All About 17 HMR Ammo: Specifications, Ballistics, Applications & More.
Know more about .17 HMR. Find out all about this handy cartridge, Applications, Ballistics, Pros & Cons & More.
.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, or .17 HMR, is known as one of the most accurate rimfire cartridges currently on the market.
With its impressive specifications and ballistics, 17 HMR ammo has become a favorite among shooters of various disciplines.
Still, many people, especially new gun owners, aren’t very familiar with the .17 HMR or how useful it is for shooting & hunting.
In this article, we want to help you to know the complete information about the 17 HMR ammo.You will be able to know about its specifications, ballistics, applications, pros & cons & more.
Overview- WHAT IS .17 HMR?
In 2002, Hornady created the.17 HMR (.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire), a rimfire rifle cartridge. It is a well-liked cartridge for varmint hunting and target shooting because of its high velocity and flat firing.
The.17 HMR is renowned for its long-range performance and accuracy. It also has a relatively low recoil rate, making it simple for beginners.
The .17 HMR is a necked-down version of the .22 Magnum cartridge. It has been necked down to accommodate a. 17-caliber bullet in this way.
The.17 HMR employs a bullet that is normally 17 grains in weight and is of.17 caliber. The bullet can travel as fast as 2,650 feet per second when it leaves the barrel. As a result, the.17 HMR has a flat trajectory and outstanding long-range accuracy.
The.17 HMR is a widely used cartridge for plinking, target practice, and small game hunting. It is a flat-shooting, high-velocity cartridge that is accurate and simple. All levels of shooters should consider the.17 HMR.
17 HMR Ammo Specifications
| Type | Rifle |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Designer | Hornady |
| Designed | 2002 |
| Manufacturer | CCI, Federal, Hornady, PMC,Remington, Winchester |
| Produced | 2002–present |
| Parent case | .22 WMR |
| Case type | Rimmed, bottleneck |
| Bullet diameter | .172 in (4.4 mm) |
| Land diameter | .168 in (4.3 mm) |
| Neck diameter | .190 in (4.8 mm) |
| Shoulder diameter | .238 in (6.0 mm) |
| Base diameter | .238 in (6.0 mm) |
| Rim diameter | .286 in (7.3 mm) |
| Rim thickness | .05 in (1.3 mm) |
| Case length | 1.058 in (26.9 mm) |
| Overall length | 1.349 in (34.3 mm) |
| Primer type | Rimfire |
| Maximum pressure | 26,000 psi (180 MPa) |
Quick Facts About 17 HMR Ammo
- .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire is referred as 17 HMR.
- Hornady first introduced it in 2002.
- The cartridge has a muzzle velocity of up to 2,650 feet per second, making it a high-velocity round.
- It has a flat trajectory similar to a .22-250 Remington centerfire round and is a flat shooting cartridge.
- It is a widely used cartridge for shooting targets and hunting small game.
- Due to its insufficient stopping strength, it is less frequently used for hunting large game animals.
Pros & Cons Of 17 HMR Ammo
Here are some of the pros and cons of the .17 HMR cartridge:
Pros
High velocity- Flat trajectory
- Long range accuracy
- Low recoil
- Easy to shoot
- Available in a variety of bullet weights and types
Cons
Limited stopping power for larger game animals- More expensive than .22 LR ammo
- Not as widely available as .22 LR ammo
17 HMR Ballistics
The .17 HMR is a high velocity, flat shooting cartridge that is known for its accuracy. It is a popular choice for varmint hunting and target shooting.
Here are some of the ballistics of the .17 HMR cartridge:
| Bullet Velocity (Muzzle) | 2,550 ft/s |
| Bullet Velocity @ 100 yds | 1,902 ft/s |
| Bullet Velocity @ 200 yds | 1,379 ft/s |
| Bullet Energy (Muzzle) | 245 ft⋅lb |
| Bullet Energy @ 100 yds | 137 ft⋅lb |
| Bullet Energy @ 200 yds | 72 ft⋅lb |
| Hunting Usage @ 0 yds | Not recommended |
| Hunting Usage @ 100 yds | Not recommended |
| Hunting Usage @ 200 yds | Not recommended |
The following are some elements that have an impact on the.17 HMR cartridge's ballistics:
- Weight of the bullet: A heavier bullet has more energy and will go further.
- Type of bullet: The bullet will impact how it expands when it hits. Full metal jacket bullets do not perform as much as hollow tip bullets, which means the target may sustain more damage.
- Velocity: A bullet's velocity determines how much energy it has and how far it will travel.
- Range: The bullet will fall faster as it moves farther due to gravity.
17 HMR Bullet Types And Uses
Many types of .17 HMR bullets are available, each with unique properties and uses.
The type of bullet you choose will depend on your intended use. If you are hunting a small game, you will want to use a hollow point or polymer tip bullet.
You can use a full metal jacket bullet or a hollow point bullet if you are target shooting or plinking.
Here are a few of the most popular types:
Full metal jacket bullets: Full metal jacket bullets are designed to penetrate the target without expanding. They are often used for target shooting and plinking but can also be used for hunting small game.
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Bullet Type | Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) |
| Bullet Weight | 20gr |
| Velocity (Muzzle) | 2,375 FPS |
| Energy (Muzzle) | 250 FT LBS |
| 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 1,776 FPS/140 FT LBS |
| 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 1,260 FPS/70 FT LBS |
Jacketed Hollow point bullets: Hollow point bullets expand on impact, creating a larger wound channel and transferring more energy to the target. This makes them ideal for hunting small game, such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and rabbits.
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Bullet Type | Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) |
| Bullet Weight | 16gr |
| Velocity (Muzzle) | 2,500 FPS |
| Energy (Muzzle) | 222 FT LBS |
| 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 1,642 FPS/96 FT LBS |
| 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 1,242 FPS/55 FT LBS |
Polymer tip bullets: Polymer tip bullets are designed to fly flatter and be more accurate than traditional hollow point bullets. They are also less likely to over-penetrate the target, making them a good choice for target shooting and plinking.
| Caliber | .17 HMR |
| Bullet Type | V-Max (Polymer) |
| Bullet Weight | 17gr |
| Velocity (Muzzle) | 2,530 FPS |
| Energy (Muzzle) | 242 FT LBS |
| 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 1,884 FPS/134 FT LBS |
| 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 1,360 FPS/70 FT LBS |
Uses Of .17 HMR Bullets
- Varmint hunting: The .17 HMR is a popular cartridge for varmint hunting, such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and rabbits. The high velocity and flat trajectory of the .17 HMR make it an effective cartridge for long-range shooting.
- Target shooting: The .17 HMR is a popular cartridge for target shooting. The high velocity and accuracy of the .17 HMR make it a fun cartridge to shoot at paper targets.
- Plinking: The .17 HMR is also a popular cartridge for plinking. Plinking is a type of target shooting that aims to hit small targets, such as cans or bottles. The .17 HMR is a good cartridge for plinking because it is inexpensive and easy to shoot.
The .17 HMR is a versatile cartridge that can be used for various purposes. It is popular for varmint hunting, target shooting, and plinking. The high velocity and accuracy of the .17 HMR make it a fun and effective cartridge to use.
17 HMR Ammo Price & Availability
17 HMR Ammo is widely available rimfire ammo but more pricey than 22lr ammo.
The .17 HMR cartridges contain bullets weighing 15.5 grains (1.00 g), 17 grains (1.1 g), and 20 grains (1.3 g) and are available with things like a plastic-tipped bullet, hollow point, soft tips, and FMJ. The terminal ballistic characteristics of light-expanding bullets limit the .17 HMR to small games and varmints.
.17 HMR ammunition is rarer and more expensive than .22 caliber Rimfire cartridges, but this is changing as the popularity of .17 HMR rifles increases.
The price of 17 HMR ammo can range from $0.30 to $0.40 per round. The cost will vary depending on the brand, bullet type, and quantity purchased.
Top 7 Best 17 HMR Ammo For 2023
Hornady Varmint Express 17 HMR 20gr Hollow Point XTP Rimfire Ammo - 50 Rounds
These Hornady's Varmint Express Rimfire bullets are designed for supremely accurate long-range shooting. Loaded with either the V-MAX® or NTX® bullet, these loads deliver tack-driving accuracy and dramatic expansion on impact.
These bullets seem almost to match the grade as consistently as they shoot. Expansion is great, and penetration is several inches deeper than the 17-grain ballistic tip.
Estimated Price Range: $14.99 To $19.99 For 50 Rounds
Specifications
| Cartridge | 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) |
| Grain Weight | 20 Grains |
| Quantity | 50 Round |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2375 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle Energy | 250 Foot Pounds |
| Bullet Style | Jacketed Hollow Point |
| Bullet Brand And Model | Hornady XTP |
| Lead Free | No |
| Test Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Velocity Rating | Supersonic |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
50rds – 17 HMR Hornady Varmint Express 17gr. V-MAX Ammo
Excellent Varmint ammo. These bullets are specially designed for varmint hunters to get accuracy. These bullets provide rapid fragmentation that consistently delivers at all velocities.
Each cartridge is hand inspected prior to your arrival to ensure there are no defects. Cartridges are carefully loaded to give you the accuracy, speed and optimal pressure you need.
Estimated price Range: $14.49 To $18.99 For 50 Rounds
Specifications
| Manufacturer: | Hornady |
| Cartridge: | .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire |
| Number of Rounds: | 50 |
| Bullet Type: | Spitzer |
| Bullet Weight: | 17 grain |
| Cartridge Case Material: | Brass |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 2550 ft/s |
| Application: | Small Game |
| Primer Style: | Rimfire |
| Muzzle Energy: | 245 ft-lbs |
Winchester Varmint HV 17 HMR V-MAX
Varmint HV is a rim designed for both varmint and small game hunting. Perfect for small games such as squirrels, rabbits, and prairie dogs, this cartridge shoots flat and straight. The Winchester Varmint HV provides excellent penetration, followed by solid destructive penetration.
The Winchester Varmint HV load also features non-corrosive priming and non-corrosive priming, giving the shooter a surefire shot every time.
Estimated Price Range: $17.99 To $24.99 For 50 Rounds
Specifications
| Manufacturer: | Winchester |
| Cartridge: | .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire |
| Number of Rounds: | 50 |
| Bullet Type: | Spitzer Flat Base |
| Bullet Weight: | 17 grain |
| Cartridge Case Material: | Brass |
| Muzzle Velocity: | 2550 ft/s |
| Application: | Varmint, Predator, Small Game |
| Package Type: | Box |
| Primer Style: | Rimfire |
| Lead Free: | No |
| Muzzle Energy: | 245 ft-lbs |
Federal .17 HMR 17 gr Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max
These Federal V-Max bullets are a perfect choice for shooters needing to eliminate varmints.The polymer-tipped bullet’s thin jacket expands explosively and provides pinpoint long-range accuracy. They provide superior accuracy, the utmost dependability, and explosive performance on impact.
Estimated Price Range: $19.99 To $20.99 For 50 Rounds
Specifications
| Brand | Federal |
| Category | Rimfire Rounds |
| Series | Varmint & Predator |
| Model | Premium |
| Caliber | 17 HMR |
| Rounds Per Box | 50 |
| Casing Material | Brass |
| Muzzle Energy | 242 ft lbs |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2530 fps |
| Game Type | Small Game |
| Application | Hunting |
CCI 17 HMR 20-Grain FMJ
These non-expanding bullets used in CCI® 17 HMR FMJ are ideal for small game hunting. This is extremely accurate and flat-shooting rimfire ammo, shooting a 20-grain bullet at 2375 fps. CCI's tight quality control during manufacturing eliminates any variables that cause inconsistencies, resulting in reliable ignition and consistent accuracy from one box to the next.
Estimated Price Range: $15.99 To $19.99 For 50 Rounds
Specifications
| Caliber | 17 HMR |
| Grain Weight | 20 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2375 |
| Bullet Style | Full Metal Jacket |
| Ballistic Coefficient | .130 |
| Package Quantity | 50 |
| Usage | Small Game |
These are some must have 17 HMR ammo you must try in 2023.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 17 HMR ammunition is a true standout in the field of rimfire cartridges. Its specifications, ballistics, and applications make it a formidable option for a variety of shooting endeavors.
With its high velocity and flat trajectory, the 17 HMR offers exceptional accuracy and long-range performance. The small, lightweight bullet delivers excellent terminal ballistics and minimal recoil, making it an ideal choice for small game hunting and varmint control.
Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a precision shooter, or a recreational plinker, the 17 HMR delivers the accuracy, versatility, and performance you need to enhance your shooting experience.
