When it comes to small-game hunting and varmint control, the .17 caliber remains a popular choice amongst shooters for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and accuracy. Primarily, two .17 caliber cartridges have attracted the attention of firearms enthusiasts: the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) and the .17 Hornet. In this blog post, we will dive into a comprehensive comparison of the two cartridges, discussing their origins, ballistics, applications, and other essential factors that hunters and shooters need to know.
Origins and History
.17 HMR
The .17 HMR, introduced in 2002 by Hornady, resulted from a collaboration between Hornady, Marlin, and Ruger. This cartridge is essentially a necked-down .22 Magnum case, allowing it to fire a lighter .17 caliber bullet at higher velocities. The .17 HMR quickly gained popularity among varmint shooters and small-game hunters for its flat trajectory, accuracy, and minimal recoil.
.17 Hornet
The .17 Hornet has a more extensive history, dating back to the 1950s when P.O. Ackley, an influential gunsmith and wildcatter, designed it by necking down a .22 Hornet case. Although it was relatively unknown for decades, it experienced a resurgence in 2012 when Hornady standardized and commercialized the cartridge. With its larger case and higher capacity for propellant, the .17 Hornet provides a more powerful option for shooters than the .17 HMR.
Cartridge and Bullet Design
.17 HMR
The .17 HMR cartridge has a rimfire ignition system, meaning it relies on the firing pin striking the rim of the case to ignite the propellant. It is available in various bullet types, including the popular V-MAX and the heavier-grain bullets for hunting larger varmint species. Bullet weights for the .17 HMR range between 15.5 grains and 20 grains.
.17 Hornet
In contrast, the .17 Hornet employs a centerfire ignition system, increasing cartridge reliability and allowing for handloading. Hornady’s .17 Hornet comes loaded with a 20-grain V-MAX bullet, achieving higher velocities and greater energy than the .17 HMR. Due to the larger case capacity of the .17 Hornet, bullet weights range from 15.5 grains to 25 grains.
Ballistics Comparison
Velocity
One of the primary differences between the .17 HMR and .17 Hornet is their velocity. The .17 HMR reaches a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,550 feet per second (fps) with 17-grain V-MAX bullets, while the .17 Hornet exceeds that at around 3,650 fps with a 20-grain V-MAX bullet. This increased velocity contributes to the .17 Hornet’s flatter trajectory and better resistance to wind drift.
Energy
The .17 Hornet also outperforms the .17 HMR in terms of muzzle energy. The .17 HMR delivers approximately 240 ft-lbs of energy with a 17-grain bullet, while the .17 Hornet can offer upwards of 592 ft-lbs with a 20-grain bullet. This increased energy demonstrates the .17 Hornet’s greater capability for taking down larger varmints and small game.
Effective Range
Both cartridges boast impressive effective ranges for their respective applications. The .17 HMR is suitable for distances up to 200 yards, while the .17 Hornet extends that range to roughly 300 yards. The Hornet offers better ballistics, less drop, and less susceptibility to wind, improving shot placement accuracy at longer distances.
Applications
Varmint Control and Small-Game Hunting
Both the .17 HMR and .17 Hornet excel in varmint control and small-game hunting, targeting animals like squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs. The .17 Hornet’s added power enables it to tackle larger varmints like crows, raccoons, and foxes more efficiently, whereas hunters might consider the .17 HMR for small game and shorter-range shooting.
Target Shooting and Plinking
The .17 HMR remains a favorite choice for target shooting and plinking due to its lower cost, minimal recoil, and enjoyable shooting experience. Although the .17 Hornet offers better ballistics, its higher price tag may steer casual shooters away from using it for recreational purposes.
Rifle Options
Both cartridges have a variety of rifles chambered in their respective calibers. Popular options for the .17 HMR include the Ruger American Rimfire, Savage 93R, and Marlin XT-17, while popular .17 Hornet rifles comprise the Ruger American Predator, Savage Model 25, and CZ Model 527.
Ammunition Availability and Price
As a more established and widely-used cartridge, the .17 HMR benefits from greater ammunition availability and typically lower prices compared to the .17 Hornet. Shooters can expect to pay about $0.25-$0.30 per round for .17 HMR, whereas .17 Hornet ammunition averages @$1.00-$1.50 per round.
Reloading Potential
The .17 Hornet’s centerfire design allows for reloading, presenting a cost-saving opportunity for avid shooters. Unfortunately, the rimfire design of the .17 HMR prohibits its reloading potential. For those interested in handloading, the .17 Hornet holds a significant advantage.
In conclusion, the decision to opt for the .17 HMR or .17 Hornet ultimately depends on the shooter’s intended application, budget, and personal preferences. Both cartridges offer unique benefits, but it is essential to weigh the factors outlined in this post to make the best choice based on your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between .17 Remington and .17 Hornet?
The .17 Remington is a centerfire cartridge with a longer case and much higher velocities than the .17 Hornet. The .17 Hornet is a smaller, more efficient cartridge with a shorter case, derived from the .22 Hornet. They both shoot a .17 caliber bullet, but the .17 Remington offers higher velocities, longer range, and flatter trajectory, while the .17 Hornet offers reduced recoil, quieter shooting, and better barrel life.
2. What is the 17 Hornet good for?
The 17 Hornet is an excellent choice for varmint hunting, including prairie dogs, foxes, groundhogs, and other small to medium-sized game. It is also suitable for target shooting and varmint control, thanks to its flat trajectory and minimal recoil.
3. What’s the difference between 17 and 17 HMR?
The 17 refers to the caliber of the bullet, which is .17 inches in diameter. The 17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is a specific type of .17 caliber cartridge. It is a rimfire cartridge, meaning the primer is in the rim of the case, while other .17 caliber cartridges, such as the .17 Hornet, are centerfire cartridges and have the primer at the center.
4. What does the HMR stand for in 17 HMR?
The HMR in 17 HMR stands for Hornady Magnum Rimfire. It is a .17 caliber rimfire cartridge developed by Hornady, an ammunition manufacturer. The cartridge is designed for small game hunting, varmint control, and target shooting.
5. What is the effective range of a 17 HMR and a 17 Hornet?
The effective range of a 17 HMR is around 200 yards, while the 17 Hornet’s effective range is around 300 yards. This means that the 17 Hornet provides better long-range performance and a flatter trajectory compared to the 17 HMR.
6. Can a 17 HMR rifle be converted to 17 Hornet?
No, a 17 HMR rifle cannot be directly converted to a 17 Hornet. The 17 HMR is a rimfire cartridge, while the 17 Hornet is a centerfire cartridge. Converting a rimfire rifle to a centerfire rifle would require significant modifications to the rifle’s action, bolt, and barrel.
7. How does the 17 HMR and 17 Hornet compare in terms of recoil?
Both the 17 HMR and 17 Hornet have very mild recoil, which makes them comfortable to shoot for extended periods. However, the 17 Hornet generally has slightly less felt recoil compared to the 17 HMR due to its lighter bullet weight and smaller case capacity.
8. Which cartridge is more affordable – 17 HMR or 17 Hornet?
The 17 HMR ammunition is generally more affordable than 17 Hornet ammunition. However, the price difference may vary depending on the specific brand and type of ammunition chosen. When it comes to the rifle, prices for both 17 HMR and 17 Hornet rifles can also vary based on the manufacturer and model.
9. Is the 17 HMR suitable for self-defense?
Both the 17 HMR and the 17 Hornet are generally not considered suitable for self-defense purposes. These cartridges are designed for small game hunting and varmint control, and their small, lightweight bullets may not provide adequate penetration and stopping power for self-defense situations against a larger, human-sized target.
10. What are the most popular 17 HMR and 17 Hornet rifles?
Popular 17 HMR rifles include the Ruger American Rimfire, Savage Arms 93R17, Marlin Model XT-17, and CZ 455 Varmint. Popular 17 Hornet rifles include the Ruger American Rifle, Savage Model 25 Walking Varminter, CZ 527 Varmint, and Browning T-Bolt Target/Varmint.
I've learned a lot along the way and I'm always eager to share my experiences with others. I firmly believe in the importance of ethical hunting practices and and sustainable use of our natural resources, and I do my best to promote these principles in all of my adventures. Hunting is more than just a hobby for me, it's a way of life.
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