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Best 17 Hornet Ammo

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.

17 Hornet Ammo

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.
Our Top Pick
17 Hornet – 20 Gr V-MAX – Hornady Superformance Varmint
Hornady's 17 Hornet cartridge is an absolute blast to shoot and a cost-effective option for those getting into varmint hunting. With its 20-grain V-Max polymer tip projectile, the round sends bullets flying at an incredible speed of 3650 fps!
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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.
Our Top Pick
17 Hornet – 20 Grain Polymer Tip – Winchester Varmint-X
Are you in the market for an ideal round specifically designed for varmint hunting? Winchester's 17 Hornet is your answer! This tiny bullet, developed by Hornady back in the 1950s and originating from a 22 Hornet base, can reach incredible speeds with its center fire primer.
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Best 🎯 17 Hornet Ammo Reviews

1# 17 Hornet – 20 gr V-MAX – Hornady Superformance Varmint

17 Hornet - 20 gr V-MAX - Hornady Superformance Varmint 

25 Rounds

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.

Video review

Pros:
  • Inexpensive solution
  • Suitable for those getting into Varmint shooting
  • Comparable trajectory to a traditional 55gr 223 Rem
  • The felt recoil of a 22 WMR
  • Made in the USA
Cons:
  • Will not work in 17 HMR rifles
  • Sometimes not available in stores

 

2# 17 Hornet – 20 Grain Polymer Tip – Winchester Varmint-X

17 Hornet - 20 Grain Polymer Tip - Winchester Varmint-X 

Rounds

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.

Pros:
  • High speeds for quick kills
  • Fantastic damage
  • Well-known and popular ammunition manufacturer
  • Reputation for reliability and performance
Cons:
  • May not be available in all areas
  • Can be expensive compared to other rounds
  • May not be as effective on larger game

 

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.

17 Hornet Ammo

FAQ 🤔

How far will 17 Hornet shoot accurately?
🔢 The effective range of the cartridge largely depends on several factors, such as the bullet weight, barrel length, and individual shooting abilities.

⚠️ However, it is known to be an accurate and flat-shooting cartridge, with an effective range of up to 300-400 yards.

📢 That being said, achieving accuracy at these distances would require a skilled shooter and the use of high-quality optics, such as a scope, to aid in targeting. 🔔 It’s also worth noting that external factors such as wind speed and direction, humidity, and temperature can affect the bullet’s trajectory and impact accuracy.

How fast does a 17 Hornet shoot?
🚀 It shoots at a velocity of 2,700 feet per second, making it one of the fastest small-caliber rounds available. This makes it an excellent choice for hunting small game or predators.
What gun uses 17 Hornet ammo?
🔫 This cartridge is primarily used in bolt-action rifles, although it can also be used in single-shot and semi-automatic firearms. Some popular rifles include:

  • ⚙️ CZ 527
  • ⚙️ Ruger American Rifle
  • ⚙️ Savage B-Mag
  • ⚙️ Thompson/Center Venture
  • ⚙️ Tikka T3x
  • ⚙️ Winchester Model 70 Featherweight
Is a 17 Hornet ammo good for coyotes?
The cartridge is primarily used for varmint hunting, which includes small game animals such as squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs. ⚠️ While it can be used to hunt larger animals, such as coyotes, it is not typically recommended for this purpose.

📢 Coyotes are larger and tougher animals that require a more powerful cartridge to ensure a quick and humane kill. The 17 Hornet cartridge has relatively low muzzle energy and bullet weight, which may not be sufficient to take down a coyote effectively.

🐺 For hunting coyotes, it is generally recommended to use a cartridge that provides a heavier bullet weight and higher muzzle energy, such as the .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, or .308 Winchester.

How much do 17 Hornet rounds drop at 300 yards?
☄️ According to the Hornady Ballistic Calculator, a 17 Hornet 20 grain V-MAX cartridge with a muzzle velocity of 3650 fps fired from a rifle with a 100-yard zero will drop approximately 11.3 inches at 300 yards when fired under standard atmospheric conditions with no wind.

⚠️ It’s important to note that the actual drop may vary depending on the specific rifle and ammunition used, as well as other factors such as altitude, temperature, and humidity.

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.😇

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Brruno
Brruno
10 months ago

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)))))))))))))

Robert Hret
Robert Hret
10 months ago

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.

Joe Frere
Joe Frere
10 months ago

just want to purchase some ammo, but have a question: what is the difference between 17 hornet ammo and 17 hmr?

man
man
10 months ago

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.

Valiant Dialp
Valiant Dialp
10 months ago

want to try to reload the ammo. what is the best powder to reload it? thanks

Basecamp
Basecamp
10 months ago

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.

qt67a
qt67a
10 months ago

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.

Shelby
Shelby
10 months ago

I’m looking to purchase some 17 Hornet Ammo, but I’m not sure which brand to choose. Can anyone recommend a good brand?

crock_et41
crock_et41
Reply to  Shelby
10 months ago

winchester – one love. using them for three years already and had no any issues