A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 17 HMR AMMO
The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) was introduced in 2002 by Hornady as a high-velocity, rimfire cartridge derived from the .22 Magnum case necked down to accept a .17-caliber bullet. Designed for precision and flat trajectory, the 17 HMR quickly gained popularity among varmint hunters and target shooters for its ability to deliver consistent accuracy out to 200 yards or more. Standard 17 HMR ammo typically fires a 17-grain V-MAX or TNT hollow point bullet at speeds around 2,550 feet per second, offering explosive impact on small game while maintaining low recoil.
Compared to other rimfire cartridges like the .22 LR or .22 WMR, the 17 HMR offers superior ballistic performance, including flatter trajectories and higher energy at extended distances. It’s ideal for shooting prairie dogs, ground squirrels, rabbits, and even coyotes under the right conditions. While not as powerful as some centerfire varmint rounds, its blend of affordability, velocity, and accuracy makes the 17 HMR an outstanding choice for precision-minded rimfire shooters. Popular manufacturers like CCI, Hornady, Winchester, and Federal produce a wide variety of loadings, from polymer-tipped hunting rounds to jacketed hollow points, making it easy to tailor your ammo choice to your specific shooting needs.
TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 17 HMR AMMO
When selecting 17 HMR ammunition, your choice should reflect the type of shooting you plan to do. From pest control to precision practice, here's what to keep in mind:
Purpose of Use: Determine if you’ll be hunting small game, eliminating varmints, or just plinking at the range. For varmint and pest control, polymer-tipped bullets like Hornady V-MAX or CCI TNT Green provide explosive terminal performance. For tighter groups on paper targets, look for consistent match-grade rounds.
Bullet Type & Weight: The standard bullet weight for 17 HMR is 17 grains, with options up to 20 grains for improved wind resistance and penetration. Polymer-tipped bullets expand rapidly on impact, while jacketed hollow points (JHP) offer deeper penetration. Choose based on whether you prioritize expansion or impact retention.
Brand Reliability: Stick to established brands known for performance and consistency. CCI, Hornady, and Federal dominate this space, offering clean-burning powder, dependable primers, and uniform bullet construction. CCI 17 HMR ammo, in particular, is widely praised for reliability in semi-automatics.
Rifle Compatibility: Ensure your firearm is chambered specifically for 17 HMR. Never attempt to fire it in a .22 WMR or .22 LR rifle, despite similar casing dimensions, they are not interchangeable and doing so is dangerous. Always confirm the caliber stamped on the barrel.
Environmental Conditions: If you're shooting in windy environments, consider heavier 20-grain bullets that offer better ballistic coefficients and improved resistance to drift. For cold-weather shooting, premium ammo with sealed primers and cases can provide better performance and reliability.
17 HMR AMMO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is 17 HMR good for?
- 17 HMR ammo is excellent for varmint hunting, pest control, and long-range rimfire target shooting. Its high velocity and explosive expansion make it effective on small game such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and rabbits.
- Which is more powerful, .22 Mag or 17 HMR?
- While the .22 WMR (Magnum) may offer slightly more raw energy, 17 HMR delivers superior velocity and flatter trajectory, giving it better accuracy at long distances. For precision shooting, 17 HMR generally has the edge.
- Can you shoot 17 HMR in a .22 Mag rifle?
- No. The 17 HMR and .22 Mag differ in case dimensions and chamber pressures. Attempting to shoot 17 HMR in a .22 Mag firearm is unsafe and can result in serious damage or injury.
- What gun uses 17 HMR ammo?
- Rifles from manufacturers like Ruger, Savage Arms, CZ, Marlin, and Henry are chambered for 17 HMR. A few revolvers, such as the Taurus Tracker, also support 17 HMR rounds. Always confirm your firearm is specifically designed for this caliber.
- How does 17 HMR ammo compare to other rimfire calibers?
- Compared to .22 LR or .22 WMR, 17 HMR shoots flatter, faster (typically 2,500+ fps), and with greater accuracy at extended distances. It's a top choice for rimfire shooters who demand high performance beyond 100 yards.
- What is the effective range of 17 HMR?
- 17 HMR ammo is highly accurate up to 150–200 yards for small game and varmints. Some experienced shooters can push it beyond 200 yards with the right optics and wind conditions.
- What is the best barrel length for 17 HMR rifles?
- A barrel length between 20–22 inches is optimal for 17 HMR, balancing velocity, maneuverability, and accuracy. Shorter barrels are lighter but may lose some velocity, while longer barrels offer slightly better ballistics at the cost of weight.
- Is 17 HMR good for beginners?
- Yes. 17 HMR has low recoil, flat trajectory, and simple handling, making it great for new shooters. It's an ideal training round that offers performance without punishing recoil or noise.
- What are the quietest 17 HMR ammo options?
- While 17 HMR is inherently louder than .22 LR due to higher velocity, some manufacturers like CCI and Hornady offer reduced-noise or subsonic variants. Using suppressors (where legal) and ear protection is recommended.
- Can I buy 17 HMR ammo in bulk?
- Absolutely. Many retailers, including Target Sports USA, offer 17 HMR ammo in bulk, often in 250-, 500-, or 1,000-round boxes, from top brands like CCI, Hornady, and Winchester. Buying in bulk ensures better pricing and shooting consistency.
OUR TOP 17 HMR AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS
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CCI TNT 17 HMR Ammunition 17 Grain Speer Jacketed Hollow Point - 0053: Featuring a 17-grain Speer TNT jacketed hollow point bullet, this ammunition delivers rapid expansion upon impact, ensuring effective terminal performance on small game. With a muzzle velocity of 2,550 fps and energy of 245 ft-lbs, it offers a flat trajectory and consistent accuracy.
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Remington Premier 17 HMR Ammunition 17 Grain Accutip-V - PR17HM1: The 17-grain AccuTip-V bullet features a polymer tip for enhanced accuracy and explosive terminal performance. With a muzzle velocity of 2,550 fps and energy of 245 ft-lbs, this ammunition ensures flat trajectories and effective results in the field. The brass casing and reliable rimfire primer contribute to consistent performance.
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Hornady Varmint Express 17 HMR Ammunition 15.5 Grain NTX - 83171: The 15.5-grain NTX bullet delivers rapid expansion and high accuracy, making it suitable for varmint and small game hunting. With a muzzle velocity of 2,525 fps and energy of 236 ft-lbs, this ammunition ensures effective terminal performance. The brass casing and reliable rimfire primer contribute to consistent and dependable shooting experiences.
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Use Cases for 17 HMR Ammunition
- Varmint Hunting
- Small Game Hunting
- Target Shooting
- Plinking
- Pest Control
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Popular 17 HMR Ammo Brands
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Common 17 HRM Ammo Caliber Name Variations
- .17 HMR
- .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire
- 17 HMR
THE 17 HMR AMMO "ROUND UP"
The 17 HMR continues to impress rimfire shooters with its flat trajectory, blazing velocity, and outstanding accuracy at extended distances. Whether you're knocking down varmints on the back 40 or testing your marksmanship at the range, 17 HMR ammo delivers precision and excitement every shot. At Target Sports USA, we proudly carry a wide selection of 17 HMR ammunition, including popular bulk packs and trusted brands like CCI, Hornady, and Winchester. Explore our inventory today and elevate your rimfire experience with high-quality rounds tailored for performance and value.