Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles .17 HMR vs. .17 HM2

I want to get a .17 to play with and to hunt squirrels with. I'm looking for some input as to whether the .17 HM2 going to replace the .17 HMR or is it going to fade away into the sunset? I don't want to end up pouring Pyrodex down the muzzle and then shoving a .177 pellet down with a ramrod.

Ken,

Welcome to the Campfire! When you find the answer, let me know because I am curious too.

the 17 HMR is here to stay the mach 2 is just based on the 22 long rifle rather than the 22 Mag my guess is that the mach 2 is also here to stay
if you are going to buy a 17 go with the HMR it's about the same difference as the 22 Mag vs the 22 LR

Except isn't the H2 much quiter, which is a better choice for shooting closer to population?

i'm sure it's quieter if noise is an issue then maybe the M2 is a better choice, i don't have first hand experience with the M2 but the HMR really isn't that loud
i think the added performance of the HMR is worth the difference in db's just my opinion.

ruger is coming out with the MK II in M2 and i'll probably pick one up i think it will be a good round for a pistol but for a rifle i would prefer the HMR

The times I've shot the HMR I thought it was louder than a 22 Mag. I have no clue about the volume of a H2--I was hoping it would be along the level of a 22 Short.

I have owned both & still have the Mach II. The Mach II is not as quiet as a 22 short, aboult like a 22 LR with a little more crack to it. If it is tree squirrells that you are hunting--I definately recommend the 17 Mach II over the HMR. The II is also cheaper to shoot. From 0 to 100 yards there is little difference--beyond 100 yds the HMR is the way to go. I still find my self shooting the old 22lr the most. I think you will like the II & it is here to stay. JMHO

Welcome!

I have used both on squirrels. The HMR tears em up a good bit with the plastic tip bullet. The HP is not as explosive.

For woods hunting, 100 yards is a long shot on squirrels and the HM2 will do fine at that range with little drop.

I've got both the 17 mk 11, and 17 HMR. The HMR is more distructive on birds, and will try both on sage rats soon... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Virgil B.

I've only shot one of the HMR's and none of the HM2. The one I did shoot was a Marlin with a very heavy and stiff trigger and it was still a whole lot easier too bust clay birds at 200yrds than it is with my 77/22 mag and better trigger.

From what I have beed told, for tree sqirrels the HM2 would be the better choice because of less meat destruction.

I can't see the HM2 taking over the 22lr unless they lower the price of ammo considerably more. The 22 has a lot cheaper ammo availible for fun plinking.

Dave.

I almost forgot, WELCOME to the FIRE.

I have both calibers.

If ground squirrels are you game, get the HMR. It's good out to 150+ yards, easy with no holdover. The HMR is really without peer for this kind of shooting. You will only need a centerfire for very long shots.


For closer in hunting on small varmints, I recently bought the HM2 in Volquartsen Ultra Light. It has a muzzle brake on it, and I would not call it a quiet rifle, especially with the sonic crack. Good accuracy, though. Sub MOA 3 shot groups at 100 Yards. If you want to eat a squirrel, only take head shots, as the bullet will explode at these closer ranges, if it's anything like the bullet in the HMR. And I understand it's the same bullet.

The HM2 will never replace the HMR. Range is too short. In fact, I worry a little about the M2 future unless the ammo price can go below the .22 Mag. The .22Mag will do all the M2 will do and do it harder and better. It will allow you to shoot a larger varmint, such as a prairie dog or coyote at closer ranges.

Thanks to all who responded. It seems as though both will be around for a while, and the Mach 2 ammo will be cheaper and less destructive on small game. Once again, thanks to all.