Thread: 22mag vs 17hmr

Originally Posted by mudgripz

22 magnums enjoying a resurgence with us. Recently bought a Marlin heavy barrel 22 Mag and with the Hornady ammo its a tack driver. 0.28" grouping at 50m - gadgetman tested this one. He uses another Marlin and the on range that also blew big hole in the black dot at 50m. In the field they are very effective on bunnies - hit very hard and nothing gets back up. I was actually looking for a 17HMR when this 22Mag popped up but very happy with the buy.

As mentioned earlier 22Mag heavier round, harder hitting than 17HMR, and thus more suitable for light boned bigger animals eg goats/wallabies. 17HMR smaller round, faster, flatter trajectory, with longer final range. Magnums in the past were often very average with accuracy but with the new higher spec, improved load Hornady etc ballistic tip ammos, they have really lifted their performance. No wrong answers here - just pick the one to suit your particular circumstances. Good fun choices.

Or get one of each like I did and the voices in your head get to have and argument every time you go for a hunt as to which one will be the most effective calibre given the conditions of the day.