Re: 17HMR or 22Mag for small game and target shooting?
Neither, for small game, if you’re talking about grouse and rabbits, I’d go .22LR. .22 Mag and .17 HMR causes too much damage unless you want to limit yourself to head shots. They have their places but I see them more as pest and smaller predator cartridges than true small game cartridges.
Re: 17HMR or 22Mag for small game and target shooting?
I had the same debate when I purchased my .22WMR
I went with the .22 magnum because as far as I was concerned if you are hunting small game for meat, you want to do a head shot anyways. I personally am not comfortable with a shot over 100 yards on that small of a target. But even at that range, the wind makes a big difference between the .17 and .22, so I personally feel the .22WSM is more accurate. Again, personal preference and opinion.
Re: 17HMR or 22Mag for small game and target shooting?
I have a 17HMR in a CZ 452. Beautiful rifle and very accurate. It seems to take groundhogs with more authority than a 22LR. Both are deadly on rabbits but you need to take head shots with the 17. Pretty much meat damage otherwise. The 17 is much louder. You really can’t go wrong with either.