Savage A17 .17HM2 17 Mach 2 Review & Shoot

Published on December 28, 2024
Duration: 16:51

This review of the Savage A17 in .17 Mach 2 highlights its semi-automatic operation and inherent accuracy, comparing it to the .17 HMR. The presenter, a seasoned shooter with extensive rimfire experience, demonstrates its performance at various distances, discusses ammunition velocity differences between CCI and Hornady, and notes its effectiveness for plinking and varmint control, while also pointing out its limited penetration compared to .22 caliber options.

Quick Summary

The Savage A17 in .17 Mach 2 is a semi-automatic rimfire rifle known for its inherent accuracy and flatter trajectory compared to .22 caliber options. While it offers excellent performance for varmint hunting and target shooting, its light 17-grain bullets provide limited penetration due to fragmentation, making it less suitable for larger game or self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Savage A17 .17 Mach 2
  2. 00:43.17 Mach 2 vs .17 HMR Explained
  3. 01:06Advantages of .17 Caliber Rimfires
  4. 02:18Savage A17 Features & Scope Setup
  5. 03:09Sighting In at 20 Yards
  6. 03:47Initial Sound Test
  7. 04:18First Group at 20 Yards
  8. 05:27Moving to 50 Yards
  9. 06:39Rotary Magazine Loading Demonstration
  10. 07:20Shooting in Windy Conditions at 50 Yards
  11. 09:0950 Yard Group Analysis (CCI)
  12. 09:42Testing Hornady Ammunition at 50 Yards
  13. 10:27Chronograph Setup & Testing
  14. 11:17Chronograph Results: CCI vs Hornady
  15. 12:20Steel Target Shooting at Various Distances
  16. 13:10Spinners and Silhouettes at 25-75 Yards
  17. 14:33Final Thoughts on Accuracy and Penetration
  18. 14:47Comparison to Ruger 10/22
  19. 15:02Penetration Limitations of .17 Caliber
  20. 16:02Loudness and Hearing Protection
  21. 16:18Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between .17 Mach 2 and .17 HMR?

The .17 Mach 2 is based on a .22 Long Rifle case necked down to .17 caliber, firing a 17-grain bullet. The .17 HMR uses a .22 Magnum case necked down, offering higher velocity and energy. Both are known for their accuracy in rimfire platforms.

How accurate is the Savage A17 in .17 Mach 2?

The Savage A17 is noted for its inherent accuracy, shooting well out-of-the-box with various ammunition. The reviewer achieved groups around one inch at 50 yards, even with wind and without specialized shooting rests, suggesting potential for tighter groups under ideal conditions.

What are the advantages of .17 caliber rimfire cartridges?

The primary advantages of .17 caliber rimfire cartridges like the .17 Mach 2 and .17 HMR are their inherent accuracy, flatter trajectory due to higher velocities, and suitability for varmint hunting and target shooting. They often outperform .22 caliber counterparts in precision.

What are the limitations of .17 caliber rimfire ammunition?

The main limitation of .17 caliber rimfire ammunition is its reduced penetration due to the light bullet weight and tendency to fragment. This makes them less ideal for hunting larger game or for self-defense compared to .22 caliber options, though they are effective for varmints.

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