.17 HMR or .22 mag

[MATTHEW QUIGLEY]

Just how are the .17's so much more accurate. I can't fathom a way possible for one caliber , say .277, to be more accurate than another, say .284. Maybe, .17 rifles and ammo are assembled with more exacting tolerances?

 

[Maverick223]

Just how are the .17's so much more accurate. [...] Maybe, .17 rifles and ammo are assembled with more exacting tolerances?

Yes; quite simply they are loaded for better accuracy. They are more consistent and/or use better components, and because you cannot handload rimfire cartridges there is nothing that you can do to improve their performance. .22WMR could be just as accurate, but the cartridge factories choose not to load them in that manner. There is still no such thing as an inherently accurate cartridge...but there are better loads.

I can't fathom a way possible for one caliber , say .277, to be more accurate than another, say .284.

Right you are, 7mm, or any other caliber/cartridge is no more accurate than another (when given components of equal quality). Between the two you mention there is a difference is the components available (very little match grade/high BC projectiles available for .277cal.) but that is solely a factor of quality...it still isn't inherently accurate.

 

[CraigC]

A .17 cal 20 grain bullet at 2200 fps or a .22 cal 40 crain bullet at 1900 fps? Hmmm? The HMR's largest bullet is half as big as the WMR's and only 300 fps faster. Logic says go with the .22 WMR.

That's a very simplistic view.

I don't pretend to know why exactly the .17HMR is so accurate. Although it does support the argument FOR inherently accurate cartridges. My own is a $300 Savage heavy barrel model 93. With ammo that costs $13 a box, it will cut half inch groups at 100yds all day long. As long as I do my part. From what I see on RFC, this performance is typical for rifles in this price range. Including Marlins and CZ's. So tell me, if the cartridge is not inherently accurate, why is it that to meet this accuracy with a centerfire, you need a vastly more expensive rifle and handloads that are tailored to your rifle? Why is it that to meet this accuracy level with a .22LR and even then at only fifty yards (1/4") requires a premium quality barrel, proper headspace and premium match ammunition?

I have heard of .22Mags that shoot sub-MOA, but never of one that shoots half-MOA. Even with premium quality ammunition.

 

[HOOfan_1]

Of course the lack of appreciable recoil helps some shooters achieve better accuracy with 17 HMR compared to centerfires.

 

[rangerruck]

Mav is mostly right here; the 17 cal bullet is a precision made bullet, you ever take a look at the mudballs they roll together and put in the top of a 22 mag case, not counting the premier tips? they also have a hi pressure round here, so they are much more consistent in the making of the case, overall lenght, the primer construction, and the amount of powder that is used.
So generally speaking, a 17 ANYTHING round, is better made and has more consistencly than probably all 22 mag rounds, and most of your 22 lr fodder out there.
As far as centerfires go, anything between 6mm and 7mm seem to be most accurate, for a few reasons; because with the right powder mix, and the right shape case, they can do the accurate thing that all the other bullets do, but because of their weight, shape, density, and speed, they
seem to be able to do what the others do, but faster, longer, and with better atmospheric
resistance. Or should I say resistant? or heck even slipstreaming...

 

[Maverick223]

Although it does support the argument FOR inherently accurate cartridges.

BS, it is solely a factor of components and loading practices. The bullet doesn't know the shape of the case, or volume of propellant, or type of primer (that isn't to say that some aren't more efficient and haven't other advantages). Consistency (of both the construction and the materials) matters a great deal, the rifle and shooter are also of great importance...nothing else makes any difference until you reach the transonic region (not applicable for subsonic cartridges) or limit of trajectory (typically measured in miles, even for rimfire).

 

[DNS]

My vote for the 22 magnum.
The .17 more often than not misses the target here in windy west Texas.

Mike