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[kanny 20,712]

The whole ".17HMR is safer than .22LR" is a total crock.

 

The .22LR with subsonic rounds has a muzzle energy of 100 ft.lb. The .17HMR has a ME of almost three times that.

 

Of course, a .22LR might ricochet, but then so might the .17HMR, a .17centrefire or a .50 BMG. Any bullet can ricochet, so to say that a .17HMR gives more shot choice than a .22LR is nonsense. If it ain't safe for a .22, then it's certainly not safe for a .17! A safe shot is a safe shot, an unsafe shot is an unsafe shot. Forget the calibre and think backstop, backstop backstop (as well as the ground conditions, anything likely to impede bullet path (fences/concrete posts etc.) in front of and behind the target....)

 

The .17 flies much faster than the .22LR, so the amount of time it is subject to wind effects is shorter at the same range. The .17 has a much lower BC then the 40gr .22LR, so the acceleration for a given wind speed is greater. The amount of horizontal deflection due to windage is a balance of the two. There will be a windspeed where the LR and the HMR have the same deflection. For windspeeds below this the HMR will be deflected less, for windspeeds above it the LR will be deflected less. Neither round is automatically better in wind.

 

The HMR will make an unholy mess of any rabbit shot with it. Unless you can reliably head shoot, they will be unsuitable for consumption. That's why most people use the .22LR, that and the ammunition costing far less, and being far more available.

good post matt thanks for taking the time.same to everybody whos replyed.im starting to get the feeling that its very much down to personal prefrence just like the old 22 vrs 177 in the air guns im a solid 22 fan when it comes to airguns . keep em coming lads im enjoying being educated.

 

kanny

Edited February 22, 2012 by kanny