 3/4 inch low..Some people wanted to go downrange quickly to pull target's..10 min later the last one dropped a little. That is whti Hornaday 30gr Vmax... I wouldnt hesitate to shoot it 125 yds with that load. Was going to get a 17hmr here soon..But I am second guessing myself now... I am thinking PacNor...Drop