Thread: 22 mag or 17hmr

I don't get why the 22WMR is considered better in the wind. Just buy looking at the shape of the bullet and the velocity of each cartridge, it should be pretty obvious the 17HMR will be a million times better. The new 30gr WMR which has brought new life back to the cartridge has a shockingly bad bullet shape for bucking wind. It's a heck of a lot better compared to 22LR, and does not too bad considering, but the 17HMR is a lot better. I believe at about 300 yards the really heavy 22WMR rounds start to buck the wind a bit better, but by that stage the wind drift is still a lot.

I'd say go for the 17HMR, the 22WMR is a good cartridge would be better on goats, but at the close range you mentioned I think the 17HMR would do just as well, as with both rounds you will be best with head/neck shots. But I think I'd be inclined to use the 223 on goats anyway.

The 17HMR WILL buck the wind better and shoot flatter. I've found it to be instant death on any small vermin I point my CZ at, I only use my 22s for spotlighting and plinking now.
Many will complain that the 17HMR is bad in the wind, but they seem to forget what the point of the 17HMR is. It's not meant to replace a centre fire round, it's meant to replace your 22 which it bucks the wind a lot better than, and increases the range buy 100 meters at least. It never will replace a centre fire varmint round, but you would be hard pressed to reload centre fire rounds for the same price, and you don't have to worry about finding your brass. You also have the advantage of a lighter, smaller rifle than your typical centre fire.

Unless you compare it too the new 17HH which seem's to steadily be gaining popularity.

So yeah, I'd say go for the 17HMR, the 22WMR is still a good round, I just think the HMR is better.