Choosing the right rimfire cartridge can be tricky, especially with so many excellent options available. This in-depth comparison of the .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR), .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR), and .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR) will help you decide which one best suits your needs. We'll delve into their ballistics, applications, cost, and more to paint a clear picture of their strengths and weaknesses.
Understanding Rimfire Cartridges
Before diving into the specifics, let's briefly touch upon what makes rimfire cartridges unique. In rimfire ammunition, the primer is located in the rim of the cartridge case itself, unlike centerfire cartridges where the primer is in the center of the case base. This design makes rimfire rounds generally less expensive to manufacture, resulting in lower prices for consumers. However, it also means rimfire ammunition is often less powerful and less accurate than its centerfire counterparts.
.22 Long Rifle (.22 LR): The Classic Rimfire
The .22 LR is a legendary round, known for its affordability, versatility, and low recoil. Its widespread popularity makes it readily available almost anywhere firearms are sold.
Advantages of .22 LR:
- Low Cost: .22 LR ammunition is significantly cheaper than .22 WMR or .17 HMR, making it ideal for high-volume shooting practice or plinking.
- Low Recoil: The gentle recoil makes it perfect for beginners, young shooters, and those sensitive to recoil.
- Quiet Operation: Subsonic .22 LR ammunition is surprisingly quiet, making it suitable for backyard plinking or hunting in noise-sensitive areas.
- Wide Range of Applications: Used for target shooting, small game hunting, pest control, and even some forms of self-defense.
Disadvantages of .22 LR:
- Lower Velocity and Energy: Compared to .22 WMR and .17 HMR, the .22 LR has significantly less velocity and energy, limiting its effectiveness at longer ranges and on larger game.
- Limited Stopping Power: Its lower energy output means its stopping power is also limited, making it less suitable for self-defense situations.
Ballistic Data (Typical):
| Parameter | .22 LR |
|---|---|
| Velocity (fps) | 1000-1200 |
| Energy (ft-lbs) | 120-150 |
| Effective Range | 50-75 yards |
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR): More Power, More Punch
The .22 WMR is a higher-powered rimfire cartridge designed to offer greater range and stopping power than the .22 LR. While still relatively affordable, it’s more expensive than its smaller brother.
Advantages of .22 WMR:
- Increased Velocity and Energy: Significantly higher velocity and energy compared to .22 LR, resulting in flatter trajectory and better penetration.
- Extended Effective Range: Allows for more accurate shots at longer distances than the .22 LR.
- Improved Accuracy: Generally more accurate than .22 LR, especially at longer ranges.
- Suitable for Larger Game: Effective for hunting small to medium-sized game like rabbits, squirrels, and prairie dogs.
Disadvantages of .22 WMR:
- Higher Cost: More expensive than .22 LR ammunition.
- Higher Recoil: Noticeably more recoil than .22 LR, making it less suitable for beginners or those sensitive to recoil.
- Louder than .22 LR: Produces a louder report than .22 LR, making it less suitable for use in noise-sensitive environments.
Ballistic Data (Typical):
| Parameter | .22 WMR |
|---|---|
| Velocity (fps) | 1400-1700 |
| Energy (ft-lbs) | 210-280 |
| Effective Range | 100-150 yards |
.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR): Flatter Trajectory and Accuracy
The .17 HMR is a high-velocity rimfire cartridge known for its exceptional accuracy and flat trajectory. It boasts impressive speed and is becoming increasingly popular for varmint hunting.
Advantages of .17 HMR:
- Extremely High Velocity: Significantly higher velocity than both .22 LR and .22 WMR.
- Exceptional Accuracy: Known for its outstanding accuracy and consistent performance.
- Flat Trajectory: The high velocity translates to a flatter trajectory, making long-range shots easier and more precise.
- Excellent for Varmint Hunting: Its high velocity and accuracy make it ideal for hunting small varmints like prairie dogs and ground squirrels.
Disadvantages of .17 HMR:
- Highest Cost: The most expensive of the three cartridges.
- Moderate Recoil: While not as punishing as .22 WMR, it still has more recoil than .22 LR.
- Limited Availability: Although increasing, it may be harder to find than .22 LR or .22 WMR ammunition in some areas.
- Less Effective on Larger Game: The small diameter bullet may not provide sufficient stopping power for larger game.
Ballistic Data (Typical):
| Parameter | .17 HMR |
|---|---|
| Velocity (fps) | 2500-2600 |
| Energy (ft-lbs) | 200-250 |
| Effective Range | 150-200 yards |
Summary Table
| Feature | .22 LR | .22 WMR | .17 HMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Velocity (fps) | 1000-1200 | 1400-1700 | 2500-2600 |
| Energy (ft-lbs) | 120-150 | 210-280 | 200-250 |
| Cost | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Recoil | Lowest | Medium | Medium |
| Accuracy | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Effective Range | 50-75 yards | 100-150 yards | 150-200 yards |
| Best For | Target Practice, Plinking, Small Game | Small to Medium Game Hunting | Varmint Hunting, Precision Shooting |
Conclusion
The "best" cartridge depends entirely on your specific needs and intended use. The .22 LR reigns supreme for affordability and ease of use, making it a fantastic choice for beginners and casual shooters. The .22 WMR offers a significant step up in power and range, suitable for hunting smaller game. Finally, the .17 HMR excels in accuracy and long-range precision, ideal for varmint hunting and discerning shooters. Consider your budget, intended use, and experience level when making your decision.