22 mag vs 17 for 100yd rodent control

[Bushpilot]

100 yards isn't a problem for either. If you shoot small varmints further out then I would go with the .17. If you shoot bigger varmints I would go with the 22 mag. Savage, Marlin and CZ all make decent or better rifles for these rounds.

 

[CraigC]

I'd say at 100 yards there's just not a lot of difference accuracy wise, I think the .17 breaks up in just about anything it hits with the .22 mag tends to penetrate farther.

The accuracy difference can be huge! A great many budget priced .17's will shoot well under MOA. Savages and CZ's quite often shoot half-MOA. With the .22Mag, you're lucky to get much under 2MOA.

The 20gr XTP penetrates very well and is quite effective, even on coyotes.

 

[C-grunt]

My friend hunts coyotes near his property with his father in law. His father in law uses a Savage 17HMR and hasnt had any problems with it taking down coyotes. Just like any other caliber you have to buy the correct bullet for the game.

 

[d2wing]

For slaughtering farm animals a .22 mag works pretty good point blank. But for most rim fire shooting the .17 is top dog.