When analyzing a .17 HMR vs .22 LR ballistics chart, the data reveals two very different rimfire performances. While the classic .22 Long Rifle relies on heavier bullet weights (32–40 grains) for close-range plinking, the .17 HMR dominates in speed, energy, and flat-shooting accuracy. Launching a lighter 17-grain bullet at over 2,500 fps, the .17 HMR flies nearly twice as fast, hits harder at 100 yards than a .22 LR does at 50 yards, and requires virtually zero holdover at a distance. Below is a comprehensive ballistic breakdown comparing velocity, energy, and bullet trajectory to help you choose the right caliber for your next hunt or range day.
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Ultimate .17 HMR vs .22 LR Ballistics Master Chart
| Caliber & Load Details | Metric | Muzzle | 25 Yds | 50 Yds | 75 Yds | 100 Yds |
| .17 HMR (17 GR) • Brand: CCI V-MAX • Bullet: Poly-Tip V-Max • Part #: 0049 | Velocity (ft/s) Energy (ft-lbs) Trajectory (in) | 2550 245 — | 2382 214 -0.5 | 2220 186 +0.1 | 2064 161 +0.3 | 1915 138 0.0 |
| .17 HMR (17 GR) • Brand: CCI HMR TNT • Bullet: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) • Part #: 0053 | Velocity (ft/s) Energy (ft-lbs) Trajectory (in) | 2550 245 — | 2336 206 -0.4 | 2132 172 +0.2 | 1938 142 +0.4 | 1757 116 0.0 |
| .22 Long Rifle (36 GR) • Brand: Mini-Mag HP • Bullet: Copper-Plated HP (CPHP) • Part #: 0031 | Velocity (ft/s) Energy (ft-lbs) Trajectory (in) | 1260 127 — | 1174 110 +0.6 | 1104 97 +1.2 | 1048 88 0.0 | 1003 80 -3.2 |
| .22 Long Rifle (40 GR) • Brand: Segmented HP • Bullet: Copper-Plated Seg. HP (CPSHP) • Part #: 0074 | Velocity (ft/s) Energy (ft-lbs) Trajectory (in) | 1050 98 — | 1003 89 +1.2 | 963 82 +1.8 | 928 77 0.0 | 897 72 -4.3 |
| .22 Long Rifle (32 GR) • Brand: CCI Stinger • Bullet: Copper-Plated HP (CPHP) • Part #: 0050 | Velocity (ft/s) Energy (ft-lbs) Trajectory (in) | 1640 191 — | 1452 150 +0.1 | 1292 119 +0.7 | 1162 96 0.0 | 1066 81 -2.3 |
Key Takeaways & Ballistic Analysis
Quick reference points to explain what the data means as mentioned in the table above:
- Velocity Edge (.17 HMR): The .17 HMR V-MAX leaves the muzzle at 2,550 ft/s, which is over 900 ft/s faster than the fastest .22 LR listed (CCI Stinger at 1,640 ft/s). Even at 100 yards, the .17 HMR retains more velocity (1,915 ft/s) than the .22 LR has at the muzzle.
- Energy and Downrange Punch: Despite having a much lighter bullet (17 grains vs 32–40 grains), the massive speed of the .17 HMR yields 245 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. At 100 yards, the .17 HMR still delivers 138 ft-lbs of energy, out-punching every .22 LR round at 50 yards.
- Trajectory & Laser Flattness: Look at the 100-yard drops. Zeroed downrange, the .17 HMR rounds fly incredibly flat, rising slightly (+0.3 to +0.4 inches) before hitting dead-on at 100 yards. By comparison, standard .22 LR rounds drop significantly by 100 yards (dropping -3.2 to -4.3 inches), requiring much more holdover adjustment from the shooter.
