which one is better?

Main use is going to be small animals (prarie dogs, coons, squirrels, and other critters) and target shooting...

17 all the way. Flatter trajectory and the v-max bullets really do a number on 'em. I just got one a month ago and it is an absolute blast to shoot.

I shoot them both and like them both. But, the .17 is my favorite small game round. The flat shooting .17 HMR will make you look good.

I bought a new Savage 93R17 BTVXP with a walnut thumb hole stock, heavy barrel and accu-trigger. It came with a Simmons 8-Point 3x9 scope mounted on it, which I thought would be junk. But it turned out to be just fine.

Checked it to see if it was boresighted, then shot it at 25 or so yds. to get it on the money. Moved out to 100 and dialed it in, then shot a 5 shot group that you could cover with a nickel.

I was impressed with this rifle, and have killed my fair share of critters with it in the last month.

It shoots the Hornady 17 gr. VERY well. I changed to a box of CCI 17 gr. and the grouping went to 2+ inches so it obviously doesn't like the CCI's. I just got some Winchester 17 gr. but havent had a chance to test them yet. I have been looking for the 20 gr. bullets but haven't seen them anywhere local, but I'm looking for some.

Have any of ya'll seen the 20's I want some.

I bought 20gr. fmj's at walmart in Mckinney

All they got at walmart here in gonzales is 17's, I might go to Seguin and look for some.

On second thought I'll just go to Cabela's, been wanting to go back anyway and spend some of this welding money.

I want the 20 gr. V-max not the FMJ's, I like to see the feathers fly.

Dick's in Hurst had hornady 20gr hollow points not too long ago. But the 17gr v-max shoot so well out of mine that I don't need to try anything else.

Maybe it is Hornady XTP, I just took it for granted that it was a v-max.
Guess I'll know when I see some. LOL

As good as mine shoots the Hornady 17's, I dont need to shoot anything else either, but having said that I still want to try them.

My freind had some 20's that had a gray polymer tip, and they seemed to have a lot more killing power.
I'm not expecting any more accuracy just more killing power.

I'm not sure if a 3gr difference in bullet weight would be that noticeable considering the drastic reduction in velocity. Mine didn't like the 20gr near as much as the 17gr. And I've yet to have a squirel or rabbit take a step. All head shots of course. That savage is my favorite gun. You'll have to pry that gun away from me. No way I'm selling it ever.

Nor me mine

If your on a budget the Marlin 917 is outstanding. Mine shoots great. Bout $225 at any walmart with the heavy barrel.

i liked the .17, had a marlin 917 with a bull barrel that shot fantastic, but i just did't have alot of confidence in that little bullet. I don't shoot raccoons, squirrels, possums or stuff of that nature, so I really did't have a use for it. imo if I was to get another magnum rimfire it would be a .22 mag

Never shot a .17, but I have had a 22 Mag. since I was a kid. It does everything that I want it to, including killing a few close range hogs, so I never had the desire to buy a 17. IMO - if it's not broke...it can't be fixed.

For the most part, the .22mag is less expensive to shoot...anywhere from $3.00-$4.00 difference in price. The .17 will give you greater accuracy at a longer range than the .22mag.

I like them both!

I absolutely love my 17. My tends to eat the 17 grain better also. It also shoots Hornady's and Remington's better than the cci's. In fact, I will not buy the cci's anymore. I try to stay with the 17 grain Hornadys. I have a 6-24x50 scope on it, so I can really do damage. I can see the pupils of whatever I am shooting!!!!!!

I killed a fox with it 2 years ago. I made a horrible shot and hit her in the stomach. Needless to say, she did not suffer after about 3 steps. It was a pretty gross site to see.

Now, if I could just get my stock back from getting it dipped, then I could continue to have fun with it.

HANDS DOWN 17HMR
I have both and the 17 is AWSOME!

My first kill with mine was a 60lb sow and a 20lb piglet at 85 yds... talk about a confidence builder

I've got a Remington 597 with a laminate stock,heavy barrel. Got a 3x9x40 Leupold on it and i absolutely love it. I shot a buzzard out of the air one day with it. And i aint bullsh**tin either.

Another vote for the 17, love my marlin. Praire dogs and rabbits around the house don't stand a chance against it. Very accurate

for hunting the 22 mag all the way!!! alot better penetration! i have had 17 bullets just blow up, an no penetration. i love the flatter trajectory, but would still use the 22 mag for hunting. and i own both.

Hunt with my 17hmr, plink with my 22...

Savage 93 w/accutrigger, liked it so much I bought another. The .17gr Vmax Hornady rounds out perform any ammo on the market. Literally holes in holes accuracy.... And if you really want to get that rock-steady shot, get you a bi-pod. I guarantee youll never look back

that's exactly what i am looking for... I'm going to buy one new if i cant find a (lightly) used one in the next week or so...