A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 17 REMINGTON AMMO
The .17 Remington cartridge was introduced by Remington Arms Company in 1971 and remains one of the fastest commercial centerfire cartridges available. Formed by necking down a .223 Remington case to accept a tiny .172-inch bullet, the 17 Remington ammo delivers blistering velocities exceeding 4,000 feet per second. This results in an ultra-flat trajectory, making it an ideal round for long-range varmint hunting, where precision and speed are critical.
Most factory .17 caliber ammo in this chambering is loaded with lightweight bullets between 20 and 25 grains, specifically designed for explosive terminal effects on small game like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and foxes. At the same time, the cartridge's relatively light recoil and minimal pelt damage make it a favorite among fur hunters seeking humane takedowns and salvageable hides.
A frequent point of confusion is the distinction between .17 Remington and other .17 caliber centerfire ammo like .17 Hornet, or rimfire options such as .17 HMR. Although all share the same bullet diameter, the 17 Remington is a centerfire cartridge with far superior velocity and energy, making it better suited for larger varmints and longer distances. In contrast, the 17 HMR and 17 Hornet are best for closer-range shooting and smaller game.
Popular loads include Remington's Premier AccuTip-V, which features a 20-grain polymer-tipped bullet for rapid expansion and devastating impact on varmints. Likewise, Hornady's V-MAX is a trusted choice among varmint shooters, offering 20- and 25-grain options engineered for extreme accuracy and explosive terminal performance. Whether you're managing coyotes in open country or clearing ground squirrel colonies, 17 Remington ammo for sale delivers surgical precision in a high-speed package.
TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 17 REMINGTON AMMO
When selecting 17 Remington ammo, understanding your shooting needs, along with how bullet design, weight, and barrel characteristics affect performance, can help you get the most out of this high-velocity, flat-shooting cartridge. Here are key factors to consider:
Purpose: The .17 Remington is purpose-built for varmint and predator hunting. If you're targeting fast-moving or long-range game like prairie dogs, coyotes, or groundhogs, opt for bullets designed for rapid expansion and maximum terminal energy. Polymer-tipped or hollow point projectiles, such as Hornady V-MAX or Remington AccuTip-V, offer consistent fragmentation, ensuring quick, humane kills and minimal ricochet risk in open country.
Bullet Weight: Standard .17 caliber ammo for this cartridge typically comes in 20- to 25-grain bullets. Lighter 20-grain loads provide higher velocities and a flatter trajectory, ideal for long-range accuracy on small targets. Meanwhile, 25-grain bullets offer better wind resistance and deeper penetration, which can be useful when hunting in breezy conditions or engaging slightly larger varmints like foxes or badgers.
Choosing a Manufacturer: Stick with proven manufacturers known for precision and reliability. Remington ammo remains a top choice, especially with their Premier AccuTip-V line, thanks to decades of refinement. Hornady is a leader in varmint innovation with their V-MAX series, offering excellent downrange performance and consistency. Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint rounds are another standout, known for their uniformity and explosive impact.
Rifle Barrel Considerations: Due to the extremely high velocities of 17 Remington ammunition, barrel fouling from copper and carbon can occur more rapidly than with larger calibers. Choosing ammo with cleaner-burning powders and scheduling regular cleanings will help maintain accuracy and barrel life. Most 17 Remington rifles feature a 1:9" twist rate, which stabilizes 20-25 grain bullets efficiently, perfect for standard factory loads.
THE 17 REMINGTON AMMO "ROUND UP"
Whether you're heading out for varmint season or refining your skills with high-velocity precision shooting, our collection of 17 Remington ammo offers the accuracy, speed, and dependability serious shooters demand. With its blistering velocity, flat trajectory, and light recoil, the .17 Remington remains a top-tier option for those targeting small game or simply enjoying the challenge of extreme performance in a small-caliber round. At Target Sports USA, we offer .17 caliber centerfire ammo from trusted names like Remington, Hornady, and Nosler, ensuring you have access to field-proven loads with match-grade consistency. Whether you're buying a few boxes or looking for bulk 17 Remington ammo, we're committed to providing quality, value, and expert support to help you choose the right ammunition for your rifle, your range, and your hunt.