WMR v HMR

[Mr_Logic 5]

when you say sensible ranges, how far do you mean?

[Mr_Logic 5]

dixy, I am interested because I am looking at WMR for foxing/rabbiting duties. HMR can do the job at longer ranges but it's so small that beyond 120-odd there's just no real effect when the bullet arrives. WMR should I think give 150 so I was sorta hoping that was your sensible range!!

 

100 yards is fine with any rimfire so long as the shot is reasonably well placed. Even the 22 LR puts holes in foxes (and quite large ones too) so you just need to make sure the hole is in the right place.

 

The HMR's problem is that as it loses velocity, it seems that the plastic tip doesn't work too well. I might try the 20gr hollow points and see how they shoot...

[shortshot 0]

.22wmr is a great choice if you want to shoot to twice 22lr effective range with twice the knockdown.

The ammo is too expensive for "plinking" @ 20pence a shot but for killing things out too 100 metres which is where % of game is harvested it can't be beat.

[Mr_Logic 5]

Well mr L, the bloke who took me out only uses the WMR as he says he doesent need the power of a centerfire, and he also said he struuggled to get it on his certificate for fox as durham constabulary are really fussy on rimmies for fox and dont normally allow .17hmr,.22lr, or .22 wmr. I think they even put it on the website for firearms.

 

He does shoot them further than we were that night, I think he said about 140 yards is a safe bet.

 

I was surprised at the knock down power though, and like I said he was using an unsilenced CZ and it was very quiet compared to a .17.

 

Personally I doubt very much that Il get one for fox on my certificate so after Ive graced my cabinet with a .22lr il be looking into a .223 I think.

 

Its a shame really as Im into rabbits more than anything else, and Im only after the odd fox when asked to help so If I could get my .17 HMR listed for occasional fox at close distance It would save me some expense........ Weird isnt it that I can use my shotguns, but not my .17 for fox (at close ranges )?

Technically you can use your 17HMR on foxes without a variation. Although the firearms laws differentiate, the term 'vermin' is widely held to include fox - no police force in the land will take you to court over it, and any decent lawyer could win should you find someone stupid enough to take you to court.

 

If you really don't want a centrefire for it, don't bother - just shoot foxy with the 17HMR! 22WMR should be granted for fox, it frequently is AFAIK.