Affiliate Disclosure: AmmoCave.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet, Brownells, Cabelas, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Rainier Arms, Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Guide, Ammo.com, Ammo Man, Primary Arms, MidWayUsa, Amazon, eBay, etс. Clicking a link helps keep AmmoCave.com free, at no extra cost to you!
Authors: Each article is verified by AmmoCave's expert team. Professional hunters, firearm trainers, gunsmiths, and gun experts write the articles. AmmoCave Team independently researches, tests, reviews, and uses recommendations from our community of gun owners. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any agency's official policy or position. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions about Best 17 Hornet Ammo in the comments and join the discussions. Let's share 💬 our ammo & gun experiences together!
What is 17 Hornet Ammo? 👀
💣 The 17 Hornet is a rimfire cartridge used in firearms for small game hunting and varmint control. It was designed by Hornady Manufacturing Company and released in 2012.
The ammo is based on the 22 Hornet case but necked down to accept a 17 caliber (4.5 mm) bullet. It is a centerfire cartridge, meaning the primer is located in the center of the base of the cartridge.
Features 👍
- 📍 Rimfire cartridge based on the 22 Hornet case;
- 📍 Necked down to accept a 17-caliber bullet;
- 📍 Centerfire cartridge with a primer located in the center of the base;
- 📍 Uses a 20-grain bullet;
- 📍 Muzzle velocity of around 3,650 feet per second.
Benefits 🔋
🔰 High velocity makes it very effective for small-game hunting and varmint control ⇢ particularly at longer ranges. |
🔰 Low recoil and relatively quiet report ⇢ make it popular for use in urban or suburban environments. |
🔰 Compatible with rifles designed for the 22 Hornet ⇢ which makes it a popular choice for hunters and shooters who already own a firearm chambered for that cartridge. |
🔰 Small caliber and lightweight bullets reduce meat damage ⇢ and make it an ideal choice for hunting small game and varmints while also minimizing the risk of overpenetration or ricochet. |
🔰 Flat trajectory and excellent accuracy at long range ⇢ make it a popular choice for precision shooting and varmint hunting. |
Best 🎯 17 Hornet Ammo Reviews
1# 17 Hornet – 20 gr V-MAX – Hornady Superformance Varmint
Hornady’s 17 Hornet cartridge is an extremely fun round to shoot and an inexpensive solution for those getting into the world of Varmint shooting. This round will kick the 20-grain V-Max Polymer Tip projectile a blistering 3650 fps. That would probably sting a little more than a real hornet! The benefits to this cartridge are having a comparable trajectory to a traditional 55gr 223 Rem but at the felt recoil of a 22 WMR! This ammo is great for shooters who look to put Varmints deeper into the ground than they can actually dig. Hornady ammunition is made in the USA and is now in its third generation of Hornady’s at the helm.
2# 17 Hornet – 20 Grain Polymer Tip – Winchester Varmint-X
If you’re looking for a round that is specifically designed for varmint hunting, the 17 Hornet from Winchester is a great option. This tiny bullet was developed by Hornady in the 1950s and is based on the 22 Hornet. It is fired with a center fire primer for incredible speed, making it perfect for taking out those pesky varmints. With the high speeds and fantastic damage that the 17 Hornet puts out, you will have no trouble exterminating the creatures that scurry around your property. Winchester is a well-known and popular ammunition provider in the United States with a reputation for reliability and performance. When you want something that you can count on to get the job done, Winchester is the way to go.
How to choose? 💡
♻️ Choosing the best 17 Hornet ammo depends on the intended use and personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider when selecting:
- 1️⃣ Bullet weight
⇢ The 17 Hornet cartridge typically uses a 20-grain bullet, but some manufacturers offer bullets with different weights. Lighter bullets may have a higher velocity and flatter trajectory, while heavier bullets may offer better penetration and energy transfer.
- 2️⃣ Bullet type
⇢ The most common types include full metal jacket (FMJ), soft point (SP), hollow point (HP), and ballistic tip (BT). Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best fits your needs.
- 3️⃣ Muzzle velocity
⇢ The ammo has a high muzzle velocity, but some manufacturers may offer cartridges with slightly different velocities. A higher velocity generally means a flatter trajectory and better performance at longer ranges.
- 4️⃣ Accuracy
⇢ Different brands of rounds may have different levels of accuracy. Consider testing a few different brands and bullet types to find the one that provides the best accuracy for your firearm.
- 5️⃣ Price
⇢ It can vary in price depending on the brand and bullet type. Choose a product that fits within your budget while still meeting your performance requirements.
⚠️ It’s also important to ensure that the ammo you choose is compatible with your firearm and intended use.
FAQ 🤔
Conclusion ⏰
17 Hornet ammo is a great choice for varmint hunting and predator control. It offers excellent accuracy and penetration, making it the perfect round for taking down small games from long distances. In this article, we’ve outlined some of the best options on the market today. We’ve also provided tips on how to choose the right rounds for your needs, as well as advice on using them safely and effectively.😇
Using the ammo for varmint hunting for a while now, and I have to say, I’m impressed with the accuracy and speed. They hit hard and fast, taking down targets with ease)))))))))))))
I was a bit skeptical about using a smaller caliber like 17 Hornet, but after trying it out on the range, I’m a believer. These rounds have a flatter trajectory than I expected and are surprisingly powerful for their size.
just want to purchase some ammo, but have a question: what is the difference between 17 hornet ammo and 17 hmr?
🔎 Both the .17 Hornet and .17 HMR are small-caliber cartridges that are designed for varmint hunting and target shooting, but they are different in several ways.
1️⃣ First, the .17 Hornet is a centerfire cartridge, while the .17 HMR is a rimfire cartridge. This means that the primer for the .17 Hornet is located in the center of the cartridge case, while the primer for the .17 HMR is located in the rim of the case.
2️⃣ Second, the .17 Hornet is a more powerful cartridge than the .17 HMR. It fires a heavier bullet at a higher velocity, making it a better choice for longer-range shooting and hunting larger varmints.
3️⃣ Finally, because the .17 Hornet is a centerfire cartridge, it requires a different type of firearm than the .17 HMR. Specifically, a rifle chambered for the .17 Hornet will have a bolt-action or single-shot design, while a rifle chambered for the .17 HMR can be either a bolt-action or a semi-automatic.
I use winchester for competition shooting, and I have to say, I’ve seen an improvement in my scores since switching to these rounds. Giving me the edge I need to come out on top.
want to try to reload the ammo. what is the best powder to reload it? thanks
🔔 One of the most popular powders for reloading the 17 Hornet is Hodgdon Lil’Gun powder. This powder is known for its consistent burn rate and ability to deliver high velocities. Other powders that may work well for the 17 Hornet include Accurate 1680, IMR 4227, and Winchester 296.
⚠️ However, it’s important to note that selecting the best powder for reloading the 17 Hornet depends on a variety of factors such as the bullet weight, desired velocity, and other factors specific to your firearm. 🛑 Always consult a reputable reloading manual and start with conservative loads, working up in small increments, to ensure safety and achieve optimal performance.
I was hesitant to try these rounds at first because I thought it might be too powerful for me. However, after using it, I realized it’s a great option for novice shooters. It’s accurate and easy to use, and I feel more confident with it every time I shoot.
have tried a lot of different ammo types for my 17 Hornet rifle, but I keep coming back to this one. it’s consistent, accurate, and has never let me down in the field.
I’m looking to purchase some 17 Hornet Ammo, but I’m not sure which brand to choose. Can anyone recommend a good brand?
winchester – one love. using them for three years already and had no any issues