Is a rimfire safer?
Q: I shoot rabbits with an air ri fle, but am now thinking of applying for a firearm certi ficate to buy a rim fire. I have been told that a .17 HMR is safer than a .22 but I thought it had a longer range. Why is it considered safer?
The conventional hollow point lead bullet fired by the .22 rifle has a tendency to ricochet if it hits a flint or stone
A: The conventional hollow point lead bullet fired by the .22 rifle has stood the test of time and is still immensely popular. However, it is known to have a tendency to ricochet if it hits a flint or stone. The .17 HMR, on the other hand, fires a lighter, polycarbonate-tipped bullet at a considerably higher velocity. This means that the bullet is likely to break up immediately upon contact with any hard object such as a stone and so is far less prone to ricochet. For this reason, it is regarded as being safer. Because the .17 bullet is travelling at a higher velocity, it strikes the target closer to point of aim, farther downrange than a .22, and this is why the smaller calibre can be so accurate at longer ranges. Being a smaller bullet, however, it is also more affected by the wind, and it is also prone to de ection by the smallest obstacle, such as a grass or nettle stem. GD
Which rimfire rifle would be best for you?
You’ve finally decided to buy a high-powered rimfire rifle, but which one’s best for you?
Controlling rabbits with firearms certificated air rifles (FAC)
So you need to carry out some rabbit control. But what’s the best way to do it? That will depend…
