.17 HMR vs .22 Long Rifle
Typical factory loads side by side: speed, energy, BC, twist, range and what each one is built for.
The short answer
With typical loads, the .17 HMR is about 1,320 ft/s faster at the muzzle (2,550 vs 1,235 ft/s).
The .17 HMR carries about 81% more energy at the muzzle (245 vs 135 ft-lbs), which usually also means more recoil.
On the same size target, the .17 HMR has the longer point-blank range (145 yd), so you can hold dead-on a bit farther without adjusting.
Side by side
| .17 HMR | .22 Long Rifle | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | .22 WMR necked to .17. Very flat and accurate for prairie dogs, squirrels and pests. | Rimfire for small game and plinking: squirrels, rabbits, and pests out to about 75 yards. Not for deer. |
| Typical load | 17 grV-Max | 40 grround nose |
| Muzzle speed | 2,550 ft/s | 1,235 ft/s |
| Muzzle energy | 245 ft-lbs | 135 ft-lbs |
| Typical BC (G1) | 0.125maker's published G1 | ≈ 0.12typical, varies by brand |
| Twist rate | 1:9 | 1:16 |
| Practical range | 150 yd | 50–75 yd small game |
| Point-blank range | 145 yd2" vital zone | 80 yd2" vital zone |
| Recommended platform | — | Any rifle, ultralights includedVery light recoil |
Which one fits you?
.17 HMR: .22 WMR necked to .17. Very flat and accurate for prairie dogs, squirrels and pests.
.22 Long Rifle: Rimfire for small game and plinking: squirrels, rabbits, and pests out to about 75 yards. Not for deer.
For most hunters, the right pick is the one you can shoot accurately and comfortably, in a rifle that fits how you hunt. Good shot placement and a bullet built for your game matter more than small differences on paper.
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Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.