17 HORNET AMMO

17 Hornet Ammunition For Sale

At Target Sports USA, we're excited to offer our selection of 17 Hornet ammunition, catering to both avid varmint hunters and precision shooters. The 17 Hornet, a modern spin on a classic cartridge, has gained popularity for its impressive velocity, flat trajectory, and minimal recoil. 

Our collection features trusted brands like Hornady and Winchester, ensuring you have access to high-quality rounds that perform exceptionally in the field. Whether you're new to the caliber or a seasoned shooter, you'll appreciate the unique advantages that 17 Hornet ammunition provides.

Read Our 17 HORNET AMMO Guide (Bottom of Page)

A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 17 HORNET AMMO

The 17 Hornet is a modern, high-velocity centerfire cartridge developed by Hornady in 2012 as a refinement of the classic .22 Hornet case. By necking down the .22 Hornet to accept a .172-inch bullet, Hornady created a cartridge capable of pushing 20-grain bullets at speeds exceeding 3,650 feet per second. This blistering velocity delivers a laser-flat trajectory with minimal recoil, making the 17 Hornet ideal for varmint hunting and target shooting at ranges out to 300 yards and beyond.

One of the major advantages of the 17 Hornet is its centerfire design, which offers reloadability and more consistent ignition compared to rimfire cartridges like the .17 HMR. It's also notably quieter and generates less barrel heat than larger calibers, making it a favorite among high-volume prairie dog and groundhog hunters. Shooters can enjoy rapid follow-up shots thanks to the low recoil impulse and minimal muzzle rise.

The 17 Hornet is often compared to the .17 WSM (Winchester Super Magnum), another popular varmint round. While both deliver excellent performance on small game, the 17 Hornet generally offers better reloadability, slightly higher velocity, and superior accuracy at extended ranges, thanks to its ballistic efficiency and centerfire consistency.

Popular loadings include Hornady V-MAX bullets in both 15.5-grain NTX and 20-grain polymer-tipped variants, engineered for rapid fragmentation and minimal pelt damage. These bullets are ideal for clean, ethical kills on coyotes, foxes, and smaller varmints. Whether you're using a dedicated 17 Hornet rifle for serious varmint control or exploring the caliber for its unique ballistic profile, this round is a lightweight powerhouse that performs far beyond its size.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 17 HORNET AMMO

When selecting 17 Hornet ammunition, it’s important to match your choice to your specific shooting application. This small-caliber, high-speed cartridge offers impressive accuracy and explosive terminal performance, but the right load can make all the difference.

Purpose – Varmint Hunting vs. Target Shooting: The 17 Hornet was designed with varmint hunting in mind. If you're targeting predators like coyotes or foxes, opt for polymer-tipped bullets such as Hornady's 20-grain V-MAX, which expand rapidly on impact for quick, ethical kills. For smaller pests or casual plinking, lighter loads like the 15.5-grain NTX provide devastating results with minimal meat or pelt damage.

Rifle Compatibility: Not all rifles are chambered for the 17 Hornet, so it’s essential to verify your firearm is specifically designed for this cartridge. Popular 17 Hornet rifles include bolt-action models from CZ, Savage, and Ruger. Their barrel twist rates are typically optimized for 20-grain bullets, which helps maximize accuracy.

Bullet Weight and Ballistic Performance: Standard bullet weights range from 15.5 to 20 grains, offering a balance between speed and stability. Lighter bullets achieve higher velocities and flatter trajectories, while heavier bullets may offer slightly better performance in crosswinds or at extended distances.

Brand Selection and Quality: Stick with trusted manufacturers like Hornady, Winchester, and Fiocchi, known for consistent performance, clean-burning powders, and reliable ignition. Hornady’s Superformance Varmint line is a favorite for its superior terminal effects and precision at range.

Availability and Bulk Ammo Savings: While the 17 Hornet isn’t as common as .223 or .22 LR, it’s widely available through specialty retailers. Purchasing bulk 17 Hornet ammo is a smart move for varmint hunters who shoot in high volumes, saving on cost per round and ensuring you're well-stocked when the season starts.

17 HORNET AMMO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the 17 Hornet cartridge used for?
The 17 Hornet is primarily used for varmint hunting and pest control. Its lightweight bullets and extremely high velocity make it ideal for small game like groundhogs, prairie dogs, and foxes. With minimal recoil and a flat trajectory, it's also a favorite among precision shooters.
How does the 17 Hornet compare to the 17 WSM?
The 17 Hornet is a centerfire cartridge, while the 17 WSM is a rimfire round. The 17 Hornet offers higher muzzle velocities (up to 3,650 fps), better long-range ballistics, and reloadable brass cases. In contrast, the 17 WSM is typically more affordable but has slightly less energy and a shorter effective range.
Is the 17 Hornet good for coyote hunting?
Yes, the 17 Hornet is suitable for coyote hunting at moderate ranges. It offers enough velocity and expansion to make clean, ethical kills on coyotes when proper shot placement is ensured. Many hunters choose polymer-tipped bullets for this purpose to maximize terminal performance.
What rifles are chambered in 17 Hornet?
everal manufacturers produce rifles chambered in 17 Hornet, including Savage Arms, CZ-USA, Ruger, and others. These rifles are often bolt-action and designed for varmint or predator hunting. Many models come with heavy barrels and precision stocks for enhanced accuracy.
What is the effective range of the 17 Hornet?
The 17 Hornet is effective out to approximately 300–350 yards for small game and varmints. Its flat trajectory and high velocity make it well-suited for precise shots at longer distances, although wind drift can become a factor beyond 300 yards.
Is the 17 Hornet reloadable?
Yes, since it is a centerfire cartridge, the 17 Hornet is fully reloadable. This makes it appealing to reloaders who want to fine-tune their loads for maximum accuracy or cost efficiency. Using proper dies and attention to case life is essential due to the small caliber.
What are common bullet types for 17 Hornet ammo?
Most 17 Hornet ammunition is loaded with polymer-tipped or hollow-point bullets weighing 15.5 to 20 grains. Popular bullet types include Hornady’s V-MAX and Nosler’s Varmageddon, both designed to deliver explosive expansion for effective varmint control.
Does the 17 Hornet produce significant barrel fouling?
Due to its high velocity and small bore diameter, the 17 Hornet can cause copper fouling if fired extensively without cleaning. Regular maintenance is recommended to preserve accuracy and extend barrel life.
How loud is the 17 Hornet compared to other varmint calibers?
The 17 Hornet is relatively quiet compared to larger centerfire varmint cartridges like the .223 Remington. While not as quiet as subsonic rounds, its reduced powder charge and small projectile contribute to a lower sound signature.
Is 17 Hornet ammo expensive?
While not as inexpensive as rimfire options like the .22 LR or 17 HMR, 17 Hornet ammo is competitively priced among centerfire varmint rounds. Buying in bulk or during sales events from trusted retailers like Target Sports USA can offer additional savings.

OUR TOP 17 HORNET AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Use Cases for 17 Hornet Ammunition

    • Varmint Hunting
    • Predator Control
    • Pest Management
    • Target Shooting
    • Long-Range Shooting Practice

  • Popular 17 Hornet Ammo Brands

  • Common 17 Hornet Ammo Caliber Name Variations

    • .17 Hornet
    • 17 Hornet
    • .17 AH (Ackley Hornet, a similar but distinct wildcat cartridge)

THE 17 HORNET AMMO "ROUND UP"

The 17 Hornet stands as a modern marvel for varmint hunters and precision shooters alike, offering an ideal blend of high velocity, flat trajectory, and low recoil. Whether you're targeting pests across wide-open fields or seeking tight groupings at extended ranges, this cartridge delivers. At Target Sports USA, we’re proud to stock premium 17 Hornet ammunition from top manufacturers like Hornady and Winchester, giving you the consistency and quality needed to succeed in the field. Explore our selection today and experience the performance and precision of the 17 Hornet.

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