17 HMR Ammo

About .17 HMR Ammo

Introduced by Hornady in 2002 in collaboration with Marlin, Ruger, and Thompson/Center, .17 HMR was developed by necking down the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) case to accept a .172-inch diameter, 17-grain bullet. The result was a rimfire cartridge with a dramatically flatter trajectory and higher velocity than anything previously available in a rimfire platform. A 17gr V-MAX load leaves the muzzle at approximately 2,550 fps, making it nearly 800 fps faster than a standard .22 LR high-velocity load and over 400 fps faster than .22 WMR.

That velocity advantage translates directly to real-world performance. At 100 yards, .17 HMR drops only about 0.7 inches when zeroed at 75 yards, compared to 2.5 inches for .22 LR under similar conditions. Wind drift at 100 yards is less than half that of .22 LR. For prairie dog hunters, ground squirrel shooters, and anyone who needs to make accurate shots on small targets at 100-150 yards, .17 HMR changed the rimfire landscape when it arrived and remains the standard for that application more than two decades later.

What Is .17 HMR Best For?

• Varmint hunting at extended rimfire ranges: Prairie dogs, ground squirrels, woodchucks, and similar small varmints at 75-150 yards. The explosive V-MAX and V-tip bullets produce devastating on-impact performance at .17 HMR velocities, with minimal pelt or meat damage from exit wounds.
• Predator and pest control: Coyote pups, fox, and similar predators at close to moderate range where a centerfire rifle is more than necessary. The flat trajectory and good wind resistance make precise shot placement straightforward at distances where .22 LR becomes marginal.
• Small game hunting: Rabbit, squirrel, and similar small game where the shooter needs more range than .22 LR provides. Use a non-expanding or soft point load rather than a varmint tip to preserve more meat.
• Precision rimfire target shooting: The flat trajectory and consistent accuracy of .17 HMR make it a capable and affordable cartridge for steel targets and precision rimfire practice at 100-150 yards.

Bullet Types Available

• V-MAX / Polymer Tip (17gr): The standard and most popular .17 HMR loading. Hornady V-MAX and similar polymer-tip varmint bullets deliver explosive fragmentation on impact at .17 HMR velocities, making them ideal for prairie dogs and other small varmints where minimal ricochets and dramatic visual confirmation of hits are desired.
• Jacketed Soft Point (17-20gr): Better bullet integrity and slightly more penetration than varmint tips. A better choice for small game hunting where meat preservation matters, and for predator hunting where more reliable penetration is preferred over explosive expansion.
• FMJ (17gr): Full metal jacket loads for target shooting and practice. Less common than V-MAX loads but available from CCI and similar manufacturers.
• 20gr Polymer Tip: Heavier 20gr loads sacrifice some velocity for better wind resistance and retained energy at longer distances. CCI's 20gr TNT load is a popular choice for hunters who regularly shoot at 125-150 yards in open or windy conditions.

Rifles and Pistols Chambered in .17 HMR

Common bolt-action options include the Savage A17 and 93R17, Ruger American Rimfire, CZ 455 and 457, Marlin XT-17, and Tikka T1x. Semi-automatic options are limited due to the cartridge's bottlenecked rimfire case, which can cause feeding issues in some designs, but the Savage A17 is the most reliable and widely used semi-auto in this caliber. Lever-action options include the Henry Lever Action .17 HMR. Handgun options include the Taurus Tracker 17 revolver and several single-shot pistol platforms. One important note: .17 HMR should never be fired in a firearm marked only for .22 WMR, even though the cases share the same parent. The higher pressure of .17 HMR can damage a .22 WMR-only firearm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between .17 HMR and .22 LR?

.17 HMR fires a much lighter, smaller-diameter bullet at dramatically higher velocity than .22 LR. A standard 17gr load exits the muzzle at approximately 2,550 fps compared to roughly 1,280 fps for a .22 LR high-velocity load. At 100 yards, .17 HMR has significantly less drop and wind drift, making it far more accurate at extended rimfire ranges. The tradeoffs are higher per-round cost, more muzzle blast, and a narrower range of applications. .22 LR is more versatile for short-range plinking, small game, and training. .17 HMR is the better choice when 75-150 yard accuracy and varmint performance are the priority.

Can I shoot .17 HMR in a .22 WMR firearm?

No. While .17 HMR is derived from the .22 WMR case, it operates at higher pressure and fires a smaller-diameter bullet. Firing .17 HMR in a firearm chambered only for .22 WMR can cause dangerous pressure levels and potential firearm damage. Some rifles are sold with interchangeable barrels or are specifically marked for both calibers, in which case switching is safe. Never assume a .22 WMR firearm will safely accept .17 HMR without explicit manufacturer confirmation.

Is .17 HMR good for coyotes?

It is marginal for coyotes by most hunters' standards. .17 HMR produces around 245 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, which is adequate for clean kills on coyotes inside 100 yards with precise shot placement. At longer distances or with less than ideal shot angles it may not deliver enough energy for reliable, ethical kills on a full-grown coyote. Most predator hunters prefer .22 WMR or a centerfire varmint cartridge like .223 Remington for coyotes. .17 HMR is better suited to fox, coyote pups, and smaller predators.

What is the effective range of .17 HMR?

For varmints like prairie dogs and ground squirrels, .17 HMR is reliably effective to 150 yards in calm conditions and 100-125 yards in moderate wind. Beyond 150 yards the bullet's light weight makes it increasingly susceptible to wind deflection and velocity loss. For small game hunting, 100 yards is a practical maximum for most shooters. A quality rifle and quality ammunition will consistently deliver sub-MOA groups at 100 yards.

How much does .17 HMR ammo cost per round?

Expect to pay roughly $0.18-$0.30/rd for standard V-MAX and FMJ loads and $0.30-$0.45/rd for premium or specialty loads. .17 HMR runs more expensive per round than .22 LR but is broadly available from multiple manufacturers. Buying in bulk is the most effective way to reduce your per-round cost.