17 Mach 2 Versus 22 Long Rifle??

Let's here some opinions on target, and game?? Which would you prefer? I keep hearing about the laser like trajectory, but completely blowing up on game. That's the mach2.

I have both and the MACH2 is very accurate in my CZ 452. Really like it for dancing golfballs out to 100yards and half inch 5 shot groups at 50yards are cool too, for a rimfire. The bullet used in the Mach2 is the same as used in the HMR and at Mach2 veolcities is not as dramatic as it is in the larger round.

The 22LR has more energy than the MACH2 especially when get out there. Damage to Squirrels and rabbits is about the same if using hollow points in the LR from the few I have shot. But I do like the confidence that I can head shoot a squirrel at 100 yards with the Mach2

Break down and get a .17 HMR!

I converted a 10/22 to a 17Mach2 a while back and really liked it over teh 22lr. Its more accurate and can reach out further than the 22lr but I will have to agree with Blood Trail, get teh HMR !!

Really depends on the use you intend. For target I prefer the MACH2 catch the ammo on sale and it is about half the price of the HMR and just as accurate. I would not use the MACH2 on anything larger than a racoon.

The HMR will destroy more on small game but is flatter shooting and works fine for Coyote inside 100 yards, put one in the lungs and it is not going very far.

For cheap shooting and fun the 22LP is hard to beat.

I do love my HMR but I do like the Mach2 price of ammo.

I love the HMR, but it's not good at for coyotes.

I agree with Blood Trail, get a .17HMR. I own a .17Mach2 and it's a cute little rifle. If you want maximum performance in a rimfire, you can't beat the .17HMR. I've shot everything from gophers to badgers and as long as you put the bullet in the right spot and you are within range, it will take fox and coyote as well.

If you want the Maximum performance in a rimfire find a 5mm Remingtom Mag. Hard to find but ammo is once again available for it.

17HMR 17gr at 2550fps
5mm 30gr at 2450fps

Right on getting a hmr instead. But that's still the same 17 caliber bullet they use on the mach 2. When you had your mach 2 did you have trouble with the bullet just blowing up? I heard that when testing that bullet against the 22lr. the 22 penetrated more? A gunshop here in S.A. has a like new volquartsen rifle in 17hmr for $950 does that sound about right?

I have both 17s and love them both.

I concur, I have hunted Coyote with the HMR and it has proven very effective within 100yds. I have yet to have one continue out of sight with this round.

As for the Mach 2 it makes a great little squirrel rifle and has great accuracy. My Savage Mark II with a sporter barrel shoots 3/4" groups, on a clam day, at 100yds.

The thing I like most is the lightweight thin-jacketed bullets in these rounds. The rapid expansion is nice, but most of all I don't get the same ricochet of the heavier jacketed .22 bullets. For hunting around farms and ranches this is a big plus for me. The 17 bullet pretty much disintegrates on the first thing it touches.

Either way the 17s or the 22s boil down to personal preference. Personally, I like them all. Happy Hunting!

Yukon95, If you are worried about penetration with the .17HMR try the 20 grain FMJ load offered by CCI, it'll out penetrate the .22LR by a mile.

thanks for the info

vs. small game the 17m2 outshines the 22lr all day long. Shoot a couple of rabbits or coons for comparison and you'll be amazed.