Choosing the right rimfire cartridge can significantly impact your shooting experience, whether you're plinking, hunting small game, or engaging in competitive shooting. Two popular contenders often spark debate: the 5.7x28mm and the .17 HMR. While vastly different in design and application, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial for making an informed decision. This in-depth comparison will help you determine which cartridge best suits your needs.
Understanding the Contenders: 5.7x28mm vs .17 HMR
Before diving into a direct comparison, let's establish the fundamental differences between these two cartridges.
The 5.7x28mm: A Pistol Powerhouse
The 5.7x28mm is a relatively high-velocity, bottlenecked pistol cartridge, renowned for its impressive ballistic performance. Developed by FN Herstal, it's known for its flat trajectory, accuracy, and significant stopping power—characteristics that make it suitable for personal defense and law enforcement applications. While less common in hunting scenarios due to availability and cost, its performance makes it a powerful contender. Key features include:
- High Velocity: Delivers exceptional speed, resulting in a flatter trajectory at longer ranges.
- High Energy: Packs a noticeable punch, exceeding many other pistol cartridges.
- Penetration: Can penetrate certain materials effectively.
- Limited Availability & High Cost: Ammunition can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find compared to other options.
The .17 HMR: A Rimfire Champion
The .17 HMR (.17 Remington High-Velocity Magnum) is a popular rimfire cartridge, a favorite among small-game hunters and target shooters. It's prized for its relatively long range, accuracy, and affordability. Key features include:
- High Velocity for a Rimfire: Delivers higher velocities than standard .22 rimfires, extending effective range.
- Flatter Trajectory: Improved accuracy compared to standard .22 LR.
- Lightweight Recoil: Easier to handle and control, especially for novice shooters.
- Wide Availability & Affordable: Ammunition is readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Head-to-Head Comparison: 5.7x28mm vs .17 HMR
| Feature | 5.7x28mm | .17 HMR |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge Type | Centerfire | Rimfire |
| Velocity | Significantly Higher | High (for a rimfire) |
| Energy | Significantly Higher | Moderate |
| Range | Longer | Moderate to Long (for rimfire) |
| Accuracy | Excellent | Excellent |
| Recoil | Moderate to High | Low |
| Cost | High | Low |
| Availability | Limited | Widely Available |
| Applications | Personal Defense, Law Enforcement, some hunting | Small game hunting, target shooting |
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Cartridge
The "better" cartridge ultimately depends on your intended use.
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Choose the 5.7x28mm if: You need superior stopping power, longer range, and are willing to pay a premium for ammunition. Its application is largely in self-defense and specialized situations.
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Choose the .17 HMR if: You prioritize affordability, readily available ammunition, manageable recoil, and accurate small game hunting or target shooting. It excels in its niche as a powerful rimfire.
Ultimately, both the 5.7x28mm and the .17 HMR are effective cartridges in their respective domains. Consider your shooting goals and budget before making your decision. Remember to always practice safe gun handling and adhere to all local firearm regulations.
