What Makes Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 – 1 out of 2 models Stand Out?
The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 ammunition is designed for one thing: dispatching varmints with ruthless efficiency. Made by Hornady, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the ammunition world, this particular round aims to deliver flat trajectories, explosive expansion, and consistent accuracy. The V-MAX bullet is the core of its design, promising rapid fragmentation and humane kills, making it a popular choice for hunters targeting prairie dogs, squirrels, and other small game.
I was looking for an ammunition that would extend my effective range on small varmints. The .22LR just wasn’t cutting it anymore, especially in windy conditions. I needed something faster, flatter shooting, and more resistant to wind drift.
The Hornady offering stood out due to its advertised velocity and the reputation of the V-MAX bullet. I considered the CCI Stinger and the Federal Premium .17 HMR, but the Mach 2 seemed like a good balance between power and cost. The Hornady ammunition promised match-grade accuracy without the match-grade price tag.
Upon receiving the Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the packaging. The rounds were neatly organized and the box felt sturdy. The bullets themselves looked clean and consistent, a good sign of quality control. I was excited to get these out to the range and see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 – 1 out of 2 models to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 at my local shooting range, which offers both 50-yard and 100-yard lanes. The weather was clear, with a slight breeze that would test the ammunition’s wind resistance. I used a Savage Mark II rifle with a 3-9x scope for the test.
The ammunition performed admirably, exhibiting a noticeably flatter trajectory compared to my standard .22LR rounds. Even with the slight breeze, the .17 Mach 2 held its line well out to 100 yards. There were no malfunctions, and the rounds fed smoothly from the magazine.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slightly louder report than I was used to with .22LR. However, this was a small price to pay for the increased performance. Overall, my first experience was very positive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 continues to impress. I have fired hundreds of rounds through my Savage Mark II and a Ruger 10/22 conversion kit, and I have yet to experience a single misfire or failure to feed. This level of reliability is crucial for varmint hunting, where a missed shot can mean the difference between success and failure.
I’ve noticed no significant signs of wear and tear on the ammunition itself. The brass casings remain clean, and the bullets still look as pristine as they did on day one. I store my ammunition in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, which likely contributes to its longevity.
Compared to my previous experience with other rimfire cartridges, the Hornady ammunition stands out for its consistency and accuracy. It consistently delivers tight groupings at 50 and 100 yards, and it has significantly improved my hit rate on small, distant targets. This ammunition has exceeded my expectations, and I have become a loyal user.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 – 1 out of 2 models
Specifications
- Caliber: .17 Hornady Mach 2. This caliber offers a flatter trajectory and higher velocity than the .22LR, making it ideal for varmint hunting at longer ranges.
- Bullet Weight: 17 grain. The light bullet weight contributes to the high velocity and flat trajectory.
- Bullet Type: V-MAX. This bullet design features a polymer tip that initiates rapid expansion upon impact, resulting in quick, humane kills.
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,100 fps. The high muzzle velocity ensures a flat trajectory and reduces the need for significant holdover at longer distances.
- Ballistic Coefficient: .125. This indicates how well the bullet resists air drag, contributing to its downrange performance.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance in the field. The high velocity and flat trajectory make it easier to hit small targets at longer ranges, while the V-MAX bullet ensures a quick and ethical kill.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It delivers consistent accuracy, reliable feeding, and dramatic terminal performance on varmints. It has become my go-to ammunition for prairie dog hunting and squirrel control.
Its strengths lie in its flat trajectory, high velocity, and explosive expansion. The only minor weakness is its relatively high cost compared to .22LR. However, the improved performance more than justifies the price difference for serious varmint hunters.
The Hornady ammunition meets and even exceeds expectations. I was initially skeptical about the .17 Mach 2’s ability to effectively dispatch larger varmints like jackrabbits, but the V-MAX bullet has proven to be surprisingly effective.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition itself is well-designed and manufactured to high standards. The brass casings are clean and consistent, and the bullets are uniformly shaped and sized. The ammunition loads smoothly into magazines and chambers without any issues.
The packaging is also well-thought-out, providing ample protection for the cartridges during storage and transport. The boxes are easy to open and close, and they are clearly labeled with all the necessary information.
The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 requires no special tools or expertise to use. Simply load it into your rifle and you’re ready to go.
Durability & Maintenance
Rimfire ammunition, in general, has a long shelf life when stored properly. The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 is no exception. As long as it is kept in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, it should remain viable for many years.
The ammunition requires virtually no maintenance. Simply wipe down your rifle’s chamber and bore after each shooting session to prevent the buildup of powder residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories that come with the Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2. However, the ammunition is compatible with any rifle chambered in .17 Hornady Mach 2.
The primary customization option is the choice of rifle and optic. A high-quality scope with adjustable parallax is essential for accurate shooting at longer ranges.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 – 1 out of 2 models
Pros
- Extremely flat trajectory: Extends effective range on small varmints.
- High velocity: Reduces wind drift and increases hit probability.
- V-MAX bullet: Provides rapid expansion and humane kills.
- Consistent accuracy: Delivers tight groupings at 50 and 100 yards.
- Reliable feeding: Functions flawlessly in a variety of rifles.
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than .22LR.
- Louder report than .22LR.
Who Should Buy Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 – 1 out of 2 models?
The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 is perfect for:
- Varmint hunters who need a flat-shooting, accurate, and reliable ammunition for dispatching small game at longer ranges.
- Farmers and ranchers who need to control pest populations around their property.
- Competitive shooters who participate in rimfire benchrest competitions.
This product may not be ideal for:
- Casual plinkers who are primarily concerned with cost.
- Hunters who prefer larger calibers for bigger game.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality scope with adjustable parallax. A bipod or shooting rest can also improve accuracy.
Conclusion on Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 – 1 out of 2 models
The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 is an excellent ammunition choice for varmint hunters who demand performance and reliability. While it may be slightly more expensive than other rimfire options, its superior accuracy, flat trajectory, and explosive terminal performance make it well worth the investment.
The price is justified by the improved hit rate and the humane kills that this ammunition provides. It has significantly enhanced my varmint hunting experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their rimfire game.
If you’re serious about varmint hunting and want an ammunition that will give you a clear advantage, the Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Mach 2 is the way to go. Step up your game and see the difference for yourself!