
17 HMR Ammo For Sale
History of 17 HMR Ammo
Introduced by Hornady in 2002, the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) was designed for shooters who desire a fast, lightweight rimfire cartridge. It's especially popular among varmint hunters, who prefer the .17 HMR for its high velocity and flat trajectory.
17 HMR Ammo
The .17 HMR has impressive ballistics. Bullets weigh between 15.5 grains and 20 grains – ammo this small, propelled by the comparatively large powder loads in the .22 Magnum case, travel at high velocities. Some loads have a muzzle velocity as high as 2,550 feet per second. But even with those high speeds, muzzle energy for this round is only about 250 foot pounds, which is plenty for shooting varmints and targets at long distances.
Before Hornady released the .17 HMR, it was already popular. This is because many wildcatter rounds were already attempting to do what Hornady achieved with this round, which was to match the ballistics of the 5mm Remington Rimfire Magnum (an obsolete round and the fastest rimfire cartridge in history). Many people previously using the 5mm switched to .17 caliber rounds, so the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire round was the natural parent round, as this was commonly available, longer and stronger than any viable alternative.
In practice, the .17 cal wildcats were far better both in terms of velocity and flat trajectory compared to their 5mm alternatives. Hornady developed this round in conjunction with fellow rimfire manufacturers Marlin, Sturm and Ruger. For the most part, the .22 WMR rounds required only a simple barrel change to outfit firearms for the .17 HMR.
The new ammunition and rifles hit the market in 2002, with the ammo considered expensive due to being a high-performance round. Still, compared to other centerfire rounds, it was a relatively affordable entry into the market. In 2004, CCI, Federal and Remington introduced their own versions, showing the widespread appeal of this performance-oriented round. Other companies offering .17 Hornady ammunition include Sellier & Bellot, Winchester and PMC. Each company loads the round with different bullets, making for significant differences between brands. Remington offered a warning and product recall, warning people of potential safety risks regarding using the rounds in semi-automatic weapons.
What Is Wildcatting?
Wildcat cartridges have long-filled gaps in the ammunition market. These customized cartridges include any round that is not mass produced. In addition to filling gaps in the market, they also respond to highly specialized demands from very particular customers. Some wildcat rounds emulate previously existing rounds that have been taken off the market. Others are modifications of commercial rounds, changed to alter one or more properties for performance. This is a hobby by and for hardcore shooting enthusiasts with highly specific needs.
Sometimes wildcatting is an offshoot of handloading. Wildcatters take rounds and reload them, changing specifications. Sometimes, these are sold. Other times they are for the personal use of the reloader himself. Large companies do not make wildcat rounds for a few reasons. First, the demand is very low. Second, wildcat rounds are by definition something not manufactured by a large enterprise. Third, SAAMI and other standards do not exist for such rounds, opening them up to potential legal liability.
17 Mach 2 vs. 17 HMR
Due to the success of the 17 HMR, both in terms of sales and performance, Hornady introduced the .17 Hornady Mach 2 (or the 17 HM2), a modification of the original ammunition. This was rolled out in 2004, and was based on the .22 Long Rifle “Stinger” casing. Most bolt action rifles can be converted to a 17 HM2 with a simple barrel change.
The HM2 is a slower round than the HMR, and might not live up to its “Mach 2” name, depending on overall conditions. It’s also unlikely that a semi-automatic rifle can be safely converted to use HM2 rounds.
17 HMR vs. 22 Long Rifle
When compared alongside the .22 LR, the .17 HMR is commonly thought of by those searching the market for the perfect round. Indeed, these are considered two of the best rimfire rounds on the market today. So which one is right for you?
- The .17 Hornady is a lighter and faster round than the .22 Long Rifle. This means the .17 HMR does not suffer from the stopping power loss after 100 yards that the .22 LR is known for.
- The .17 Hornady round is much more abundant and easy to find than the .22 Long Rifle round.
- If you hunt small game and you want to keep the meat, you might want to consider the .22 Long Rifle, as .17 HMR is known for destroying meat. If you shoot at squirrel at less than 75 yards with a .17 HMR, there’s a good chance it will explode.
- On the other hand, the .17 HMR is ideal for shooting varmints.
- The .17 Hornady round is too expensive for most people’s plinking purposes, but .22 Long Rifle rounds are priced just right for target practice in the backyard.
- The .17 HMR shoots extremely flat, which means a far greater degree of accuracy over long distances and in windy conditions than the .22 Long Rifle could ever offer. If accuracy is of primary importance, consider having some HMR rounds for the purpose of getting the most accurate shot possible over long distances.
- The .22 Long Rifle is typically around three times the price of the .17 HMR round. But when it comes to shooting over very long distances – requiring high levels of accuracy – there simply is no substitute at any cost.
- The .17 HMR is a round for far more experienced shooters than .22 Long Rifle. This is in part because of its light weight. It can get accurate shots at very long distances, but only in the hands of a skilled rifleman.
- The .22 Long Rifle round is perfect for training new shooters because it is heavier and isn’t subject to environmental factors like the .17 HMR. It also has far less recoil, another feature making it an ideal choice for training new riflemen.
The short version is that .22 Long Rifle round is better suited for plinking, shorter range and small game. On the other hand, the .17 HMR is for skilled operators, longer ranges and varmints. The price difference is significant, but you should shop based on purposes rather than cost. It’s worth noting that the .22 Long Rifle is a more readily available round as well, but this is changing as the .17 HMR becomes more popular. It’s also worth noting that the .22 LR is one of the more affordable centerfire rounds on the market today.
Accuracy of .17 HMR ammunition is almost as good as the velocity. For even the casual shooter, the cartridge easily shoots one-inch groups off the bench at 100 yards. The maximum lethal range for shooting varmints is somewhere between 150 to 300 yards, contingent upon the ability of the shooter and current weather conditions. And since .17 HMR bullets are so lightweight, the trajectory is affected more by the wind compared to heavier bullets. This adds to the challenge and fun for some.
Cheap 17 HMR Ammunition
Several companies produce .17 HMR ammo today – including CCI, Federal, and PMC. Winchester and Remington sell the cartridge with polymer-tipped bullets, hollow point bullets, and soft point bullets. Manufacturers also offer rifles chambered for .17 HMR including Savage, Marlin and Ruger. These rifles are primarily bolt action, but a few semi-automatic rifles (and even some revolvers) are made for this cartridge.
The .17 HMR is fun to shoot and also a deadly accurate rimfire cartridge. It's great for an experienced shooter who wants the challenge of extremely light bullets at extremely long ranges.
FAQ
What is 17 HMR ammo?
Designed by Hornady and introduced in 2002, the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) is a varmint round with a high velocity and flat trajectory. It features a small .17 caliber projectile in a .22 Magnum case with a larger powder load. The .17 HMR started as a rimfire wildcat round with ballistics similar to the obsolete 5mm Remington Rimfire Magnum.
What guns are chambered for 17 HMR ammo?
There are multiple rimfire rifles and carbines chambered for the .17 HMR. Some of the most popular include the Ruger American Target, Henry Octagon Frontier, and Browning T-Bolt Sporter. The Savage MARK II FV and the Winchester 1885 Hunter Rimfire also come in .17 HMR. Many shooters also simply replace the barrel in firearms chambered for the .22 WMR to the .17 caliber.
How much does 17 HMR ammo cost per round?
When it comes to .17 HMR commercial ammo, the price ranges from about $0.22 to $0.40 per round and tends to be more expensive than .22 LR cartridges. Prices are affected by bullet brand and type, such as full metal jacket and hollow points.
What is the difference between the 17 HMR and the 17 HM2?
After the success of the .17 HMR, Hornady released the .17 Hornady Mach 2 (HM2). This round, which is based on the .22 LR, is slightly slower than the .17 HMR and has less muzzle energy.
How big is a .17 HMR bullet?
The .17 HMR features a cartridge with a 0.172 inch bullet. Most commercial variations of the round have projectiles that weigh between 15 and 20 grain. These small bullets have a high velocity for rimfire cartridges, but muzzle energy only reaches about 250 foot pound force.
What is the effective range of the 17 HMR?
When it comes to small game and varmint, the .17 HMR cartridge has a range of about 150 yards. Although the rimfire round is still effective at 200 yards and beyond, the trajectory drops at 150 yards making its accuracy less consistent at long ranges.
Who makes .17 HMR ammo?
Since its release in 2002, the .17 HMR has been manufactured by various ammo producers. Hornady, of course, makes these rounds, as does CCI, Federal, Remington, Winchester, and Sellier & Bellot.
17 HMR Ballistics: Chart of Average 17 HMR Ballistics
Note: This information comes from the manufacturer and is for informational purposes only. The actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load.
17 HMR Bullet WEIGHT | Muzzle VELOCITY (fps) 22-1/2" Bbl. | Muzzle ENERGY (ft. lbs.) 22-1/2" Bbl. | Mid-Range TRAJECTORY (in.) | Muzzle Velocity | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Muzzle | 100 yds. | Muzzle | 100 yds. | 100 yds. | 6" Bbl. | |
15.5 Grain Lead Free | 2550 | 1901 | n/a | n/a | 0.9 | n/a |
16 Grain TNT Green | 2500 | 1642 | 222 | 96 | n/a | n/a |
17 Grain | 2550 | 1902 | 245 | 136 | n/a | n/a |
20 Grain | 2375 | 1776 | 250 | 140 | n/a | n/a |
Customer Reviews
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Hart said:
I shoot this and numerous other brands of 17 HMR bullets out of a scoped, old age and bad eyes, CZ 452 bolt action rifle and over the past 17 years I have not had any problems with this or any other brand of 17s. The quality of brass and bullets are par for Winchester, I’m satisfied with it and wouldn’t hesitate to buy more should I need it, Have a sufficient supply for now.
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Buddy B said:
Poor quality , very poor , several misfires per 12 rounds , Winchester ammunition has hit the ditch ! Have always enjoyed using Winchester shells , but won't waste my money anymore , bye bye Felicia !!!
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city4366 said:
I bought 350 round and in my new 17 Savage I got 2 out of every 10 to fire sorry batch of ammo I ever bought
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marcblueturtle said:
Bought several boxes. Just now got around to firing some in my Henry Golden Boy 17 HMR. Shot 100 rounds. 15 failed to fire. Good strike marks on rim. Just failed. Bad!! I have never had any other 17 cal brand do this. In fact, since I have had my Henry, I have had no failures until now. I read some other reviews around the internet and some had more failures per 100 than I did. Very disappointed in Winchester. Once I get these boxes used up at firing range, I will buy no more and I sure would not use these loads if I were out coyote hunting. -
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Griz said:
I enjoyed doing business with you and I’ll get back with you and get more ammunition
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Jackal said:
Pretty comparable price to other brands but with the Hornady vmax I have never had a misfire plus it feeds very well in my 93r17 savage bolt action. very consistent groups at 200 yards ( without wind ) Love this stuff and wont shoot anything else ! getting hard to find now, I guess others are finding the same results ! ;-)
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UpDownRange said:
I purchased a Savage A17 several years ago. 1st and only weapon of this calibre. Before buying what to me was a novelty rifle I did a lot of reading about the ammo. Savage, in their literature, says to use this ammo to feed this rifle. It has been engineered and tested to run in this gun. So I have exclusively. Never had a problem with weapon or ammo, other than the plastic "drum" magazine. If a manufacturer were to develop a metal mag it would sell out I imagine. I have no idea of other .17s, don't have any and never fired any. This ammo is so fast and flat that at 200y where you'd be expecting some drop it doesn't happen. So either zero at that distance or aim a little high. The reticles in your scope don't compensate for this round. As to pricing, CCI knows they have the market for this rifle, albeit there was a lot of testing to get a round that works consistently, I still think they're charging a bit more than they should/round.
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Drop tine said:
I've shot and killed at 150 yards.this cartridge is by far the best varmint round I have used.
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FRANCIS said:
This ammo never let's any shooter down !