Let’s dive a bit deeper into each criterion. Both rimfire calibers work exceptionally well for squirrel hunting, but each caliber has its own set of strengths and weaknesses for squirrels.Īs the comparison basis, I’m using the following criteria as it relates to squirrel hunting: Let’s talk specifics about comparing the 22LR vs. If you happen to have an older 22 rifle that is marked as being chambered in 22 Short only or 22 Long only, those specific rifles will not safely shoot a 22 LR and are ammo-specific to the 22 Short or 22 Long. Most all modern-day 22 rifles are chambered in 22 LR. Today, the 22LR is the default 22 ammunition, and the 22 Short and 22 Long are more difficult to find. 22 Long (which is different from 22 Long Rifle).When I was younger, 22 ammunition was available in different versions, including: Today, when you discuss 22 ammunition, the assumption is that you are referring to 22LR ammo. The most popular bullet grain weight is 40 grains, common in subsonic ammunition. The bullet grain weights range from 20 grains all the way up to 60 grains. In addition to the different types of 22LR ammunition, there are also several popular bullet options with varying grain weights. Subsonic (And within this group, there are specialized types called Match or Target).The 22LR is available in several different ammo configurations based on the velocity of the round. It’s used for everything from introducing new shooters to firearms, basic rifle shooting instruction, target shooting, small game hunting, and precision shooting. Today, the 22LR caliber is the most popular caliber in the United States and the top-selling ammunition caliber as well. If the Union Metallic Cartridge Company doesn’t sound familiar, how about their UMC designation? They merged with Remington Arms in 1912, and many Remington-based ammunition is and were stamped with the “UMC” designation. Cartridge and firearms historians haven’t really agreed on a definitive year that the 22 caliber was introduced, but most agree it was around 1884. The Union Metallic Cartridge Company is credited with developing the 22 Long Rifle caliber around the 1884 timeframe. However, a select few firearms manufacturers offer a semi-automatic rifle chambered in the HMR. In addition to the various bullet grain options, 17 HMR ammo is also available in the following configurations:įrom a firearms popularity standpoint, the popular rifle action for the 17HMR is a bolt action. 15.5 grains (for areas with lead bullet restrictions).17 HMR ammunition is available in the following bullet grains: When the 17 HMR first hit the market, only a 17-grain bullet with a polymer tip option was available. Other than the 5mm caliber itself and the newer 17 WSM (Winchester Super Magnum) caliber, the 17 HMR is the next fastest mainstream, commercially produced rimfire caliber on the market. While the 17 HMR does not mimic the Remington 5mm exactly, with a 17-grain bullet, this caliber generates muzzle velocities that approach the 2800 feet per second mark. This caliber started as a wildcat cartridge designed to replicate the performance, muzzle velocity, and terminal ballistics of the Remington 5mm rimfire caliber. Introduced in 2002, the 17 HMR is a rimfire caliber built on a necked down 22 WMR case mated to a. These species are different than the ground squirrel species found in the western portion of the US.īefore we dive deeper into those strengths and weaknesses, let’s do a quick overview of each caliber. Comparing the 17 HMR (left) to the 22 LR (right)īoth calibers are suitable for squirrel hunting, but each caliber has its own set of strengths and weaknesses as well.Īnd to be clear, when discussing squirrel hunting, I’m talking about the gray squirrel species or fox squirrel species. So let’s take an in-depth look at comparing the 17 HMR vs. However, the bulk of those surveyed will most likely say a 22 caliber, while others may suggest a 17-caliber variant like the. Ask ten different squirrel hunters, and you’ll probably hear various opinions and answers. If you want to spark up an interesting conversation with a squirrel hunter, ask them to name the best rimfire caliber for squirrel hunting. Can you squirrel hunt with a suppressed 22?.What’s the Best Caliber for Squirrel Hunting?.Understanding the Different 22 Calibers.
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