22lr or 17hmr ?

[new trigger]

Considering a new rimfire for the wife and I to use for target shooting and the 2011 grouse season. Have a couple of 22 LR but wanted to ask if anyone has used 17hmr for grouse and does it create to much damage to the bird?
Some u tube videos show a awfully large hole from the 17 cal. and we don't want to destroy or waste the grouse.
Any input is appreciated.

[warnniklz]

buy both!! You can get .22's dirt cheap (1/3 of a bar tab in some people's eyes) and why not have a 17 for target shooting... especially if you have a place to hunt varmits

[buck nash]

with a flatter shooting hmr it should be easier to get head shots where meat damage is not an issue. but yes they will leave a bigger hole if you hit the breast.

[goatdancer]

The 17 HMR is all I use for grouse. Head and neck shots only. I got 1 a little low across the top of one breast one day and it did not make a hole, it just tore a whole chunk off. The bullets will pretty well 'explode' and not ricochet all over the place.

[358win]

17 HMR is a grenade on contact. If your shooting for the neck/head the flat trajectory will eliminate any drop in a reasonable distance shot. I choose a 22 Mag. for any unforseen grass or willow shots.

[wolverine]

Keep it simple. Go with the .22 . Nothing wrong with the 17HMR but it's a little much if it's just for chickens. Now for shooting ground hogs and the like..... they're sweet. Do a decent job on reincarnated Irishmen too. (crows for the un-initialed. Eat, fight, f*#k and sing):D

[new trigger]

Thanks for all the responses, some good advice and ideas. But I like the idea of both, .22 and 17hmr. I can see how after more research they have somewhat different purposes\advantages.

[pappy]

Yep head shots only with the 17 HMR, I shot one at about 80 yards and got it in the neck and there was no damage to the meat at all. I used to bring a 22 all the time but since I started shooting the 17, I haven't really brought the 22 along anymore.

[bearhunter338-06]

I bought a 17 Mach 2 for grouse this year. 8 -9 bucks for 50 rounds compared to 18 bucks for 17HMR.