17 HMR – 17 gr V-MAX – Hornady Varmint Express (83170) – 500 Rounds

The 17 HMR was developed around Hornady’s V-MAX bullet, and this Varmint Express load is the classic version of that pairing. This listing is Hornady Varmint Express 17 HMR 17 grain V-MAX ammo, MPN 83170, sold as 500 rounds.

Hornady rates this load at 2,550 fps with 245 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. That speed gives the 17 HMR a much flatter trajectory than the 22 WMR or 22 LR, so ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and similar varmints can be hit out to about 150 to 200 yards with less holdover. The V-MAX polymer tip starts rapid expansion on impact, which produces quick, humane results on small animals and reduces ricochet risk compared with solid bullets. It is a varmint and small pest load, not intended for deer or other big game.

This ammunition fits rifles and revolvers chambered in 17 HMR, including the Savage 93 and A17, the Ruger American Rimfire and 77/17, the CZ 457, the Henry lever-action 17 HMR, the Marlin XT, and convertible revolvers that include a 17 HMR cylinder. A common question is whether 17 HMR and 17 WSM are interchangeable. They are not, because the 17 WSM uses a larger case at higher pressure. Another common question is how much wind affects this tiny bullet. A 17 grain bullet drifts noticeably in a breeze past 100 yards, so learn your holds on calm and windy days. A 50 yard or 100 yard zero both work well, and many varmint hunters pick 100 yards to keep holdover small out to about 150.

Hornady 83170 is new production rimfire ammunition, not reloads. Rimfire cases are not reloadable. This listing ships as 10 boxes of 50 rounds for a total of 500 rounds of 17 HMR 17 grain V-MAX. Using one lot keeps your scope zero repeatable from field to field, which matters with small, distant targets.