.17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2)
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2): At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Rimfire |
| Used For | Varmint hunting, Target shooting |
| Case Design | Rimfire, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 2004 |
.17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2): At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Extremely high velocity for a rimfire cartridge
- ✔ Very flat trajectory
- ✔ Minimal recoil
- ✔ Excellent accuracy at short to medium ranges
- ✔ Less expensive than centerfire ammunition
Cons
- ✘ Limited to small game and varmints
- ✘ Significant wind drift at longer ranges
- ✘ Less powerful than larger rimfire cartridges
- ✘ Limited bullet weight options
- ✘ Not as widely available as more common rimfire cartridges
.17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2): In Depth
The .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) is a rimfire cartridge introduced by Hornady in 2004. It was designed as a high-velocity, flat-shooting round for varmint hunting and target shooting. The .17 HM2 is based on the .22 Long Rifle case, necked down to accept a .17 caliber (4.5mm) bullet, offering improved ballistics and performance over its parent cartridge.
History and Development
The .17 HM2 was developed by Hornady Manufacturing Company in collaboration with CCI/Speer. It was introduced in 2004 as a response to the growing demand for high-performance rimfire cartridges. The cartridge was designed to offer improved ballistics and performance over the popular .22 Long Rifle, while still maintaining the low recoil and cost-effectiveness of a rimfire round.
The .17 HM2 uses the .22 Long Rifle case as its parent case, necked down to accept a .17 caliber bullet. This design allows for higher velocities and flatter trajectories compared to the .22 LR, making it an excellent choice for small game hunting and varmint control at moderate ranges.
Upon its introduction, the .17 HM2 gained popularity among varmint hunters and target shooters who appreciated its high velocity, flat trajectory, and minimal recoil. The cartridge's performance characteristics made it particularly effective for shooting small targets at ranges up to 150 yards.
Several firearm manufacturers, including Marlin, Savage, and CZ-USA, began producing rifles chambered for the .17 HM2 shortly after its introduction. This widespread adoption helped to establish the cartridge in the market and contributed to its growing popularity among shooters.
Performance Characteristics
The .17 HM2 is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory. It typically fires a 17-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,100 feet per second, generating 166 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. This high velocity contributes to the cartridge's flat trajectory, making it easier for shooters to hit small targets at varying distances without significant bullet drop compensation.
The .17 HM2's light bullet weight and high velocity result in minimal recoil, making it an excellent choice for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil. The cartridge's low report also makes it suitable for use in areas where noise might be a concern.
While the .17 HM2 offers improved performance over the .22 Long Rifle in terms of velocity and trajectory, it is generally less powerful than its larger rimfire cousin, the .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire). However, the .17 HM2 maintains an advantage in terms of lower cost per round and reduced recoil.
Timeline of .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) Development:
.17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) Performance
The .17 HM2 offers excellent performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for varmint hunting and target shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 17 grains Standard bullet weight for this cartridge |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,100 fps High velocity contributes to flat trajectory |
| Muzzle Energy | 166 ft-lbs Sufficient for varmint hunting at moderate ranges |
| Effective Range | Up to 150 yards Optimal for small game and varmint hunting |
| Recoil | Minimal Allows for quick follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) loads.
.17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2): Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Varmint Hunting | 0-150 | Excellent for small varmints like prairie dogs and ground squirrels |
| Small Game Hunting | 0-100 | Effective for rabbits and squirrels, minimal pelt damage |
| Target Shooting | 0-200 | Low recoil and flat trajectory make it ideal for target practice |
| Pest Control | 0-125 | Suitable for controlling small pests around farms and rural properties |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .17 HM2 is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory at shorter ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2)
The .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) is designed for specific applications due to its small caliber and high velocity:
.17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .17 HM2's place in the rimfire world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) with other rimfire cartridges. (Based on a 5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) with other rimfire cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) with other rimfire cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) with other rimfire cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density of .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2)
The .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2) is a rimfire cartridge known for its high velocity and flat trajectory. This table shows the sectional density of common bullet weights for this caliber.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .17 HM2 | 17 | 0.102 |
| .17 HM2 | 15.5 | 0.093 |
Note: The .17 HM2 is designed for small game hunting and varmint control. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it effective at short to medium ranges, but the light bullet weight results in relatively low sectional density compared to larger calibers.