What do you think is better? a 22 or a 17 caliber gun?

For what purpose?

Rimfire?

Centerfire?

For what purpose?

Rimfire?

Centerfire?


Purpose - mainly for small game animals rabbit,grouse,chipmucks ..and for screwing around. Centerfire

Purpose - mainly for small game animals rabbit,grouse,chipmucks ..and for screwing around. Centerfire

Small stuff that you don't intend to eat at reasonably long range (150 - 175yards)= .17HRM

Medium stuff or things you intend to eat at 75 to 150yards = .22mag.

Target use, plinking, and small stuff out to 100 yards = .22LR

Jusry is out on the .17M2...not enough guns or ammo in service to give an opinion...but I think I'll try a long barrled semi-auto pistol in this round some time soon.

If your are thinking of centerfire, i would be leaning towards a 223 or 22 hornet instead of the 17Rem. you have much better ammo selection unless you reload, but even if you do reload, there are much more bullet choices and readily available components components for the .22's. For the game you listed i would suggest going with a rimfire and follow the ribbonstone's suggestions as far as caliber

If your are thinking of centerfire, i would be leaning towards a 223 or 22 hornet instead of the 17Rem. you have much better ammo selection unless you reload, but even if you do reload, there are much more bullet choices and readily available components components for the .22's. For the game you listed i would suggest going with a rimfire and follow the ribbonstone's suggestions as far as caliber


thanx ..maybe rimfire ..i will try that

What do you guys think is a better ... im in a disscusion in which to buy... I need to know whats the different in range power and what one you think is a better buy? Please reply

And just between us, "Screw Around" ain't something to be done with any firearm, anywhere, anytime....

threads merged, FYI.

I use rimfire rifle and handguns mainly for hunting small game to eat, mostly gray squirrels. I have found nothing better than a quality .22 LR. I really don't need the extra power or expense of a rimfire magnum in .22 or .17. Those cartridges certainly have their place, but I don't need them for hunting, target shooting, or plinking. :D

If you dont own one get a good .22 lr. They handle small game well out to about 75 yards or may be a little farther. .22 mag or .17 hrm will extend that range but the cost of shooting them goes up 5 times or more. The actitivity you discribed which didn't involve shooting game whould be catered for with the .22 LR as well as any other cartridge.

Shouldn't this be in the humor section?

Erik44 Don't let all this discussion scare you. If you want to do a lot of shooting at a low cost their are only two ways to go. Shoot a .22 long rifle for small game and fun shooting out to 100 yards. Buy a good one, i.e. one of the better grade bolt action or target grade auto's. Guns like the CZ, rugar target for example.

If you feel the need to shoot at longer ranges pick up a centerfire rifle in 22 hornet, 222, 223, 22-250, etc and get into reloading.

Shooting any of the rimfire magnums will cost as much as reloading.

Bottom line is if your going to shoot much your going to have to stick to the 22 long rifle or role your own.

You can get into reloading in an inexpensive way with a Lee Anniversery reloading kit for under $90.00 from Midway or Cabellas. Add to that a good centerfire rifle and decent scope for $600-$800 out the door and you will find years of use for that initial investment.

One thing you might consider is looking at Rimfire central.com for info on the different rimfire's available and comments on shooting them. You also might consider talking to friends whom have the .17, .22 mag or just shoot the 22 longrifle and see what they say about accuracy, cost, etc.

I personally shoot both a CZ Lux bolt action 22 longrifle and a Ruger 10-22 for plinking, practice and small game hunting out to 100 yards plus. For longer ranges I like the .243 winchester. Adopted this because I can use it to cross-over to deer in the fall.

I been doing this reloading thing for 40 years or so, but find that between my son and my two grand daughters I can burn up a couple thousand rounds of 22 longrifle a month. At $8.00 or $9.00 per 500 at walmart that has got to be bargan shooting at it's best.

Shooting a lot is the only way I know how to shoot well.

Good luck in your quest for the rifle that meets your needs.

I agree with faucettb -- While I have several rifles including the .17HMR, the ones that get the most use are my good ol' 22LR and my .223 Utra. A cheap box of .223's isn't much more than a box of .17's; my only gripe about that particular caliber. Plus, until I start reloading the 30-06 gets shot the least.

I wish I could buy a brick of .22's for $8-$9. Over here you dont get anything less than about $30. Even with our exchange rate thats a lot dearer.

I wish I could buy a brick of .22's for $8-$9. Over here you dont get anything less than about $30. Even with our exchange rate thats a lot dearer.

OUCH!!! :eek:

Guess I should shut up and count my blessings! Just curious though, how are they with reloading in your neck of the woods?

OUCH!!! :eek:

Guess I should shut up and count my blessings! Just curious though, how are they with reloading in your neck of the woods?


there not bad ...you live in the states though..i live in canada but yeah its not bad actual a bit better prices...

I load every thing except rimfire (havent worked that out yet). Last large pistol primers I bought were Au$45/1000 powder is about $28/500g projectiles about $30/100.

YIKES!!!!!!!

Oh, My! :eek:

22lr are fun and inexpensive. .17HMR, although I have never tried one to know, ruins a lot of meat somehow (guessing due to fragmentation), or so I heard. .22mag's aren't too bad money wise, fun to shoot, and can get small game without ruining a lot of meat and taking them down ethically. It is all personal preference though. Some people are in love with their .17's and others think it is a waste of money.

Oh and dont let the forum scare you! We are good people...