.17 Hornet

The .17 Hornet ammunition category is tailored for hunters and varmint shooters who demand precision, high velocity, and minimal recoil. Developed in the 21st century from the older .22 Hornet case, this modern iteration breathes new life into the varmint hunting scene, offering remarkable accuracy and flat trajectories over long distances. This selection features top-quality ammunition from leading manufacturers, ideal for those seeking efficiency and performance in small game hunting and target shooting.


Intended Use: The .17 Hornet is specifically designed for varmint and small game hunting, offering the perfect balance of speed and impact with minimal pelt damage. It’s also highly regarded by precision shooters for its outstanding accuracy and flat trajectory, making it suitable for competitive shooting and pest control where precision is paramount.

Caliber/Size: The .17 Hornet propels a lightweight .17 caliber bullet, providing a significant increase in velocity and energy compared to other rimfire cartridges in its class. This centerfire cartridge delivers the performance needed to ensure clean, humane kills at distances other small calibers struggle to reach effectively.

Performance Characteristics: With its high velocity, the .17 Hornet is known for its exceptional trajectory and ability to maintain energy downrange, making it effective at distances well beyond 200 yards. The cartridge’s minimal recoil not only enhances shooter comfort but also aids in maintaining sight picture and accuracy for follow-up shots.

Material and Construction: Ammunition for the .17 Hornet is produced using high-quality brass casings and precisely engineered bullets to achieve optimal performance. Bullet types include hollow points (HP) for rapid expansion upon impact and polymer-tipped variants designed to enhance aerodynamics and accuracy.

Brands and Manufacturers: This category includes ammunition from renowned manufacturers such as Hornady, known for their dedication to quality and ballistic innovation. These brands offer .17 Hornet shooters advanced ammunition options that deliver unmatched performance in the field and at the range.

A Brief History: The .17 Hornet was introduced by Hornady in 2012, based on a wildcat design by P.O. Ackley from the 1950s. Hornady’s modernized version provides shooters with a factory-produced cartridge that offers superior performance for varmint hunting and target shooting, revitalizing interest in the .17 caliber market.

FAQs:

  1. What is the effective range of a .17 Hornet? The .17 Hornet is effective for varmint hunting and target shooting at ranges up to 300 yards, offering precise shot placement with minimal wind drift.
  2. Can the .17 Hornet be used for deer hunting? While the .17 Hornet is capable of taking small game and varmints, it is generally not recommended for deer hunting due to its limited energy and penetration for ethical kills on larger game.
  3. How does the .17 Hornet compare to the .22 Hornet? The .17 Hornet provides higher velocity, a flatter trajectory, and less recoil than the .22 Hornet, making it a more effective cartridge for long-range varmint shooting.

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