.17 vs .22 for self defense?

[PROUDADDY]

I am considering a NAA mini-revolver in either .17hmr or .22hmr as an ankle/pocket/BUG. I've only been able to find posts and data related to rifles and small game hunting.

I am concerned with which might offer the most damaging wound- with and without penetrating clothing layers (obviously at reach out and touch someone distances).

Thanks.

 

[rustymaggot]

try to find gelatin tests for both and take the one that averages the deepest penetration. why not .22lr? aguilla sss ammo averages 9 inches penetration.

 

[Lonestar]

Rusty has a point, Out of a small barrel the .22wmr loses a lot of its power, you only gain between 100 to 200 fps with a .22wmr vs a high Velocity .22lr. You will also get reduced muzzle flash & noise. The .17 ??? sure its fast but it is alot lighter and smaller that a .22 round, it has problems stopping animals bigger that a squirrel and ammo isn't cheap.

 

[hossdaniels]

.22 hands down. the 17 is too damn light for anything but range fun and little bitty critters.

 

[ronto]

Forget about the 17 and firing a 22 Magnum from a short barrel is just turning good money into noise. The 22 Magnum was designed to be used in a long gun. Given the choices you presented, a 22LR would be the way to go. However, the 22LR is a very,very poor choice for self defense even as a back-up. There are very small .380's on the market that would be better for a "back-up" but not for "primary" self-defense. I wouldn't have anything less than a 9MM semi-auto or a 38 Special+P revolver for primary self defense. Just my $.02.

 

[22-rimfire]

The 17 is too frangible and it is very light. 22 WMR is too noisy and better in a rifle. 22LR is the way to go. I would choose CCI solids.

 

[rustymaggot]

22-rimfire,

why cci solids? what depth do they get to in gelatin tests?

 

[ronto]

BTW,you may find a better choice for a "bug" than a .17 or 22 here:
http://www.smallestguns.com/

 

[GaryP]

(obviously at reach out and touch someone distances).

Per Cooper "reach out and touch someone distances" are the domain of long guns.

I carry a NAA Black Widow with a .22WMR Cylinder in place as my BUG. Yes, that extra 200fps over .22LR does make a difference at barrel in nostril range.

A NAA mini in .22 WMR or .22 LR or .17 HMR or .17 MACH 2 (in that order as a BUG) is a HUGE improvement over Finger Nails when Primary is out of action and things get up Close and Personal!

 

[Heavy Barrel]

You could use a brick.Just as effective at close range.

 

[recon7]

this looks like a job for a .22 vs .17 vs pointed stick poll

I'm voting pointed stick.