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17 HMR vs 22-250 #5712936 04/23/15 02:33 PM
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All things being equal, which would you prefer for varmint hunting and why? Looking to get a bolt rifle purely for varmint hunting, probable 200 yard or less shots. Not a reloader (yet?), just factory ammo. Thanks


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5712943 04/23/15 02:43 PM
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I think you need to better define "all things being equal" because there is a large canyon's worth of difference between the two. Having thoroughly shot both (and regretting not still having a 22-250), here is my take on the two.

the biggest advantage for the 17 in this instance is its weight. The gun will be lighter and obviously so will the ammo. So in a hunting situation, this obviously makes it easier. Also, the cost of both rifle and ammo (and probably the scope you think is appropriate) is significantly cheaper as well.

Aside from the above two points, I would say that the 22-250 would be far superior in every other facet of the "which is better" evaluation. Faster, significantly more bullet options (both factory and hand loading), faster, heavier, more knock down power, etc...
Disclaimer: I am personally a huge fan of the 22-250.

That said, I think neither is the best choice. As much as I love the 22-250, IMO having a 223 bolt is a far better choice over either. While a rimfire rifle will be noticeable lighter, many of people have successfully used a short barreled 223 bolt.

Last edited by Korean Redneck; 04/23/15 04:34 PM.

I'm a dude who likes long barrels!
Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5712963 04/23/15 02:53 PM
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223 rem up


It's hell eatin em live
Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5712967 04/23/15 02:55 PM
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I have both and I carry my 17 in the truck all of the time around the ranch. It replaced the 22 mag for me. I have shot a bunch of stuff with it out to about 100 yards. I have shot a coon or two out to almost 200 but that is really pushing it and you really have to have the wind correct. There is a huge difference between the two. I have a 22-250 and if I am hunting coyotes, bobcats etc I use it. I have even shot a number of deer and hogs with it so I would say there is no comparison.(not trying to start the whole killing deer with a 22-250 thing again) Start with the 22-250 and get a 17 as well.


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5712974 04/23/15 03:00 PM
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.22-250. It's not even close.


Originally Posted by Russ79
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.


Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5712976 04/23/15 03:03 PM
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You'd have to define "varmints" better. The .17 is great for coons and foxes. But, If my primary target is coyotes or cats I'm grabbing the .22-250. Major difference in energy and trajectory.

Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5713021 04/23/15 03:33 PM
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22-250 hands down. I love the round, although I dont much care to hunt with the gun my 22-250 is in, it weighs over 11 lbs and is freaking long. A shorter rifle is handier, but this 22-250 is a tack driver and puts the hammer down onn any varmint out to 300yds (will do farther but thats my farthest kill).


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5713024 04/23/15 03:36 PM
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My order for varmint guns i have

22-250
204
223
17hmr
22mag


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: redchevy] #5713025 04/23/15 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted By: redchevy
223 rem up

In an AR!


The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #5713037 04/23/15 03:42 PM
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Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
Originally Posted By: redchevy
223 rem up

In a AR! bolt gun


grin


It's hell eatin em live
Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #5713049 04/23/15 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted By: Nogalus Prairie
.22-250. It's not even close.


Yup!

Only varmint cartridge I regularly shoot, and it works every time. Bud of mine killed lots of coyotes with one and decided he wanted more speed. He went to a .204 and started having coyotes walk off from it. I'm sure they died later, but that didn't happen with the .22-250.

Mine gets used primarily for prairie dogs anymore. 500 rounds I shoot in 2 1/2 days. It's fast, consistent, and will buck the wind fairly well.


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5713111 04/23/15 04:31 PM
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Cool, thanks guys, that helps.


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5713141 04/23/15 04:44 PM
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Cost - 17HMR
Everything else - 22-250

It's well worth noting that 17HMR rounds are roughly a fifth of the price of centerfire rounds like a 22-250.

Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: patriot07] #5713142 04/23/15 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted By: patriot07
Cost - 17HMR
Everything else - 22-250


Awesome compromise of both... 223 rem


It's hell eatin em live
Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: redchevy] #5713143 04/23/15 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted By: redchevy
Originally Posted By: patriot07
Cost - 17HMR
Everything else - 22-250


Awesome compromise of both... 223 rem
Good point

Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5713289 04/23/15 06:12 PM
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22-250. It will kill anything you come accross and give you much more effective killing power at greater distances than the 17.
I did quit shooting the vmax last year when one blew up on the side of a hogs head and only knocked him out. I started shooting the 45gr TSX over 37.5gr of RL-15 for everyday carry and everything I've shot with it from coons to deer have dropped like they were hit by lightning.
223 is cheaper to load but won't get a coyotes attention like the 250. My contest hunting partner shot a 223 and had many more that required a second shot when daytime varmint hunting.

Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5713411 04/23/15 07:39 PM
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.243 Win stir

Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5713476 04/23/15 08:18 PM
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17 HMR has its place, but if you want to shoot anything with any size, use a the center fire.

Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5713487 04/23/15 08:25 PM
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If your going for coyotes then of those two 22-250... but imo .204 is better, i LOVE that round

But all that said if your shooting coons and possums then .17 works GREAT! Kill a yote inside of 100... cats about the same maybe a little farther.


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5713581 04/23/15 09:33 PM
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Carrying a 17HMR is kinda like the story about riding a Vespa..... They are kinda fun but you don't want your friends to see you toting it. Not for serious varmint hunting anyway.

Get the 22-250


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5713667 04/23/15 10:25 PM
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The 17 is a niche cartridge for animals up to 25 lbs and within 150 yds occasionally stretching out to 200 yds. Shoot bigger animals or regularly exceed 150 yds you need something bigger. It's fine for harassing varmints like rabbit, squirrel, coon, and foxes at modest distances. I would think that within 200 yds you don't give up much choosing a 223 over the 22/250.


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Payne] #5713722 04/23/15 11:04 PM
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Originally Posted By: Payne
My order for varmint guns i have

22-250
204
223
17hmr
22mag



Great list sir! up


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: redchevy] #5713778 04/23/15 11:44 PM
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Originally Posted By: redchevy
Originally Posted By: Tactical Cowboy
Originally Posted By: redchevy
223 rem up

In a AR! bolt gun


grin

If you want a slower follow up shot and less ammo in the mag up


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Tactical Cowboy] #5713870 04/24/15 12:39 AM
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Don't need a fast follow up if you hit what you meant to hit on the first shot. peep


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Re: 17 HMR vs 22-250 [Re: Jimbo1] #5714017 04/24/15 01:52 AM
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My only varmint rifles are a 17HMR and a .223, both Savages with heavy barrels and laminated thumb-hole stocks.

I shoot the .223 more often because it is very inexpensive to reload. With reduced loads at 2100 fps, it makes a great target gun out to 100 yards.

20 grains AA5744, 55 grain Hornady sp. - Very inexpensive to load, very accurate, would fill the same niche that 17HMR fills so well.

I keep the 17HMR around because the stock is an absolutely perfect fit for me, it really is a joy to carry and shoot off-hand.


Kind regards, charlesb


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