17 HORNADY MACH 2 AMMO

17 Hornady Mach 2 Ammo: A High-Speed Rimfire

Meet the .17 Hornady Mach 2 (HM2)

If you’re looking for a rimfire cartridge that punches above its weight, the .17 Hornady Mach 2 (HM2) from Hornady ammunition is one to consider. Launched in 2004 by Hornady, this little powerhouse was designed to bridge the gap between the .22 LR and the more powerful .17 HMR. With its lightweight 17-grain bullet, the .17 HM2 delivers impressive speed, low recoil, and pinpoint accuracy—perfect for small game hunting, target shooting, and keeping varmints in check.

Whether you want something faster than .22 LR or a budget-friendly alternative to .17 HMR, the .17 HM2 is a fantastic option.

How the .17 HM2 Came to Be

Hornady created the .17 HM2 by modifying the .22 Long Rifle Stinger case, necking it down to fit a .17 caliber bullet. The goal? A specifically designed high-speed, flat-shooting round that wouldn’t break the bank. The 17-grain polymer-tipped bullet gives it exceptional expansion and accuracy, making it a step up from .22 LR.

Although it doesn’t have the same widespread popularity as the .17 HMR, the .17 HM2 is still a great option for those who want a little extra speed without the extra cost.

Key Specs of .17 Hornady Mach 2 Ammo

Bullet Diameter: 0.172 inches
Case Type: Rimfire
Bullet Weight: 17 grains
Muzzle Velocity: 2,100 fps
Muzzle Energy: 166 ft-lbs
Effective Range: Up to 175 yards
Parent Case: .22 Long Rifle Stinger
Ballistic Coefficient: The ballistic coefficient of the .17 HM2 impacts its accuracy and trajectory, making it superior for long-range shooting compared to cartridges like the .22 LR.

Different Types of .17 HM2 Ammo: Polymer Tip

Depending on what you’re shooting, different types of .17 HM2 ammo offer specific benefits:

Polymer-Tipped Ammo – Expands quickly on impact, enhancing its effectiveness for hunting small game and varmints. The polymer tip also promotes expansion upon impact and increases the ballistic coefficient, making it ideal for long-range shooting.
Lead-Free Ammo – A cleaner, environmentally friendly option for areas with lead restrictions.
V-Max Loads – Balances speed, expansion, and accuracy for target shooting and hunting.

Choosing the right ammo depends on what you need—whether it’s tight groups at the range or stopping power in the field.

High Velocity & Range: What to Expect

With a high velocity of around 2,100 fps, the .17 HM2 is significantly faster than standard .22 LR. This speed translates into a flatter trajectory and better resistance to wind drift, giving you more accuracy over longer distances.

The .17 HM2 is effective out to about 150–175 yards, making it a solid choice for shooters who want better reach than .22 LR without stepping up to .17 HMR.

.17 HM2 vs. Other Rimfire Cartridges

Feature	.17 HM2	.22 LR	.17 HMR
Velocity	2,100 fps	1,050–1,700 fps	2,550–2,650 fps
Energy	166 ft-lbs	90–140 ft-lbs	245 ft-lbs
Effective Range	150–175 yards	50–100 yards	150+ yards
Recoil	Minimal	Very Low	Low
Cost per Round	Moderate	Very Low	Higher
Availability	Less Common	Extremely Common	Moderate

The .17 HM2 is a great middle-ground option—it offers more speed and accuracy than .22 LR while being more affordable than .17 HMR. The Hornady Varmint Express 17 Hornady Mach 2 is particularly noted for its performance characteristics, reasonable price point, and suitability for hunting small game and varmints, emphasizing accuracy and effectiveness in long-range shooting.

What’s the .17 HM2 Best For?

Thanks to its high speed and flat trajectory, the .17 HM2 excels at:

Plinking & Fun Shooting – Faster and more exciting than .22 LR.
Small Game Hunting – Drops squirrels, rabbits, and similar game with ease by delivering precise head shots, ensuring effective kills without damaging the meat.
Varmint Control – Great for dealing with pests like gophers and groundhogs.
Target Shooting – More accurate than .22 LR for those who love precision.

Accuracy & Reliability

The .17 HM2 is a highly accurate cartridge, but keep in mind that it operates at higher pressures than .22 LR. That means you need a quality firearm specifically designed to handle the extra speed and energy. Bolt-action and semi-auto rifles designed for HM2 will give you the best shot consistency and precision.

Popular .17 HM2 Ammo Brands

Since .17 HM2 is a more niche cartridge, only a few major manufacturers produce it. Some of the best include:

Hornady – The original developer, known for high-quality V-Max tipped rounds. Hornady ammunition is renowned for its engineering excellence, ensuring safe pressures and optimal performance.
CCI – Reliable and consistent rimfire ammunition.
Eley – Specializes in precision ammo for competitive shooters.

Which Guns Use .17 HM2?

While .17 HM2 rifles aren’t as common as .22 LR models, several high-quality options exist for rifles specifically designed for the .17 HM2 round:

Top .17 HM2 Rifles:

Savage A17 HM2 – A semi-auto rifle built for the .17 HM2 round.
CZ 455/457 – High-precision bolt-action rifles.
Volquartsen Evolution – A premium semi-auto rifle designed for pinpoint accuracy.

Pros & Cons of the .17 HM2

Pros:

Faster and flatter shooting than .22 LR due to its high velocity
More accurate than standard rimfire rounds
Great for small game and varmint hunting
Low recoil makes it easy to shoot

Cons:

More expensive than .22 LR
Not as widely available as other rimfire calibers
Wind can affect accuracy at longer ranges

Despite these downsides, the .17 HM2 remains an excellent choice for those who want a high-speed, accurate rimfire round without stepping up to .17 HMR.

Where to Buy .17 HM2 Ammo

Since it’s not as common as .22 LR, finding .17 HM2 ammo can be tricky. Luckily, Pro Armory has you covered:

CCI 17 HM2 V-Max 17gr - 50 Rounds
Hornady Varmint Express 17 Hornady Mach 2: Known for its accuracy and effectiveness in long-range shooting, this ammunition is ideal for hunting small game and varmints.
Shop All .17 HM2 Ammo

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Consider .17 HM2

The .17 Hornady Mach 2 is an underrated rimfire cartridge that offers serious speed, accuracy, and fun. It’s perfect for small game hunting, varmint control, and precision target shooting. While it’s not as widely available as .22 LR, it gives you a noticeable performance boost without the cost of .17 HMR.

If you want a fast, accurate, and low-recoil round that keeps things exciting at the range or in the field, the .17 HM2 is worth a shot!