Re: .17 or .22 for long range training
I had both for a while. I really liked the 17 because of it's accuracy at the extended ranges, however when I shoot a 'trainer', I like to go through a lot of ammo, and $15/box for 17hmr is quite a bit more than the $7 for match grade .22lr. I have since sold the 17hmr as I only shot my .22lr after I bought it. The .22 tested my skills of reading wind, and mirage more than the 17hmr did. Plus the greater weight of the bullet made the hits on my steel target much more solid at longer ranges allowing me to see and hear my hits more effectively. Since the 17hmr is fairly loud, I had to wear earplugs, and hearing a 200m hit on steel with that tiny pill is tough, a .22lr is quiet, and no earplugs are required for the most part.
I would stick with a .22, however, if disposable income is plentiful, get both.
Branden