Introduction

The .17 HMR vs .22 WMR comparison is one of the most common debates among rimfire hunters. Both cartridges offer significantly more performance than the .22 LR, making them excellent choices for varmint hunting, pest control, and small-game shooting. While the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire is designed for maximum velocity and long-range precision, the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire delivers heavier bullets, greater penetration, and improved performance on larger animals.

The .17 HMR was introduced by Hornady in 2002 by necking down the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire case to accept a .172-inch bullet. It quickly became one of the most accurate rimfire cartridges available, thanks to its extremely high velocity and flat trajectory.

The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) was introduced by Winchester in 1959 to provide hunters with a more powerful rimfire option than the .22 LR. It remains one of the most popular choices for small-game and varmint hunting.

Choosing between these cartridges depends on your intended use. If you prioritize long-range accuracy and flat shooting, the .17 HMR is the better option. If you need greater impact energy and heavier bullets for larger varmints or predators, the .22 WMR is the stronger choice.

This guide compares the .17 HMR and .22 WMR in terms of ballistics, recoil, accuracy, effective range, hunting performance, ammunition availability, rifle options, and overall value.

.17 HMR Overview

The .17 HMR is engineered for speed and precision. Factory ammunition commonly uses bullets weighing between 15.5 and 20 grains.

Its exceptional velocity minimizes bullet drop and wind drift at typical rimfire hunting distances.

Common Uses

• Varmint hunting


• Pest control


• Target shooting


• Small-game hunting


• Long-range rimfire shooting

.22 WMR Overview

The .22 WMR combines higher energy with heavier bullets for increased penetration and terminal performance. Factory ammunition commonly uses bullets weighing between 30 and 50 grains.

Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide variety of hunting applications.

Common Uses

• Varmint hunting


• Predator hunting


• Small-game hunting


• Pest control


• Recreational shooting

Ballistics Comparison

The .17 HMR offers substantially higher velocity and a flatter trajectory, while the .22 WMR delivers more energy and heavier bullets.

Recoil

.17 HMR

The .17 HMR produces almost no recoil, allowing shooters to remain on target during rapid follow-up shots.

.22 WMR

The .22 WMR also has minimal recoil but produces slightly more muzzle rise and blast.

Winner: .17 HMR

Accuracy

Both cartridges are capable of outstanding accuracy.

The .17 HMR's flat trajectory and high velocity provide a clear advantage for precision shooting at extended distances.

Winner: .17 HMR

Effective Range

The .22 WMR performs very well within normal rimfire hunting distances.

The .17 HMR extends practical accuracy beyond 200 yards under favorable conditions.

Winner: .17 HMR

Hunting Performance

.17 HMR

• Outstanding for prairie dogs


• Excellent for ground squirrels


• Flat trajectory


• Excellent precision


• Rapid bullet expansion

.22 WMR

• Outstanding for coyotes at close range


• Excellent for raccoons


• Greater penetration


• Heavier bullet options


• Better performance on larger varmints

The .22 WMR is generally the better choice for larger animals because of its heavier bullets and greater impact energy.

Winner: .22 WMR

Ammunition Availability

.17 HMR

• Widely available


• Premium hunting loads


• Moderate ammunition costs

.22 WMR

• Widely available


• Broad hunting ammunition selection


• Similar pricing

Winner: Tie

Rifle Availability

Both cartridges are available in bolt-action, lever-action, and some semi-automatic rifles.

Firearm availability is comparable across most major manufacturers.

Winner: Tie

Pros and Cons

.17 HMR Pros

• Extremely high velocity


• Very flat trajectory


• Outstanding long-range accuracy


• Minimal recoil


• Excellent varmint cartridge

.17 HMR Cons

• Lighter bullets


• Reduced penetration


• More wind-sensitive than larger centerfire cartridges

.22 WMR Pros

• Heavier bullets


• Greater muzzle energy


• Better penetration


• More versatile hunting performance


• Excellent predator cartridge

.22 WMR Cons

• More bullet drop


• Lower velocity


• Slightly more recoil


• Less effective at extreme rimfire distances

Side-by-Side Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the .17 HMR faster than the .22 WMR?

Yes. The .17 HMR typically achieves muzzle velocities between 2,350 and 2,650 fps, making it one of the fastest rimfire cartridges available.

Which cartridge has more power?

The .22 WMR generally produces more muzzle energy because it fires significantly heavier bullets.

Which cartridge is better for long-range varmint hunting?

The .17 HMR is the better choice because of its flatter trajectory, superior accuracy, and reduced bullet drop at extended distances.

Which cartridge is better for predators like foxes or raccoons?

The .22 WMR is often preferred because its heavier bullets provide deeper penetration and better terminal performance on larger animals.

Final Verdict

The .17 HMR and .22 WMR are both exceptional rimfire cartridges, but they excel in different roles. The .17 HMR is built for speed, precision, and long-range varmint shooting, offering an exceptionally flat trajectory and remarkable accuracy with almost no recoil.

The .22 WMR emphasizes power and versatility. Its heavier bullets and greater muzzle energy make it more effective on larger varmints and small predators while still maintaining the low recoil that rimfire shooters appreciate.

If your priority is maximum rimfire accuracy, flatter trajectories, and long-range varmint hunting, the .17 HMR is the better choice. If you want greater impact energy, deeper penetration, and improved performance on larger game, the .22 WMR is the clear winner.