A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 17 REMINGTON AMMO
The .17 Remington cartridge was introduced by Remington Arms Company in 1971 and remains one of the fastest commercial centerfire cartridges available. Formed by necking down a .223 Remington case to accept a tiny .172-inch bullet, the 17 Remington ammo delivers blistering velocities exceeding 4,000 feet per second. This results in an ultra-flat trajectory, making it an ideal round for long-range varmint hunting, where precision and speed are critical.
Most factory .17 caliber ammo in this chambering is loaded with lightweight bullets between 20 and 25 grains, specifically designed for explosive terminal effects on small game like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and foxes. At the same time, the cartridge’s relatively light recoil and minimal pelt damage make it a favorite among fur hunters seeking humane takedowns and salvageable hides.
A frequent point of confusion is the distinction between .17 Remington and other .17 caliber centerfire ammo like .17 Hornet, or rimfire options such as .17 HMR. Although all share the same bullet diameter, the 17 Remington is a centerfire cartridge with far superior velocity and energy, making it better suited for larger varmints and longer distances. In contrast, the 17 HMR and 17 Hornet are best for closer-range shooting and smaller game.
Popular loads include Remington’s Premier AccuTip-V, which features a 20-grain polymer-tipped bullet for rapid expansion and devastating impact on varmints. Likewise, Hornady’s V-MAX is a trusted choice among varmint shooters, offering 20- and 25-grain options engineered for extreme accuracy and explosive terminal performance. Whether you're managing coyotes in open country or clearing ground squirrel colonies, 17 Remington ammo for sale delivers surgical precision in a high-speed package.
TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 17 REMINGTON AMMO
When selecting 17 Remington ammo, understanding your shooting needs, along with how bullet design, weight, and barrel characteristics affect performance, can help you get the most out of this high-velocity, flat-shooting cartridge. Here are key factors to consider:
Purpose: The .17 Remington is purpose-built for varmint and predator hunting. If you're targeting fast-moving or long-range game like prairie dogs, coyotes, or groundhogs, opt for bullets designed for rapid expansion and maximum terminal energy. Polymer-tipped or hollow point projectiles, such as Hornady V-MAX or Remington AccuTip-V, offer consistent fragmentation, ensuring quick, humane kills and minimal ricochet risk in open country.
Bullet Weight: Standard .17 caliber ammo for this cartridge typically comes in 20- to 25-grain bullets. Lighter 20-grain loads provide higher velocities and a flatter trajectory, ideal for long-range accuracy on small targets. Meanwhile, 25-grain bullets offer better wind resistance and deeper penetration, which can be useful when hunting in breezy conditions or engaging slightly larger varmints like foxes or badgers.
Choosing a Manufacturer: Stick with proven manufacturers known for precision and reliability. Remington ammo remains a top choice, especially with their Premier AccuTip-V line, thanks to decades of refinement. Hornady is a leader in varmint innovation with their V-MAX series, offering excellent downrange performance and consistency. Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint rounds are another standout, known for their uniformity and explosive impact.
Rifle Barrel Considerations: Due to the extremely high velocities of 17 Remington ammunition, barrel fouling from copper and carbon can occur more rapidly than with larger calibers. Choosing ammo with cleaner-burning powders and scheduling regular cleanings will help maintain accuracy and barrel life. Most 17 Remington rifles feature a 1:9" twist rate, which stabilizes 20–25 grain bullets efficiently, perfect for standard factory loads.
17 REMINGTON AMMO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the effective range of the .17 Remington?
- The .17 Remington is highly effective for varmint hunting up to 300 yards, with capable shooters often pushing that range even farther under ideal conditions. Thanks to its flat trajectory and high velocity, it excels at precision shots on small targets. However, the lightweight bullets are susceptible to wind drift, so distance performance is influenced by weather and shooter proficiency.
- Is the .17 Remington suitable for coyote hunting?
- Yes. The 17 Remington ammo is a proven choice for coyote hunting, delivering rapid-expansion performance and minimal pelt damage, key benefits for fur takers. With accurate shot placement, it provides the necessary energy and penetration to ensure humane kills on predators at medium to long ranges.
- How does the .17 Remington compare to the .17 HMR?
- While both use .172-inch bullets, the .17 Remington is a centerfire cartridge and vastly outperforms the .17 HMR, a rimfire round. The .17 Remington reaches velocities over 4,000 fps, extending effective range and impact energy. The 17 HMR, on the other hand, is limited to around 150 yards and is better suited for small game and short-range pest control.
- What type of ammunition is best for the .17 Remington?
- Look for polymer-tipped or hollow point designs in 17 caliber centerfire ammo. These bullet types promote rapid fragmentation and expansion, which is critical for varmint hunting. Popular choices include Hornady V-MAX, Remington AccuTip-V, and Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint, all known for their precision and terminal performance.
- Is barrel fouling a concern with the .17 Remington?
- Yes. Due to its small bore diameter and high velocity, the .17 Remington is prone to copper and powder fouling, which can degrade accuracy over time. Regular bore cleaning and maintenance are strongly recommended to maintain performance and extend barrel life, especially during high-volume shooting sessions.
- Can I reload .17 Remington ammo?
- Yes. The .17 Remington is reloadable and favored by experienced varmint hunters and precision shooters who want to customize loads. However, reloading can be more meticulous due to the small case necks and lightweight bullets. Proper case prep and attention to detail are key to producing consistent, accurate handloads.
- What is the recoil like on a .17 Remington rifle?
- Recoil is minimal, making the .17 Remington one of the easiest centerfire cartridges to shoot. This low recoil contributes to faster follow-up shots and a more enjoyable shooting experience, especially for younger or recoil-sensitive shooters.
- Is .17 Remington ammo good for beginners?
- Yes, provided they understand the importance of proper shot placement. The low recoil and flat trajectory make .17 Remington ammo beginner-friendly, especially for target practice or learning varmint hunting fundamentals. However, barrel maintenance and wind reading are valuable skills to develop early.
- What rifles are chambered in .17 Remington?
- Several manufacturers produce or have produced .17 Remington rifles, including Remington, CZ-USA, and Cooper Firearms. Many of these rifles are bolt-action varmint platforms with fast twist rates and longer barrels to maximize the cartridge’s performance.
- Where can I find bulk 17 Remington ammo?
- Target Sports USA offers 17 Remington for sale, including bulk Remington ammo when available. While it’s a niche caliber, stocking up when in stock ensures you're ready for extended hunting trips or range sessions.
OUR TOP 17 REMINGTON AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS
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Use Cases for 17 Remington Ammunition
- Varmint Hunting
- Predator Control
- Target Shooting
- Small Game Hunting
- Fur Harvesting
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Popular 17 Remington Ammo Brands
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Common 17 Remington Ammo Caliber Name Variations
- .17 Rem
- 17 Remington
- 4.4x45mm
THE 17 REMINGTON AMMO "ROUND UP"
Whether you're heading out for varmint season or refining your skills with high-velocity precision shooting, our collection of 17 Remington ammo offers the accuracy, speed, and dependability serious shooters demand. With its blistering velocity, flat trajectory, and light recoil, the .17 Remington remains a top-tier option for those targeting small game or simply enjoying the challenge of extreme performance in a small-caliber round.
At Target Sports USA, we offer .17 caliber centerfire ammo from trusted names like Remington, Hornady, and Nosler, ensuring you have access to field-proven loads with match-grade consistency. Whether you’re buying a few boxes or looking for bulk 17 Remington ammo, we’re committed to providing quality, value, and expert support to help you choose the right ammunition for your rifle, your range, and your hunt.