The world of rimfire cartridges offers a delightful array of options for shooters of all levels, from seasoned hunters to plinking enthusiasts. These versatile rounds are prized for their affordability, manageable recoil, and suitability for a variety of applications. Among the most popular choices are two contenders, each with its own devoted following: the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR), and the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR). But which one reigns supreme in terms of raw power? This article dives deep into a head-to-head comparison, exploring the intricacies of each cartridge to determine the ultimate champion.
A Look at the .22 WMR
Born from the need for something more potent than the ubiquitous .22 Long Rifle, the .22 WMR, often called .22 Mag, emerged as a significant step up in rimfire performance. It offered hunters and shooters increased power and range, opening up new possibilities for small game hunting and pest control. The .22 WMR quickly found its place in the firearms market, becoming a staple for those seeking an upgrade without jumping to centerfire calibers. This cartridge remains a favored choice due to its ability to take down slightly larger game compared to its .22 LR cousin.
Bullet selection within the .22 WMR is where the cartridge begins to show its versatility. A variety of bullet weights and designs are readily available, allowing shooters to tailor their ammunition to specific needs. Heavier bullets, often in the range of grains or more, offer enhanced penetration and are suitable for hunting larger animals like groundhogs or coyotes at close ranges. Lighter, faster bullets provide a flatter trajectory and are well-suited for target shooting or varmint control where accuracy at distance is paramount.
The design of the bullet itself plays a crucial role in performance. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets are known for their reliable penetration, making them suitable for practice and for minimizing damage to the target when hunting. Hollow point (HP) bullets, on the other hand, are designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and increasing the likelihood of a clean kill on game animals. The .22 WMR’s ability to accommodate a variety of bullet designs gives it a degree of flexibility that can’t be overlooked.
When you analyze the ballistics of the .22 WMR, the numbers tell a compelling story. Typically, the .22 WMR pushes a bullet at significantly higher velocities than the .22 Long Rifle. The .22 WMR boasts a substantial increase in muzzle energy as well. This additional energy translates to greater impact downrange, improving the cartridge’s ability to deliver a decisive blow to the target. The trajectory, while not as flat as the .17 HMR, is still quite manageable, making it effective for taking small game at distances extending to a hundred yards or more with relative ease, while maintaining enough energy to get the job done.
One of the primary advantages of the .22 WMR is its increased knock-down power. The combination of higher velocity and heavier bullets results in more energy delivered upon impact, making it more effective at taking down tougher targets than its smaller-caliber counterparts. This added power allows hunters to confidently pursue small to medium-sized game like rabbits, squirrels, and even foxes. Another significant advantage is the availability of heavier bullet options. For those who need additional penetration or prefer a bullet with more mass, the .22 WMR delivers. This is especially beneficial when hunting in areas with dense vegetation or when dealing with animals that have thicker hides. It’s a very well-balanced cartridge.
Diving into the .17 HMR
The .17 HMR, brought to the market by Hornady, represented a radical departure in rimfire design. By necking down a .22 WMR case to accommodate a .17-caliber bullet, engineers unlocked phenomenal velocities and flatter trajectories, revolutionizing varmint control and long-range shooting. This cartridge immediately caught the attention of the shooting community and has since become one of the most popular rimfire cartridges available.
The key to the .17 HMR’s success lies in its use of a small, lightweight bullet propelled at extremely high velocities. The majority of .17 HMR bullets weigh around grains or less. This allows for incredibly flat trajectories, greatly reducing the need for holdover at extended ranges. This is a game-changer when it comes to accurately hitting small targets at distance.
Bullet designs for the .17 HMR primarily focus on maximizing expansion and energy transfer. Hollow point bullets are common, designed to fragment and create a devastating wound channel upon impact. Poly-tipped bullets, which feature a polymer tip inserted into the bullet’s hollow point, are also very popular. These tips improve the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, increasing its range and accuracy, while also ensuring rapid and reliable expansion.
The .17 HMR’s ballistics are truly impressive. Muzzle velocities routinely surpass the threshold. This translates to a remarkably flat trajectory, with minimal bullet drop over longer distances. The .17 HMR’s energy, while not as high as the .22 WMR at close range, retains its velocity remarkably well, maintaining enough energy for accurate long-range shooting. This flat trajectory makes the .17 HMR an exceptional choice for varmint control, allowing shooters to effectively engage targets at hundreds of yards.
The advantages of the .17 HMR are readily apparent. The high velocity and remarkably flat trajectory make it the king of precision at extended ranges. This translates to increased accuracy and less guesswork when engaging targets at longer distances. The .17 HMR also boasts excellent accuracy, with many rifles capable of sub-inch groups at yards. Another significant benefit is the low recoil. This makes it easy to shoot accurately and enjoyably, even for those who are new to shooting.
A Direct Comparison: Power in the Spotlight
Let’s delve into the core question: which cartridge reigns supreme in terms of sheer power?
When comparing velocity and energy, the .17 HMR typically leaves the gate with slightly higher muzzle velocities. However, the heavier bullets of the .22 WMR often translate to a greater energy output at the muzzle. As you consider what happens downrange, the .17 HMR’s flat trajectory allows it to carry a good amount of energy at extended distances. However, the .22 WMR, with its heavier bullet, may retain more downrange energy as it travels.
The trajectory curves of the two cartridges are crucial to understanding their strengths. The .17 HMR’s incredibly flat trajectory is a significant advantage, particularly for longer-range shots. This reduces the need for holdover and allows for a greater margin of error in range estimation. The .22 WMR, while not as flat, still has a respectable trajectory, making it suitable for shots out to a hundred yards or more.
Bullet selection further shapes the comparison. The .22 WMR offers a wider range of bullet weights and designs, allowing for customization based on the target. This makes the .22 WMR a more versatile choice for those who want to use the cartridge for everything from plinking to hunting various types of game. The .17 HMR, with its lighter bullets, excels in terms of accuracy and fragmentation, making it ideal for varminting.
When we consider practical applications, the differences become more pronounced. The .22 WMR is a good choice for hunting small to medium-sized game, such as rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, and even coyotes. Its heavier bullets provide the necessary penetration to take down these animals with confidence. The .17 HMR, on the other hand, truly shines in the realm of varmint control. Its flat trajectory and high velocity make it exceptionally accurate at long ranges, making it ideal for taking down prairie dogs, woodchucks, and other similar pests. The .17 HMR provides less recoil and greater accuracy.
Other factors also come into play, of course. Noise levels, cost of ammunition, the selection of rifles available, and ammunition availability should be taken into account. The noise level of the .17 HMR is generally lower than that of the .22 WMR, which can be a benefit in certain situations. Both cartridges are relatively affordable. The number of rifle options for both the .22 WMR and .17 HMR is quite extensive. Ammunition for both is readily available at most gun stores and online retailers.
The Verdict: Power Defined
So, which cartridge is more powerful? The answer, as is often the case, is: it depends. If “power” is strictly defined as the amount of energy delivered upon impact, the .22 WMR often holds a slight edge at closer ranges due to its heavier bullets. However, the .17 HMR’s flat trajectory allows it to maintain a lethal velocity over long ranges.
Ultimately, both cartridges offer excellent performance. If you are seeking a versatile rimfire round suitable for a wider range of targets and hunting applications, the .22 WMR is a solid choice. If your primary focus is varmint control, long-range accuracy, and minimal wind drift, the .17 HMR is the superior option. It all comes down to your specific shooting needs and preferences.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Champion
Both the .22 WMR and the .17 HMR have carved out their place in the rimfire world. The .22 WMR stands out for its versatility, offering a broad range of bullet weights and designs capable of taking down a variety of small game. The .17 HMR shines with its exceptional accuracy, flat trajectory, and suitability for varminting and long-range shooting.
When choosing between these two rimfire titans, it is essential to consider your specific shooting goals and intended applications. If you value knock-down power and the ability to hunt a wider variety of game, the .22 WMR might be your best bet. For those prioritizing pinpoint accuracy at extended distances and effective varmint control, the .17 HMR is the clear winner. Whatever your choice, both of these popular rimfire cartridges deliver fantastic performance, offering hours of enjoyment at the range and in the field. Before purchasing, compare different rifles chambered in each round, and evaluate the availability and price of ammo in your area. With these factors in mind, you can choose the best rimfire cartridge for your specific needs.
