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robert38-55
Posts: 3,621 Senior Member
.22 magnum and a .17 HMR Revolvers, Opinions please
robert38-55
Posts: 3,621 Senior Member
I might have good chance of getting either a .22 mag. or a .17HMR revolver in the very near future. I am leaning toward the .17. Noticed that I didnot post .22 mag. vs .17. I know they are two different calibers with two different chararistics and two different performance figures. What I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with the .17HMR revolver and if ya liked it or not. I had a .22/.22mag. Ruger several years ago so I know what that revolver is like. I am thinking that the little .17HMR might be a good plinker like the .22mag. What say ya'll?
"It is what it is":usa:
Replies
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.... now who's bringing the hot wings? :jester:
As has been stated, it would be an expensive "plinker". I've had my Colt New Frontier and Ruger Single-Six revolvers in 22 lr./22 mag. for over 25 years and have shot very few magnum rounds from either one. Reason? I can shoot 38 special or 9 mm for the same cost for plinking.
If the model you're interested in is the Ruger Single-Six with scope rings (hunter?) then you could make a case for a good small game hunting package in 17 HMR or 22 mag. But you said plinking.
With cast bullet reloads, my centerfire revolvers are cheaper to shoot than 22 mag. or 17 HMR rimfire.
Just my 2 cents.
Without the extra velocity of a longer barrel, I gotta imagine that a .22 would have more game-taking energy with the heavier bullet at handgun-type range, and the comparisons I've seen put a velocity from a .22 Mag revolver in the same class as a .22 LR rifle. FWIW.
I've got a Smith and Wesson 48-4 in .22 WMR that I like a lot, but again it's really not a plinker. Especially since out of the 8 3/8" barrel the rounds are pushed pretty fast, I consider it a small game gun.
One side problem you might run into with the .22 WMR is dirty/unburned powder gumming up the revolver pretty quick. I have shells start to stick after only about 3 cylinders full in my 48.
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and speed is the economy of motion" - Scott Jedlinski
The .17 is a decent rifle choice due to flat trajectory over its effective range and the precision with which it can be delivered from a rifle.
The .22WMR is closer to what handguns are traditionally about - a largish mass of lead delivered at a moderate velocity over a relatively short range.
They're both good HUNTING rounds, but choosing them to rid the world of soda cans will put you in the poor house.
"Nothing is safe from stupid." - Zee
Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.
Once again thanks fellows for the input and thanks Snake for the opinion. I do have a .17HMR mosseberg bolt rifle/with scope,and I love that rifle. I got to admit fellows I didn't stop to consider the economics of the equation,or the velocity variable.