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In the continuing 17 madness, I took the Marlin 917V in 17HM2 (Hornady Mach2) out the the organic hay farm for a go with Mr Squirrel. (it's the one on the bottom)
The 917V HM2 is identical to the HMR version except for the magazine. I put a Tasco 6X24 on the HM2 since it was what I had laying about. I know, this is waaaaay too much scope for a 100-yard gun, but again, it's what I had available.
The 17 HM2 is about 500fps slower than the HMR, but the ammo is about 1/3 the cost, and is loaded with the same 17gr V-max. It is supposed to have the same flat-shooting trajectory out to 100 yards as the HMR. I bought a bunch-o-ammo from Natchez shooters supply for $3.49 a box
so it was time to get busy.
I guess the word didn't get out to Mr Squirrel's comrades that were served up some hot V-max two days ago. Although it was rather windy, I was able to shoot 2 KIA's and 2 probables, all at less than 100 yards. I shot one squirrel standing at combat ready at 84 yards, and it was an instant kill. When I checked him out, there was not a drop of blood, and very little damage to the carcass at all. I shot the little trooper straight through the shoulders. I've done similar shots with the HMR and the results are much more dramatic. Although the HM2 gives a definite "whack" on impact, it is less destructive than the HMR.
I shot another squirrel at about 50 yards and got a serious splatter. It appears the HM2 is a 100 or less cartridge on small critters.
While the report of an HMR is minimal, the HM2 is even more mello. It is about as loud as an "adult" air rifle. I believe the HM2 would be very useful at less than 100 yards, and far better than a 22LR in tight areas.
While the Marlin 917V in HMR is an excellent platform for deliberate shooting, the HM2 is a less than 100 yard gun, and such a big rifle is probably overkill. I think the HM2 would be better in a lightweight carbine, as long as accuracy can be maintained.
Overall, the HMR maintains a considerable edge in range and power. But it does so at double the cost per round.
The 917V HM2 is identical to the HMR version except for the magazine. I put a Tasco 6X24 on the HM2 since it was what I had laying about. I know, this is waaaaay too much scope for a 100-yard gun, but again, it's what I had available.
The 17 HM2 is about 500fps slower than the HMR, but the ammo is about 1/3 the cost, and is loaded with the same 17gr V-max. It is supposed to have the same flat-shooting trajectory out to 100 yards as the HMR. I bought a bunch-o-ammo from Natchez shooters supply for $3.49 a box
so it was time to get busy.I guess the word didn't get out to Mr Squirrel's comrades that were served up some hot V-max two days ago. Although it was rather windy, I was able to shoot 2 KIA's and 2 probables, all at less than 100 yards. I shot one squirrel standing at combat ready at 84 yards, and it was an instant kill. When I checked him out, there was not a drop of blood, and very little damage to the carcass at all. I shot the little trooper straight through the shoulders. I've done similar shots with the HMR and the results are much more dramatic. Although the HM2 gives a definite "whack" on impact, it is less destructive than the HMR.
I shot another squirrel at about 50 yards and got a serious splatter. It appears the HM2 is a 100 or less cartridge on small critters.
While the report of an HMR is minimal, the HM2 is even more mello. It is about as loud as an "adult" air rifle. I believe the HM2 would be very useful at less than 100 yards, and far better than a 22LR in tight areas.
While the Marlin 917V in HMR is an excellent platform for deliberate shooting, the HM2 is a less than 100 yard gun, and such a big rifle is probably overkill. I think the HM2 would be better in a lightweight carbine, as long as accuracy can be maintained.
Overall, the HMR maintains a considerable edge in range and power. But it does so at double the cost per round.
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