Published: 2025 | Last updated: March 2026
The 22 WMR and 17 HMR sit at the top of the rimfire performance ladder, and the debate between them is one of the more genuinely interesting small-caliber comparisons because neither cartridge is clearly better. They are different tools built around different priorities, and the right answer depends almost entirely on what you are actually shooting and where.
The 22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) has been around since 1959. It was designed to bridge the gap between standard 22 LR and centerfire varmint cartridges – a rimfire with enough bullet weight and velocity to work reliably on foxes, raccoons, and similar animals that are too large for 22 LR but don’t justify a full centerfire setup. It does that job well, and sixty-five years of field use have validated the original design.
The 17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) arrived in 2002 built on the 22 WMR case necked down to .172 inch. Trading the 22 WMR’s heavier bullet for a dramatically lighter, faster projectile, it produces the flattest trajectory of any rimfire in common production and exceptional accuracy from quality rifles. It was not designed to replace the 22 WMR – it was designed for a specific job: varmints at variable rimfire distances where precision and flat flight matter more than bullet weight.
Neither cartridge is reloadable. This is rimfire territory – factory ammunition only, and your selection of the right load matters as much as the cartridge choice itself.
Technical Foundation
How the Cartridges Are Built
| Characteristic | 22 WMR | 17 HMR |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter (inches) | 0.224 | 0.172 |
| Case Length (inches) | 1.055 | 1.058 |
| Typical Bullet Weight (grains) | 30-50 | 15-20 |
| Standard Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 1,530-2,200 | 2,375-2,650 |
| Standard Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 270-322 | 245-296 |
| Max Effective Range | 125-150 yards | 150-200 yards |
| Parent Case | Original design | 22 WMR (necked down) |
The engineering relationship is direct – the 17 HMR uses the same 22 WMR brass, necked from .224 to .172 inch. That single change produces a completely different ballistic character. The lighter .172-inch bullet exits at 2,550 fps versus the 22 WMR’s 1,910 fps with a 40-grain bullet – a 33% velocity advantage that translates to a substantially flatter trajectory and significantly better wind performance.
The trade-off is immediate in the numbers: the 17 HMR’s 17-20 grain bullets carry less momentum than the 22 WMR’s 30-50 grain bullets at equivalent ranges. The 22 WMR’s 40-grain bullet at 1,910 fps delivers 324 ft-lbs at the muzzle. The 17 HMR’s 17-grain V-MAX at 2,550 fps delivers 245 ft-lbs at the muzzle – noticeably less despite the higher velocity. That energy gap closes at distance as the WMR’s heavier bullet sheds velocity faster, but the 22 WMR remains the harder-hitting cartridge through normal rimfire ranges.
Rifle Types and Handling
Both cartridges are chambered in similar rimfire bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles from Ruger, CZ, Savage, Marlin, and others. The character of available rifles differs slightly in practice.
22 WMR rifles tend to be traditional sporters – often with lighter barrels, classic profiles, and the feel of a working field gun. The Ruger 77/22M and CZ 455 in WMR are straightforward hunting rifles that point naturally and carry easily.
17 HMR rifles frequently have heavier, stiffer barrels because the cartridge’s accuracy potential justifies them – a 24-inch medium-contour barrel extracts the cartridge’s precision capability in a way that a light sporter barrel cannot. The Savage B.Mag and CZ 455 in 17 HMR are built with accuracy as the primary specification, and they show it in groups. This is not a rule without exceptions, but the HMR’s precision reputation tends to attract builders who invest in quality glass and solid mounts.
Ballistics Comparison
Trajectory
This is the most commonly cited difference between the cartridges, and the data supports the comparison clearly.
Using standard factory loads – 17 HMR: Hornady 17-grain V-MAX at 2,550 fps; 22 WMR: CCI 40-grain Gamepoint at 1,875 fps – zeroed at 100 yards:
| Distance (yards) | 17 HMR 17gr V-MAX | 22 WMR 40gr HP |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | +0.5 | +0.9 |
| 100 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 125 | -0.9 | -1.8 |
| 150 | -2.3 | -4.5 |
| 175 | -4.4 | -8.7 |
| 200 | -7.4 | -14.5 |
Standard conditions: 59°F, sea level, 1.5-inch sight height.
At 150 yards the 17 HMR is 2.3 inches low versus 4.5 inches for the 22 WMR – a 2.2-inch trajectory advantage that is meaningful when shooting at a prairie dog or squirrel with a 3-4 inch vital zone. At 200 yards the gap is 7 inches – the difference between a hit and a clean miss at distance.
For hunters operating primarily inside 100 yards, this difference is academic. For hunters taking shots at 125-175 yards – a realistic range on western varmint fields – the 17 HMR’s trajectory is a genuine practical advantage.
Energy Retention
| Distance (yards) | 17 HMR 17gr (2,550 fps) | 22 WMR 40gr (1,875 fps) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (muzzle) | 245 | 312 |
| 50 | 218 | 278 |
| 100 | 191 | 247 |
| 150 | 167 | 220 |
| 200 | 145 | 195 |
The 22 WMR carries more energy at every distance. The gap narrows at range – the 17 HMR’s lighter bullet loses energy quickly despite its initial velocity advantage – but the WMR remains the higher-energy cartridge through 200 yards by 25-50 ft-lbs.
For small varmints (ground squirrels, prairie dogs), these energy levels are more than adequate from either cartridge. For larger quarry – fox, raccoon, porcupine – the 22 WMR’s additional energy and deeper-penetrating 40-grain bullet produces more reliable results.
Wind Drift
This is where the 17 HMR’s velocity advantage most clearly translates to field performance.
In a 10 mph full crosswind, zeroed at 100 yards:
| Distance (yards) | 17 HMR 17gr V-MAX | 22 WMR 40gr HP |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | ~0.9 inches | ~1.5 inches |
| 150 | ~1.9 inches | ~3.4 inches |
| 200 | ~3.5 inches | ~6.4 inches |
The 17 HMR drifts roughly half as much as the 22 WMR at 200 yards in a 10 mph crosswind. On a 3-inch prairie dog at 175 yards in 10 mph wind, the WMR’s 5+ inches of drift means the wind call becomes the dominant shot variable. The 17 HMR reduces that variable significantly, though wind remains a consideration for both cartridges at distance.
Head-to-Head Summary Table
| Category | 22 WMR | 17 HMR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle velocity (standard load) | ~1,875 fps (40 gr) | ~2,550 fps (17 gr) | 17 HMR |
| Muzzle energy | ~312 ft-lbs | ~245 ft-lbs | 22 WMR |
| Trajectory (drop at 150 yds) | -4.5 inches | -2.3 inches | 17 HMR |
| Wind drift (10 mph at 150 yds) | ~3.4 inches | ~1.9 inches | 17 HMR |
| Energy at 150 yards | ~220 ft-lbs | ~167 ft-lbs | 22 WMR |
| Terminal effect on small varmints | Good | Excellent | 17 HMR |
| Terminal effect on fox/raccoon | Excellent | Adequate | 22 WMR |
| Factory ammo variety | Wide | Moderate | 22 WMR |
| Typical factory ammo accuracy | Good | Excellent | 17 HMR |
| Cost per round | Lower | Higher | 22 WMR |
| Reloading | Neither – rimfire only | Neither – rimfire only | Draw |
| Max practical range (varmints) | 125-150 yards | 150-200 yards | 17 HMR |
Hunting Performance
Where the 22 WMR Wins
The 22 WMR is the better choice when the target is on the larger end of the small-game spectrum or when reliability of the kill matters more than trajectory precision.
Fox and coyote (small shots): The 22 WMR with a 40-grain hollow point or soft point delivers the bullet weight to reach vitals reliably. At close range inside 75 yards on a fox, the WMR’s 312 ft-lbs and 40-grain bullet provide insurance against marginal hits that the 17 HMR’s fragmenting 17-grain bullet cannot. Many predator hunters running 22 WMR rifles report cleaner kills on foxes and raccoons than shooters using the 17 HMR on the same animals – not because the energy figures are dramatically different, but because heavier bullets penetrate more reliably when the hit is not perfectly centered.
Raccoon, porcupine, and heavy-bodied small game: The 22 WMR’s heavier bullet handles dense muscle and bone better. A 17-grain bullet that destroys a squirrel can sometimes fail to reach vitals on a raccoon with thick fur and muscle.
Wooded terrain and short shots: Inside 75 yards in the timber where a fox or raccoon materializes quickly, the 22 WMR’s extra energy and wider range of loads – including 50-grain soft points specifically designed for penetration on tough game – is the appropriate choice.
Multi-purpose farm gun: If one rimfire rifle will be used for everything from rabbits to rattlesnakes to foxes at variable distances, the 22 WMR handles that range of tasks more reliably than the 17 HMR.
Where the 17 HMR Wins
The 17 HMR is dominant for its intended purpose: small varmints at variable distances in open terrain.
Prairie dogs and ground squirrels: The 17 HMR V-MAX load produces explosive terminal effect on small varmints – a direct hit rarely requires a follow-up. More importantly, the flat trajectory means the difference between a 125-yard and a 175-yard shot requires minimal holdover adjustment. On a busy prairie dog town where targets appear at unpredictable distances, this is a meaningful field advantage.
Open-country varmint shooting where precision matters: The 17 HMR’s inherent accuracy – tighter than most 22 WMR factory loads from the same rifle quality – and flatter trajectory make it the correct choice when consistent hits at 125-175 yards are the goal. Well-known 17 HMR loads like the Hornady V-MAX and CCI TNT consistently group under 0.75 inches at 100 yards from quality rifles.
Wind-sensitive conditions: The 17 HMR’s roughly 50% wind drift advantage over the 22 WMR at 150-200 yards is the difference between a confident shot and a genuinely difficult wind call.
Lead-free requirements: The Hornady NTX in 17 HMR provides a lead-free option with the velocity that makes lead-free bullets work at rimfire distances. Lead-free 22 WMR loads exist but are less common.
Ammunition Selection
Neither cartridge is reloadable – this is the fundamental limitation rimfire shooters accept, and it shapes how ammunition choice matters.
22 WMR factory loads: CCI, Winchester, Hornady, and Federal all produce solid 22 WMR loads. The 40-grain hollow point at 1,875-1,910 fps is the most versatile hunting load. Winchester’s 45-grain Dyna-Point is a traditional choice for small game where deep penetration is wanted. Hornady’s 30-grain V-MAX load at 2,200 fps provides significantly flatter trajectory and better varmint terminal performance, though at some cost to penetration on larger animals. The variety of bullet weights and constructions gives 22 WMR hunters meaningful flexibility.
17 HMR factory loads: The Hornady 17-grain V-MAX at 2,550 fps is the benchmark. CCI produces a 17-grain V-MAX load; Federal, Winchester, and Remington all offer versions. The Hornady 20-grain XTP at 2,375 fps provides a heavier-for-HMR option with better penetration on animals like foxes at the cost of some trajectory advantage. The Hornady NTX provides a lead-free alternative. The 17 HMR’s load variety is narrower than the 22 WMR’s simply because the cartridge’s purpose is more specific.
Cost and availability: Both cartridges run more expensive than 22 LR. 17 HMR ammunition typically costs 10-25% more than comparable 22 WMR loads. Both are commercially available at major retailers, though supply varies seasonally and by region. Neither has matched 22 LR availability, and neither approaches centerfire ammunition variety.
Practical Considerations
Accuracy
Factory-for-factory, quality 17 HMR ammunition produces tighter groups than 22 WMR in equivalent rifles. This reflects two factors: the 17 HMR’s case was specifically designed around precision, and the manufacturing tolerances Hornady established for the cartridge at launch set a high standard that the industry followed. Most quality 17 HMR rifles will produce 0.5-0.75 inch groups at 100 yards with premium loads. Most 22 WMR rifles produce 0.75-1.25 inch groups with similar investment. The difference is real and consistent across brands.
For a shooter whose primary goal is putting the bullet where they aim at 100-150 yards, the 17 HMR delivers a consistent accuracy advantage.
Barrel Life and Maintenance
Both cartridges produce modest heat and neither is hard on barrels. The 17 HMR can warm barrels faster during sustained fire simply because varmint hunters fire it rapidly at multiple targets – the standard session pattern for prairie dog shooting generates more rounds than a typical small-game hunting trip. Neither cartridge requires unusual cleaning or maintenance beyond standard rimfire practices.
One practical note: the 17 HMR’s narrow bore requires cleaning rods and brushes sized for .17-inch caliber – not always stocked at every sporting goods store. Keep a dedicated cleaning kit for each cartridge.
The Step Up: Centerfire Options
For hunters who find themselves consistently wishing for more range or stopping power than either rimfire provides, the natural step up is a light centerfire. The 22 Hornet provides centerfire reliability with rimfire-adjacent recoil. The 223 Remington extends varmint capability to 400+ yards with flat trajectory and far more bullet selection. For a broader look at matching cartridges to varmint and small-game applications, see our 2026 guide to choosing the best caliber for varmints and field hunting.
The comparison between a 17 HMR and a 17 Hornet is also worth understanding for hunters considering a move to centerfire – see our 17 Hornet vs 22 Hornet comparison for context on what centerfire adds to this caliber class.
The Decision
Choose the 22 WMR if:
- Your targets include fox, raccoon, or anything larger than a squirrel
- Shots are primarily inside 100 yards in wooded or mixed terrain
- You want one rimfire that handles a variety of small-game tasks
- Budget per round matters and you shoot high volume
- You want the widest factory load selection including deep-penetrating options
Choose the 17 HMR if:
- Your primary quarry is ground squirrels, prairie dogs, or similar small varmints
- Shots regularly extend to 125-175 yards in open terrain
- Accuracy consistency and flat trajectory are the priorities
- Wind is a regular factor in your shooting environment
- You want the best-shooting rimfire factory ammunition available
If you can only own one: The answer depends more on terrain than anything else. For a hunter who operates in mixed terrain shooting a variety of small-game, the 22 WMR is the more versatile tool. For a dedicated varmint shooter in open country, the 17 HMR’s accuracy and trajectory advantages justify its slightly higher cost.
Many serious small-game hunters own both – the total cost of two rimfire rifles is modest, and matching the cartridge to the day’s specific hunt is straightforward. The 22 WMR for predator and mixed-game days, the 17 HMR for open-ground varmint sessions.
Conclusion
The 22 WMR and 17 HMR are genuinely different tools that happen to occupy the same rimfire performance tier. The WMR hits harder, handles tougher game more reliably, costs less per round, and offers more load variety. The HMR shoots flatter, drifts less in wind, groups tighter from factory ammunition, and extends the practical varmint range by 25-50 yards.
Neither is a better rimfire in the abstract. The 22 WMR is better when the target is a fox or raccoon inside 100 yards. The 17 HMR is better when the target is a prairie dog at 150 yards in a breeze. Matching the cartridge to the specific hunting situation – rather than seeking one rimfire answer for every scenario – is how both cartridges perform at their actual best.
For broader guidance on matching rimfire and light centerfire options to small-game hunting, see our how to choose the right caliber for hunting guide.
Published: March 2026. Original article written for myreloading.com.
22 WMR vs 17 HMR: The Rimfire Rumble
Published: 2025 | Last updated: March 2026
The 22 WMR and 17 HMR sit at the top of the rimfire performance ladder, and the debate between them is one of the more genuinely interesting small-caliber comparisons because neither cartridge is clearly better. They are different tools built around different priorities, and the right answer depends almost entirely on what you are actually shooting and where.
The 22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) has been around since 1959. It was designed to bridge the gap between standard 22 LR and centerfire varmint cartridges – a rimfire with enough bullet weight and velocity to work reliably on foxes, raccoons, and similar animals that are too large for 22 LR but don’t justify a full centerfire setup. It does that job well, and sixty-five years of field use have validated the original design.
The 17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) arrived in 2002 built on the 22 WMR case necked down to .172 inch. Trading the 22 WMR’s heavier bullet for a dramatically lighter, faster projectile, it produces the flattest trajectory of any rimfire in common production and exceptional accuracy from quality rifles. It was not designed to replace the 22 WMR – it was designed for a specific job: varmints at variable rimfire distances where precision and flat flight matter more than bullet weight.
Neither cartridge is reloadable. This is rimfire territory – factory ammunition only, and your selection of the right load matters as much as the cartridge choice itself.
Technical Foundation
How the Cartridges Are Built
| Characteristic | 22 WMR | 17 HMR |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter (inches) | 0.224 | 0.172 |
| Case Length (inches) | 1.055 | 1.058 |
| Typical Bullet Weight (grains) | 30-50 | 15-20 |
| Standard Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 1,530-2,200 | 2,375-2,650 |
| Standard Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 270-322 | 245-296 |
| Max Effective Range | 125-150 yards | 150-200 yards |
| Parent Case | Original design | 22 WMR (necked down) |
The engineering relationship is direct – the 17 HMR uses the same 22 WMR brass, necked from .224 to .172 inch. That single change produces a completely different ballistic character. The lighter .172-inch bullet exits at 2,550 fps versus the 22 WMR’s 1,910 fps with a 40-grain bullet – a 33% velocity advantage that translates to a substantially flatter trajectory and significantly better wind performance.
The trade-off is immediate in the numbers: the 17 HMR’s 17-20 grain bullets carry less momentum than the 22 WMR’s 30-50 grain bullets at equivalent ranges. The 22 WMR’s 40-grain bullet at 1,910 fps delivers 324 ft-lbs at the muzzle. The 17 HMR’s 17-grain V-MAX at 2,550 fps delivers 245 ft-lbs at the muzzle – noticeably less despite the higher velocity. That energy gap closes at distance as the WMR’s heavier bullet sheds velocity faster, but the 22 WMR remains the harder-hitting cartridge through normal rimfire ranges.
Rifle Types and Handling
Both cartridges are chambered in similar rimfire bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles from Ruger, CZ, Savage, Marlin, and others. The character of available rifles differs slightly in practice.
22 WMR rifles tend to be traditional sporters – often with lighter barrels, classic profiles, and the feel of a working field gun. The Ruger 77/22M and CZ 455 in WMR are straightforward hunting rifles that point naturally and carry easily.
17 HMR rifles frequently have heavier, stiffer barrels because the cartridge’s accuracy potential justifies them – a 24-inch medium-contour barrel extracts the cartridge’s precision capability in a way that a light sporter barrel cannot. The Savage B.Mag and CZ 455 in 17 HMR are built with accuracy as the primary specification, and they show it in groups. This is not a rule without exceptions, but the HMR’s precision reputation tends to attract builders who invest in quality glass and solid mounts.
Ballistics Comparison
Trajectory
This is the most commonly cited difference between the cartridges, and the data supports the comparison clearly.
Using standard factory loads – 17 HMR: Hornady 17-grain V-MAX at 2,550 fps; 22 WMR: CCI 40-grain Gamepoint at 1,875 fps – zeroed at 100 yards:
| Distance (yards) | 17 HMR 17gr V-MAX | 22 WMR 40gr HP |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | +0.5 | +0.9 |
| 100 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 125 | -0.9 | -1.8 |
| 150 | -2.3 | -4.5 |
| 175 | -4.4 | -8.7 |
| 200 | -7.4 | -14.5 |
Standard conditions: 59°F, sea level, 1.5-inch sight height.
At 150 yards the 17 HMR is 2.3 inches low versus 4.5 inches for the 22 WMR – a 2.2-inch trajectory advantage that is meaningful when shooting at a prairie dog or squirrel with a 3-4 inch vital zone. At 200 yards the gap is 7 inches – the difference between a hit and a clean miss at distance.
For hunters operating primarily inside 100 yards, this difference is academic. For hunters taking shots at 125-175 yards – a realistic range on western varmint fields – the 17 HMR’s trajectory is a genuine practical advantage.
Energy Retention
| Distance (yards) | 17 HMR 17gr (2,550 fps) | 22 WMR 40gr (1,875 fps) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (muzzle) | 245 | 312 |
| 50 | 218 | 278 |
| 100 | 191 | 247 |
| 150 | 167 | 220 |
| 200 | 145 | 195 |
The 22 WMR carries more energy at every distance. The gap narrows at range – the 17 HMR’s lighter bullet loses energy quickly despite its initial velocity advantage – but the WMR remains the higher-energy cartridge through 200 yards by 25-50 ft-lbs.
For small varmints (ground squirrels, prairie dogs), these energy levels are more than adequate from either cartridge. For larger quarry – fox, raccoon, porcupine – the 22 WMR’s additional energy and deeper-penetrating 40-grain bullet produces more reliable results.
Wind Drift
This is where the 17 HMR’s velocity advantage most clearly translates to field performance.
In a 10 mph full crosswind, zeroed at 100 yards:
| Distance (yards) | 17 HMR 17gr V-MAX | 22 WMR 40gr HP |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | ~0.9 inches | ~1.5 inches |
| 150 | ~1.9 inches | ~3.4 inches |
| 200 | ~3.5 inches | ~6.4 inches |
The 17 HMR drifts roughly half as much as the 22 WMR at 200 yards in a 10 mph crosswind. On a 3-inch prairie dog at 175 yards in 10 mph wind, the WMR’s 5+ inches of drift means the wind call becomes the dominant shot variable. The 17 HMR reduces that variable significantly, though wind remains a consideration for both cartridges at distance.
Head-to-Head Summary Table
| Category | 22 WMR | 17 HMR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle velocity (standard load) | ~1,875 fps (40 gr) | ~2,550 fps (17 gr) | 17 HMR |
| Muzzle energy | ~312 ft-lbs | ~245 ft-lbs | 22 WMR |
| Trajectory (drop at 150 yds) | -4.5 inches | -2.3 inches | 17 HMR |
| Wind drift (10 mph at 150 yds) | ~3.4 inches | ~1.9 inches | 17 HMR |
| Energy at 150 yards | ~220 ft-lbs | ~167 ft-lbs | 22 WMR |
| Terminal effect on small varmints | Good | Excellent | 17 HMR |
| Terminal effect on fox/raccoon | Excellent | Adequate | 22 WMR |
| Factory ammo variety | Wide | Moderate | 22 WMR |
| Typical factory ammo accuracy | Good | Excellent | 17 HMR |
| Cost per round | Lower | Higher | 22 WMR |
| Reloading | Neither – rimfire only | Neither – rimfire only | Draw |
| Max practical range (varmints) | 125-150 yards | 150-200 yards | 17 HMR |
Hunting Performance
Where the 22 WMR Wins
The 22 WMR is the better choice when the target is on the larger end of the small-game spectrum or when reliability of the kill matters more than trajectory precision.
Fox and coyote (small shots): The 22 WMR with a 40-grain hollow point or soft point delivers the bullet weight to reach vitals reliably. At close range inside 75 yards on a fox, the WMR’s 312 ft-lbs and 40-grain bullet provide insurance against marginal hits that the 17 HMR’s fragmenting 17-grain bullet cannot. Many predator hunters running 22 WMR rifles report cleaner kills on foxes and raccoons than shooters using the 17 HMR on the same animals – not because the energy figures are dramatically different, but because heavier bullets penetrate more reliably when the hit is not perfectly centered.
Raccoon, porcupine, and heavy-bodied small game: The 22 WMR’s heavier bullet handles dense muscle and bone better. A 17-grain bullet that destroys a squirrel can sometimes fail to reach vitals on a raccoon with thick fur and muscle.
Wooded terrain and short shots: Inside 75 yards in the timber where a fox or raccoon materializes quickly, the 22 WMR’s extra energy and wider range of loads – including 50-grain soft points specifically designed for penetration on tough game – is the appropriate choice.
Multi-purpose farm gun: If one rimfire rifle will be used for everything from rabbits to rattlesnakes to foxes at variable distances, the 22 WMR handles that range of tasks more reliably than the 17 HMR.
Where the 17 HMR Wins
The 17 HMR is dominant for its intended purpose: small varmints at variable distances in open terrain.
Prairie dogs and ground squirrels: The 17 HMR V-MAX load produces explosive terminal effect on small varmints – a direct hit rarely requires a follow-up. More importantly, the flat trajectory means the difference between a 125-yard and a 175-yard shot requires minimal holdover adjustment. On a busy prairie dog town where targets appear at unpredictable distances, this is a meaningful field advantage.
Open-country varmint shooting where precision matters: The 17 HMR’s inherent accuracy – tighter than most 22 WMR factory loads from the same rifle quality – and flatter trajectory make it the correct choice when consistent hits at 125-175 yards are the goal. Well-known 17 HMR loads like the Hornady V-MAX and CCI TNT consistently group under 0.75 inches at 100 yards from quality rifles.
Wind-sensitive conditions: The 17 HMR’s roughly 50% wind drift advantage over the 22 WMR at 150-200 yards is the difference between a confident shot and a genuinely difficult wind call.
Lead-free requirements: The Hornady NTX in 17 HMR provides a lead-free option with the velocity that makes lead-free bullets work at rimfire distances. Lead-free 22 WMR loads exist but are less common.
Ammunition Selection
Neither cartridge is reloadable – this is the fundamental limitation rimfire shooters accept, and it shapes how ammunition choice matters.
22 WMR factory loads: CCI, Winchester, Hornady, and Federal all produce solid 22 WMR loads. The 40-grain hollow point at 1,875-1,910 fps is the most versatile hunting load. Winchester’s 45-grain Dyna-Point is a traditional choice for small game where deep penetration is wanted. Hornady’s 30-grain V-MAX load at 2,200 fps provides significantly flatter trajectory and better varmint terminal performance, though at some cost to penetration on larger animals. The variety of bullet weights and constructions gives 22 WMR hunters meaningful flexibility.
17 HMR factory loads: The Hornady 17-grain V-MAX at 2,550 fps is the benchmark. CCI produces a 17-grain V-MAX load; Federal, Winchester, and Remington all offer versions. The Hornady 20-grain XTP at 2,375 fps provides a heavier-for-HMR option with better penetration on animals like foxes at the cost of some trajectory advantage. The Hornady NTX provides a lead-free alternative. The 17 HMR’s load variety is narrower than the 22 WMR’s simply because the cartridge’s purpose is more specific.
Cost and availability: Both cartridges run more expensive than 22 LR. 17 HMR ammunition typically costs 10-25% more than comparable 22 WMR loads. Both are commercially available at major retailers, though supply varies seasonally and by region. Neither has matched 22 LR availability, and neither approaches centerfire ammunition variety.
Practical Considerations
Accuracy
Factory-for-factory, quality 17 HMR ammunition produces tighter groups than 22 WMR in equivalent rifles. This reflects two factors: the 17 HMR’s case was specifically designed around precision, and the manufacturing tolerances Hornady established for the cartridge at launch set a high standard that the industry followed. Most quality 17 HMR rifles will produce 0.5-0.75 inch groups at 100 yards with premium loads. Most 22 WMR rifles produce 0.75-1.25 inch groups with similar investment. The difference is real and consistent across brands.
For a shooter whose primary goal is putting the bullet where they aim at 100-150 yards, the 17 HMR delivers a consistent accuracy advantage.
Barrel Life and Maintenance
Both cartridges produce modest heat and neither is hard on barrels. The 17 HMR can warm barrels faster during sustained fire simply because varmint hunters fire it rapidly at multiple targets – the standard session pattern for prairie dog shooting generates more rounds than a typical small-game hunting trip. Neither cartridge requires unusual cleaning or maintenance beyond standard rimfire practices.
One practical note: the 17 HMR’s narrow bore requires cleaning rods and brushes sized for .17-inch caliber – not always stocked at every sporting goods store. Keep a dedicated cleaning kit for each cartridge.
The Step Up: Centerfire Options
For hunters who find themselves consistently wishing for more range or stopping power than either rimfire provides, the natural step up is a light centerfire. The 22 Hornet provides centerfire reliability with rimfire-adjacent recoil. The 223 Remington extends varmint capability to 400+ yards with flat trajectory and far more bullet selection. For a broader look at matching cartridges to varmint and small-game applications, see our 2026 guide to choosing the best caliber for varmints and field hunting.
The comparison between a 17 HMR and a 17 Hornet is also worth understanding for hunters considering a move to centerfire – see our 17 Hornet vs 22 Hornet comparison for context on what centerfire adds to this caliber class.
The Decision
Choose the 22 WMR if:
- Your targets include fox, raccoon, or anything larger than a squirrel
- Shots are primarily inside 100 yards in wooded or mixed terrain
- You want one rimfire that handles a variety of small-game tasks
- Budget per round matters and you shoot high volume
- You want the widest factory load selection including deep-penetrating options
Choose the 17 HMR if:
- Your primary quarry is ground squirrels, prairie dogs, or similar small varmints
- Shots regularly extend to 125-175 yards in open terrain
- Accuracy consistency and flat trajectory are the priorities
- Wind is a regular factor in your shooting environment
- You want the best-shooting rimfire factory ammunition available
If you can only own one: The answer depends more on terrain than anything else. For a hunter who operates in mixed terrain shooting a variety of small-game, the 22 WMR is the more versatile tool. For a dedicated varmint shooter in open country, the 17 HMR’s accuracy and trajectory advantages justify its slightly higher cost.
Many serious small-game hunters own both – the total cost of two rimfire rifles is modest, and matching the cartridge to the day’s specific hunt is straightforward. The 22 WMR for predator and mixed-game days, the 17 HMR for open-ground varmint sessions.
Conclusion
The 22 WMR and 17 HMR are genuinely different tools that happen to occupy the same rimfire performance tier. The WMR hits harder, handles tougher game more reliably, costs less per round, and offers more load variety. The HMR shoots flatter, drifts less in wind, groups tighter from factory ammunition, and extends the practical varmint range by 25-50 yards.
Neither is a better rimfire in the abstract. The 22 WMR is better when the target is a fox or raccoon inside 100 yards. The 17 HMR is better when the target is a prairie dog at 150 yards in a breeze. Matching the cartridge to the specific hunting situation – rather than seeking one rimfire answer for every scenario – is how both cartridges perform at their actual best.
For broader guidance on matching rimfire and light centerfire options to small-game hunting, see our how to choose the right caliber for hunting guide.
Published: March 2026. Original article written for myreloading.com.
