Wind deflection

[the enigma]

A question for some of you seasoned riflemen,from a novice..........

 

Which round will be more affected by wind?

a lighter,faster round or a heavier,slower round.

 

I had always assumed that the heavier round could handle wind better,not through experience but just seeing comments that said that .17hmr was affected badly by the wind. So I had been considering going for .22wmr. But I was looking for info on the net comparing the 2,and alot of it seems to suggest that .22wmr catches more wind than .17hmr.

 

What are your thoughts?

 

ATB David

[al4x]

buy the HMR when its really windy just limit the range you shoot at. It is indeed true that it is less affected than both .22lr and WMR but none are that much good in wind.

[6.5shooter]

There is no real answer set in stone.

It really depends on the ballistic co efficient of the bullet used. Ie: how aerodynamic the bullet in question is. You could have two bullets of the same weight trevelling at the same speed but one could be a flat base bullet and the other a boat tail.

The boat tail would win hands down over a longer distance because it cuts the wind better.

Im not much good in rimfire ballistics as I dont shoot them that much as I shoot centrefire rifle more but the same variables apply to rimfire aswell.

Garry

[wymberley]

Some figures: 100yards, 10 mph cross wind:

 

17 HMR Hornady 3.29

22 WMR (WRS 40gr) 5.11

22 LR (Eley Sub) 4.02

Drift in inches. If you're surprised about the LR, it's as 6.5 says - check out the BC.

 

Edit: The WRS is probably the best foxing round with the most grunt but its BC is poor so perhaps to use this is unfair to the WMR. The 33gr Remington comes in at 4.2.

Edited March 30, 2011 by wymberley

[Catweazle]

But I was looking for info on the net comparing the 2,and alot of it seems to suggest that .22wmr catches more wind than .17hmr.

 

If you only want to shoot rabbit sized quarry then the HMR would be my choice, it's a brilliant little calibre.

[the enigma]

Evening lads,thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

Sounds like the hmr ticks all the boxes for me.I mostly want it for shooting corvids and the odd close up fox if the opportunity arises.

 

I guess that all ammo,either rimfire or centrefire has it's limitations..... it's just a matter of accepting what they are,and working within them.

 

Now,any suggestions on how to break it to the missus that I need a new rifle.

Edited March 30, 2011 by the enigma

[6.5shooter]

Evening lads,thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

Sounds like the hmr ticks all the boxes for me.I mostly want it for shooting corvids and the odd close up fox if the opportunity arises.

 

I guess that all ammo,either rimfire or centrefire has it's limitations..... it's just a matter of accepting what they

are,and working within them.

 

Now,any suggestions on how to break it to the missus that I new a new rifle.

 

 

Just do what I do. Dont tell her!!!

Then when she sees it and asks when did you get that? Say "o I have this ages but havent goten round til using it til now!!"

[kent]

HMR is unreliable on crows, for a crow rifle look centrefire. Had bullets break up without getting through to flesh and also zip straight through . Just plain unpedictable, never can tell with it. There is only about 1/3" less wind in the .22lr @ 100yds than the HMR but hold over is another matter with the .22 a 50 yds zero and subs you could aim at the head and hit the dirt at its feet were the hmr will shoot almost point of aim in trajectory out to near 120yds. Obviously a lot depends on set up.

Consider the Hornet gives 1/2 the windage of a HMR, kills better and shoots flatter. A .20 or .222 / .223 could do better though all of these are way more suited to fox, theres good reason why so many areas say no to rimfires and foxes