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.
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.
