.17 HMR Ammo
The .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is a bottlenecked rimfire cartridge introduced in 2002 that delivers dramatically flatter trajectories and higher velocities than .22 LR or .22 WMR from the same platform types. Launching 17-grain bullets at approximately 2,550 fps, the .17 HMR is the dominant rimfire varmint cartridge — capable of taking prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and similar small game at 150+ yards with consistent accuracy. It’s also used extensively for target shooting where wind-reading and long-range rimfire precision are the goals.
Read our full .17 HMR Buying Guide ↓
.17 HMR vs. .22 LR vs. .22 WMR: Which Rimfire Is Right for You?
The .22 LR is the most versatile and affordable rimfire — ideal for plinking, small game, and training. The .22 WMR hits harder at close range and is more effective on medium small game like rabbits and squirrels. The .17 HMR is the specialist: dramatically flatter trajectory, much higher velocity, and significantly better wind resistance than either .22 cartridge, making it the superior choice for varminting and precision shooting past 100 yards. The tradeoff is cost — .17 HMR runs roughly 3–4 times the price per round of .22 LR — and rifles chambered for it cannot also shoot .22 LR.
.17 HMR Ballistics: What to Expect at Range
A 17-grain .17 HMR load at 2,550 fps zeroed at 100 yards drops approximately 2.5” at 150 yards and 7” at 200 yards — significantly flatter than a .22 WMR which drops about 4” at 150 yards with the same zero. Wind drift is similarly reduced. At 100 yards, a 10 mph crosswind deflects a typical .17 HMR load about 1” versus roughly 2” for .22 WMR. These ballistic advantages make the .17 HMR a substantially more precise tool for small targets at distance. Energy at 100 yards runs around 200 ft-lbs — adequate for varmints but not for larger game.
Best .17 HMR Loads: Hornady V-MAX, CCI, and Federal
Hornady’s 17-grain V-MAX is the benchmark .17 HMR load — the polymer-tipped bullet delivers explosive expansion on varmints and outstanding accuracy. CCI’s 17-grain TNT HP is a hollow-point alternative with similar velocity and reliable expansion. Federal Premium offers a 17-grain load with their own polymer-tipped design. For target shooting and precision work, any of these factory loads will deliver sub-MOA performance in a quality rifle. Bulk and economy loads exist but vary more in accuracy — for precision applications, stick with name-brand offerings.
What Rifles Are Chambered in .17 HMR?
The .17 HMR has broad rifle support. Ruger offers it in the American Rimfire and 77/17; Savage chambers it in the A17 semi-auto and B-series bolt guns; CZ offers it in the 455 and 457 series; Tikka in the T1x. The cartridge runs best in bolt-action platforms which handle the high-pressure rimfire case more reliably than semi-autos — the Ruger 77/17 and Savage B-series are the most popular choices. Note that .17 HMR cannot be fired in .22 LR or .22 WMR chambers — always verify your rifle’s chambering before purchasing ammunition.
.17 HMR for Varmint Hunting: Range, Ethics, and Shot Placement
For prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and similar varmints, the .17 HMR is highly effective to 150 yards with proper shot placement, and capable to 200 yards for skilled shooters in calm conditions. Beyond 200 yards, wind becomes the limiting factor — even small gusts produce significant drift at .17 HMR velocities. The explosive V-MAX bullets produce immediate incapacitation on small varmints but limit the cartridge to smaller targets. For anything larger than a jackrabbit, a centerfire cartridge is the more appropriate tool.
Shop .17 HMR Ammo and Rimfire Rifles at Impact Guns
Browse all rimfire ammunition at Impact Guns including .22 LR and .22 WMR. For rifles chambered in .17 HMR, see our Savage Arms and Ruger rimfire lineups. Compare with our rimfire ammo hub.