Savhmr Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 (edited) I've got 22LR, 22WMR and 17HMR and they all get used. There's more to consider than just the quarry and range; there's the environment you're shooting in, the amount you'll shoot and the ranges you'll shoot at. As with any tool, you pick the one most suited to the job. Physics is a fact and HMR is not as accurate in windy conditions, especially at longer ranges. Environment: if shooting over stony ground where ricochets may be an issue with limited natural backstops, I would not use 22LR. That's where HMR is safer. If shooting up to 150 yds for small ground game/crows, HMR is fine as long as you can reliably hit what you're aiming at every time which basically means still conditions unless you're into guess work or chance. I've seen a few crows maimed by poor shots over 150 yds using HMR. For closer shots over undulating land remote from public access, I prefer the 22lR as it can by used silently with a decent moderator, is accurate in the 77/22 Ruger I use and it carries enough stopping power to do the job well, plus ammo's cheap. Over slightly longer distances (100 to 175 yds), the WMR has it over 22LR or HMR for ground game for me. I don't shoot over 200 yds because I know that (despite some of the pub heros claims) the ammo for HMR seems to be less than consistent, and tight grouping over 200 Yds is unrealistic especially factoring in the wind. 22LR has the trajectory of a rainbow over that distance so that's kept at a 75 yd zero which is a sensible zero for that round (adjusting aim for 100yd shots). For still conditions, the HMR is my rifle of choice for crows out to 150 yds because I know that I can hit them every time reliably. Ammo is a pain and with every batch, I always check zero. Never had split cases but regularly suffer with jammed cases refusing to extract when using Hornady ammo. Edited June 1, 2015 by Savhmr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyska Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 I have HMR and WMR too, I much, much prefer the WMR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 Seems unfair to presume HMR if nobody actually knows The shot might have been a glancing blow which any bullet could have made and the issue was shot placement I agree, except that I have never had a glancing blow not crack a fox's skull from something that shoots forty grain bullets and up! The deer I dispatched recently with the wmr shot high on the head but the bullet still cracked the skull. Presumptuous sure, 17grn ain't enough for me. Airgun weight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitchiet123 Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 basically, I think of it as if you have a hang fire or misfire or something doesn't sound right about the shot (ie you missed at short range etc) then always always always remove the bolt and check for blockages. DO NOT load another round and shoot or you may become another statistic! As long as you do this you should be fine and the .17hmr is a great cal in my opinion Mitch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepasty Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 its my go to day time bunny buster and at £11 for 50 rounds I dont think it as expensive at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 Had a Sako Quad now for 6 years and never had an ammo problem, it's a tack driver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malkiserow Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 I agree, except that I have never had a glancing blow not crack a fox's skull from something that shoots forty grain bullets and up! The deer I dispatched recently with the wmr shot high on the head but the bullet still cracked the skull. Presumptuous sure, 17grn ain't enough for me. Airgun weight! I've never shot a fox in the head with an HMR, I think most of my fox shots are straight in the bib. I tend to squeak and they will face me either standing or sitting trying to work out who this muppet is who cannot make a good squeak but by then it is all over. My primary purpose for buying the HMR was for rabbits at distance (up to 150 m in the daytime), foxes are a bonus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 I've never shot a fox in the head with an HMR, I think most of my fox shots are straight in the bib. I tend to squeak and they will face me either standing or sitting trying to work out who this muppet is who cannot make a good squeak but by then it is all over. My primary purpose for buying the HMR was for rabbits at distance (up to 150 m in the daytime), foxes are a bonus. No problem mate. Crack on :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peek-at Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 (edited) I have a permission where the rabbits are a bit shy so the extra reach of the Hmr is very useful. Also when shooting at night with lamp or NV you dont have to worry about guestimating distance and holdover...its point and shoot which I find much easier. I too had some issues with ammo but that was old stock which I inherited with the rifle but ammo since then has been fine. Edited June 1, 2015 by peek-at Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crowdie2013 Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 got a CZ hmr last year and never had an issue with rounds. Depends on ground topography/what you intend using it for etc etc. For me its brilliant and wouldn't be without mine. Shot foxes and crows and it does the job Like everything - it has its limitations but for a wee round it packs some power. Ive never bothered in a windy day so not sure how much affect a strong breeze has on it BUT you`ll only be killing out to around 150yds so im sure you can learn to make allowance. I know a couple of mates who`ve ditched their .22lr`s in favour of an hmr after having a shot of mine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentalmac Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 The HMR is a good fun little round, flat shooting too. If you are good at trajectories then go for the WMR as it's a harder hitting round. I love my HMR but I only take out rabbits with it and it does that just fine and I've had no issues with Ammo really, the odd hang fire but left intact but that's it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshMike Posted June 1, 2015 Report Share Posted June 1, 2015 I have 2 .17 hmr rifles and despite a couple of misfires I wouldnt be without them. Cracking round. I have no issues shooting foxes in the head with the .17 hmr either. Suitable range and a suitable level of competency should see it drop on the spot. To be fair a badly placed shot is a badly placed shot regardless of the calibre. Just to clarify though the .17 hmr is predominantly my rabbit rifle but if I see Charlie and conditions, range etc are right I will shoot. I have a .243 and .270 which are the choice if it is the fox I am after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hodge911 Posted June 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2015 (edited) well it looks like I may have to see if anyone local has a one I could put a couple of rounds threw to see what I think [ammo paid for of course] Edited June 2, 2015 by hodge911 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy Galore! Posted June 2, 2015 Report Share Posted June 2, 2015 I wouldn't be without mine, after the barrel bedded in it's a tack driver, I've pushed this out to around the 200m mark with good results, even in moderate winds it out performs the lr, also never had a problem with ammo. some people just like to moan and spurt bull squit about stuff they know nothing about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team tractor Posted June 2, 2015 Report Share Posted June 2, 2015 well it looks like I may have to see if anyone local has a one I could put a couple of rounds threw to see what I think [ammo paid for of course] Where are you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telf Posted June 3, 2015 Report Share Posted June 3, 2015 hes in newcastle,a tad far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peek-at Posted June 3, 2015 Report Share Posted June 3, 2015 well it looks like I may have to see if anyone local has a one I could put a couple of rounds threw to see what I think [ammo paid for of course] PM'd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psycho Posted June 3, 2015 Report Share Posted June 3, 2015 Have an Annie 1715 would not be without great for rabbit and close fox my rifle of choice get one you won't be disappointed I have never had a bad round Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_in_the_midlands Posted June 3, 2015 Report Share Posted June 3, 2015 I have had one now for 5 years. It is a very useful rabbit tool. I find it much quieter than a supersonic 22. I have owned a 22 magnum before, and far prefer the 17. I have not had any ammunition problems at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 HMR is my 90% ish used rifle - others are FAC air, 22lr and 17REM in that order. I shot out the Sako Quad barrel after some 7000+ rounds - brother later did same with his Annie. Both our groups went wild. No amount of cleaning or re-leading would close the groups up. I don't expect home load accuracy from a factory round and am happy at the approximate 1 MOA that head shoots bunnies from the truck window at my mostly sub 100 yard ranges. Means I have to leave the occasional fox I see because Leic's won't sanction rimfire for occasional fox: Its the only reason I bought the 17REM but hardly ever take it out because bunnies are my main thing. I have found split HMR cases but they fired fine: I Often make a point of loading them into the magazine last so they are the first shots that leave some for follow ups if needed - they never are. Dave (telf) Those Mach 2's are also necked down - do you ever see any split cases? We never hear of them but they are a lot rarer I s'pose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telf Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 touch wood dave,up to now havent had one,nor have i heard of any but the little round is no where near as popular as the hmr over here, even so the ammo is still produced in great numbers as the round is still very popular in the usa and australia all of my shooting is limited to 150 yds max so the mach2 suits me down to the ground,and imo is far enough to shoot rabbits,if there any further i just stalk into the distance i feel comfortable to take the shot,for your shooting distances the mach 2 would suit your needs no problem and quite possibly for the majority of hmr users also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckyshot Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 (edited) I have had one now for 5 years. It is a very useful rabbit tool. I find it much quieter than a supersonic 22. I have owned a 22 magnum before, and far prefer the 17. I have not had any ammunition problems at all. If you find an hmr quieter than an lr with subsonics then you either have bad hearing or a miracle product which takes the sonic crack out of the hmr. Edited June 4, 2015 by Luckyshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 If you find an hmr quieter than an lr with subsonics then you either have bad hearing or a miracle product which takes the sonic crack out of the hmr. He did write 'supersonic 22'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetter Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 (edited) One advantage I find with a .17HMR is that on my permissions I often get a 2nd shot off much more so than with LR and FAC air. I think its because the crack is multidirectional masking the sound of the hit and the rabbits get confused so sit tight when their mate gets hit allowing a 2nd shot. This also applies when I miss as well . With the quiet LR and FAC air the thump of the round hitting home makes them leg it straight off. Edited June 4, 2015 by Zetter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the enigma Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 One advantage I find with a .17HMR is that on my permissions I often get a 2nd shot off much more so than with LR and FAC air. I think its because the crack is multidirectional masking the sound of the hit and the rabbits get confused so sit tight when their mate gets hit allowing a 2nd shot. This also applies when I miss as well . With the quiet LR and FAC air the thump of the round hitting home makes them leg it straight off. +1. I bought a .22lr to use with NV but I also found that the thump of the round hitting home cleared the field, so I might as well just use the hmr. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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