Here is the question, for hunting purposes which rim fire do you prefer .22 mag or .17 HMR.  Please pick one of the two, and don't start bringing other guns into the picture.  I am assuming that the largest animal would be around the size of a coyote.  I am placing it on this forum because I would think that the majority of the hunting purposes would be varmint control, or small game.   

Better hunting rifle? Cartridge?
What will you be hunting?
I shoot both calibers in Handies.
The 17 HMR is a great, flat shooting cartridge ( 3/4 inch drop at 100 yards) and is devastating on smaller varmints but really has a very light bullet that losses velocity and penetration past 150 yards. Fox is probably the largest critter out to 100 yards. It is really not the best for hunting small game as it will blow a rabbit or squirrel apart.
The 22 mag cartridge is almost 2-3 times heavier and will provide better penetration up to coyote sized critters out to 100 yards. If the rifle can shoot lighter bullets, mine doesn't, the velocity is quite impressive but not up the the 17 velocity. Federal offers a 50 grain bullet which will increase penetration
I would suggest you go the Federal and Hornady web sights and compare the ballistics and find what fits your situation best.
In all cases, shot placement and bullet selection are paramount.
You will get many opinions on this subject but these are mine.

.17 HMR (17-20gr bullets) = varmints (not bobcat/coyotes) & small game (under 10 lbs) excellent out to 150 yards (if not windy).

.22 Mag (40-50gr bullets) = all of the above no problem; including bobcat & coyotes if shot placement is right behind the ear on those larger predators and restricted to under 100 yards.


My goal is always, Dead Right There (DRT). 

Everyone else can do what ever they want !

I am not planning on getting one. I am just curious what other people prefer/ like and why because I know they are similar rimfire rifles. (someday I will probably get one)

i have a 22 mag and a 17 hmr i shoot hornady ballistic tips in both i have killed hogs with both of them and coyotes with both i prefer the 17 hmr just because of how flat shooting and the tight groups you can shoot with it

i have a 22 mag and a 17 hmr i shoot hornady ballistic tips in both i have killed hogs with both of them and coyotes with both i prefer the 17 hmr just because of how flat shooting and the tight groups you can shoot with it

I don't like either of them but the 17 HMR would prob. be my choise. fast and flat.

My coyote rifle is a .22 mag. The .17 came along after I bought it, but I still would stick with it all because of the penetration. It is not faster or flatter than the .17 but drives deeper without a doubt.

Google Chuch Hawk and see his assement on both rounds..

If I had to choose one it would be the 17hmr. Yesterday a guy at my local range had a cooper rifle in 17hmr and he allowed me to shoot it. it had a hair trigger and it was topped with a 6 x 24 sightron scope and with my first three shots I had all rounds touching at 100 yards. The guy said he has over $1400 invested in this rifle and he boughtthe gun used without the scope.

I use a 22mag for hunting yotes if i don't use my 22-250 but having to use rim fire I'd have to say 22mag