Ever wondered what makes a .17 HMR rifle so much fun to shoot? It’s all about that tiny, super-fast bullet! But when it comes to picking the perfect ammo for your .17 HMR, things can get a little tricky. You want to hit your target every time, whether it’s for plinking at tin cans or taking down small game. The problem is, there are so many different kinds of .17 HMR ammo out there, and it’s tough to know which one is best.
Choosing the wrong ammo can lead to frustration. You might find your shots aren’t as accurate as you want, or maybe the ammo just doesn’t perform the way you expect. That’s where this guide comes in! We’re going to break down everything you need to know about .17 HMR ammo. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the different types of bullets, what they’re good for, and how to pick the right ones for your shooting needs. Get ready to make your next trip to the range or field a success!
Our Top 5 17 Hmr Ammo Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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SPIKA Rifle Buttstock Shell Holder | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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A-ZOOM 17 HMR 6 Pack Dummy Rounds 12202 | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Ammo Bin Insert for Deep Milwaukee Packout – Organizer Storage – Ammo Can Crate (17 HMR (Double Stack)) | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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17 HMR Ammo Sticker (3″x1.06″ | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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MTM 100 Mag Rim Fire Box | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 17 Hmr Ammo Detailed Reviews
1. SPIKA Rifle Buttstock Shell Holder
Rating: 8.9/10
Keep your .17 or .22 caliber ammunition close at hand with the SPIKA Rifle Buttstock Shell Holder. This handy pouch attaches directly to the butt of your rifle, making it super easy to grab an extra round when you need it. It’s made from tough nylon and leather, so it can handle being out in the field. Plus, it won’t scratch your rifle’s stock.
What We Like:
- Holds 14 rounds of .22 cal/.17HMR ammo securely in elastic loops.
- Made from tough nylon leather for long-lasting use.
- The stretch sleeve fits snugly on most long guns without slipping.
- Easily installs on your rifle’s buttstock, protecting its finish.
- Eliminates the need to carry extra shells in your pockets.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty for a risk-free purchase.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pouch might add a little bulk to the rifle.
- It’s specifically designed for .17 and .22 caliber rounds, so it won’t hold larger calibers.
This SPIKA shell holder is a practical accessory for any shooter who wants quick access to their ammunition. It’s a simple and effective way to upgrade your rifle setup.
2. A-ZOOM 17 HMR 6 Pack Dummy Rounds 12202
Rating: 9.2/10
The A-ZOOM 17 HMR 6 Pack Dummy Rounds 12202 are a fantastic tool for anyone who owns a 17 HMR firearm. These dummy rounds are designed to help you practice safely and effectively. They look and feel like real ammunition, but they won’t fire. This makes them perfect for practicing loading, unloading, and other shooting drills without using live rounds. You get a pack of six, which is a good number for training.
What We Like:
- Top-Quality Material: They are made from solid aluminum. This makes them very strong and they will last a long time.
- Precision Machining: Each dummy round is CNC machined. This means they are made very accurately to the exact size of real 17 HMR cartridges. This ensures they work perfectly in your firearm.
- Superior Functioning: The dummy rounds are hard anodized. This special coating makes them super smooth. They slide easily in and out of your firearm. This is important for smooth practice sessions.
- Safety Testing: These are ideal for safety training. You can practice clearing jams or checking your firearm’s action safely. They are also great for function testing to make sure your firearm cycles correctly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the aluminum is durable, some users might prefer a slightly heavier feel to more closely mimic live rounds.
- The anodized finish, while smooth, could potentially show minor cosmetic wear over extensive use, though this doesn’t affect function.
These A-ZOOM dummy rounds are a smart investment for any responsible firearm owner. They offer safe and reliable practice for a wide range of training needs.
3. Ammo Bin Insert for Deep Milwaukee Packout – Organizer Storage – Ammo Can Crate (17 HMR (Double Stack))
Rating: 9.2/10
Transform your Milwaukee Packout with this specialized ammo bin insert, designed to perfectly organize your 17 HMR cartridges. This insert fits snugly into Milwaukee’s deep red bins, turning them into a secure and efficient storage solution for your ammunition.
What We Like:
- Custom caliber selection ensures a precise fit for your 17 HMR rounds.
- Protects bullet tips by allowing the brass to rest on the shoulder, preventing damage.
- The Packout lid securely holds your cartridges in place.
- Easy to install: just slide the insert into your existing Milwaukee bin.
- Comes with a 110% guarantee for your peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The image shown might not be an exact match for your specific caliber insert, though you will receive the correct one.
This insert offers a simple yet effective way to keep your ammo organized and protected. It’s a smart addition for anyone who uses the Milwaukee Packout system and needs reliable ammunition storage.
4. 17 HMR Ammo Sticker (3″x1.06″
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of digging through your gear to find the right ammo? These 17 HMR Ammo Stickers are here to help! This 8-pack of vinyl stickers is designed to make organizing your ammunition a breeze. They fit perfectly on ammo cans, boxes, and pouches, helping you keep everything neat and tidy.
What We Like:
- GREAT SIZE FOR 17 HMR: The 3″ x 1.06″ size is just right. It’s easy to see and fits well on different kinds of ammo containers, from metal cans to plastic ones. They even work as general toolbox labels.
- GENEROUS QUANTITY PER PACK: You get 8 tough stickers in each pack. This is plenty to label many of your ammo containers. You can also use them for your toolboxes or tactical gear.
- BUILT TO LAST: These stickers are made from strong vinyl. They can handle different weather and will stay put on your ammo boxes for a long time.
- CLARITY IN IDENTIFICATION: Each sticker clearly shows “17 HMR.” This means you’ll quickly find the ammo you need, saving you time and hassle during shooting or hunting.
- ENHANCE SAFETY AND ORGANIZATION: Clearly marked ammo cans help prevent mix-ups. This makes handling your firearms safer and keeps your storage area organized. They are great for magazine marking too.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Caliber Options: This pack is specifically for 17 HMR. If you use other calibers, you’ll need to find different stickers.
- No Bulk Discount Mentioned: While 8 stickers are good, larger collections might need more, and a discount for buying many packs isn’t clear.
These 17 HMR Ammo Stickers are a simple yet effective way to bring order to your ammo storage. They help you stay organized and safe with your shooting supplies.
5. MTM 100 Mag Rim Fire Box
Rating: 8.9/10
Keeping your .22 Magnum and .17 HMR cartridges safe and organized just got easier with the MTM 100 Mag Rim Fire Box. This handy storage solution, proudly made in the USA, offers a clear red design so you can easily see what’s inside. It’s built tough to protect your valuable ammunition.
What We Like:
- It holds both .22 Magnum and .17 HMR rounds securely.
- The snap-lock latch keeps the box shut tight, so your ammo won’t spill out.
- The surface has a textured feel that resists scratches, keeping it looking good.
- You can stack these boxes on top of each other thanks to the special feet, saving you space.
- It features a strong mechanical hinge for smooth opening and closing.
- Load labels are included, making it simple to know what’s in each box.
- MTM backs this product with a fantastic 25-year guarantee, showing their confidence in its quality.
- It’s made right here in the USA!
What Could Be Improved:
- While clear red is cool, some might prefer other color options for better visibility in certain lighting.
This MTM Mag Rim Fire Box is a reliable and smart way to store your rimfire ammunition. Its durable construction and smart features make it a winner for any shooter.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best .17 HMR Ammo
So, you’ve got a .17 HMR rifle and you’re looking for the right ammo. That’s smart! The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, or .17 HMR, is a fantastic little cartridge. It’s known for being super accurate and fast, making it a great choice for small game hunting and target practice. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? This guide will help you understand what makes good .17 HMR ammo.
What to Look For: Key Features of .17 HMR Ammo
When you’re shopping for .17 HMR ammo, keep these important features in mind. They will help you find ammo that shoots well in your rifle and does what you need it to do.
- Bullet Type: This is a big one! Different bullet types are made for different jobs.
- Varmint/Poly-Tip: These bullets have a plastic tip. They expand quickly when they hit a target. This makes them great for varmints like prairie dogs or groundhogs. They help humanely dispatch small pests.
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): These bullets have a metal jacket all around them. They don’t expand much. They are good for plinking or target shooting. They tend to shoot through targets without deforming much.
- Hollow Point (HP): These bullets have a hollow tip. They expand more than FMJ bullets but sometimes less than poly-tips. They are also good for hunting small game.
- Bonded: Some bullets are bonded. This means the lead core is stuck to the jacket. This helps the bullet hold together better, even when it hits bone. These are good for slightly larger varmints.
- Bullet Weight: Bullet weight is measured in grains (gr). Common weights for .17 HMR are 17, 20, and 25 grains.
- Lighter bullets (like 17 gr) are usually faster. They fly flatter and lose less energy over distance.
- Heavier bullets (like 20 or 25 gr) are often more stable in wind. They might hit a bit harder at closer ranges.
- Muzzle Velocity: This is how fast the bullet leaves the barrel. Higher velocity means the bullet travels faster. It also means it will have a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at different distances. Most .17 HMR ammo has a muzzle velocity of around 2,300 to 2,550 feet per second (fps).
- Ballistic Coefficient (BC): This number tells you how well a bullet cuts through the air. A higher BC means the bullet is more aerodynamic. It will resist wind drift better and maintain its speed over longer distances.
Important Materials: What Your Ammo is Made Of
The materials used in .17 HMR ammo affect its performance.
- Case Material: Most .17 HMR ammo uses brass cases. Brass is strong and reliable. It expands slightly when fired, which helps seal the chamber. It also makes the ammo easy to reload if you choose to do that.
- Bullet Jacket: The jacket is the outer layer of the bullet. It’s usually made of copper or a copper alloy. The jacket helps the bullet hold its shape as it travels down the barrel and through the air.
- Bullet Core: The core is usually made of lead. Some bullets have special cores for controlled expansion.
Quality Matters: What Makes Ammo Good (or Not So Good)
Several things can make .17 HMR ammo perform really well or not so well.
- Factors That Improve Quality:
- Consistent Manufacturing: When factories make ammo very carefully, each round is almost identical. This leads to consistent accuracy.
- High-Quality Components: Using good brass, clean powder, and well-made bullets makes a big difference.
- Properly Loaded Powder: The amount of powder needs to be just right. Too little or too much can affect speed and accuracy.
- Tight Tolerances: This means all the parts of the bullet and case fit together perfectly.
- Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Inconsistent Powder Charges: If each round has a different amount of powder, they will fly differently. This hurts accuracy.
- Poorly Made Bullets: Bullets that aren’t perfectly round or have rough jackets won’t fly straight.
- Damaged Cases: Dented or dirty cases can cause feeding problems or affect how the bullet leaves the barrel.
- Cheap Materials: Using lower-quality materials can lead to less reliable performance.
User Experience and Use Cases: How People Use .17 HMR Ammo
People use .17 HMR ammo for a few main reasons. Understanding these will help you choose the right ammo for your needs.
- Varmint Hunting: This is where .17 HMR really shines. Its speed and accuracy make it perfect for taking down small pests like squirrels, prairie dogs, groundhogs, and rabbits. Varmint-specific bullets (like poly-tips) are designed for quick, clean kills on these small animals.
- Target Shooting and Plinking: Because it’s so accurate and has low recoil, .17 HMR is fun for target practice. You can shoot small targets at longer distances. FMJ or hollow-point rounds are great for this.
- Small Game Hunting (where legal): In some areas, .17 HMR can be used for hunting slightly larger small game, like certain types of birds or rabbits, depending on local regulations. Always check your local hunting laws.
The .17 HMR is a fun and effective cartridge. By understanding these key features, materials, and what makes ammo good, you’ll be well on your way to picking the perfect rounds for your rifle and your next shooting adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions about .17 HMR Ammo
Q: What is the main difference between .17 HMR and .22 LR ammo?
A: The .17 HMR is much faster and flatter shooting than .22 LR. It also uses a smaller bullet (17 caliber versus 22 caliber). This makes it more accurate at longer distances and better for small varmints.
Q: Is .17 HMR ammo expensive?
A: .17 HMR ammo is usually more expensive than .22 LR ammo. However, it is generally cheaper than centerfire rifle cartridges. The price can vary depending on the brand and bullet type.
Q: Can I use .17 HMR ammo in a .22 Magnum rifle?
A: No. You absolutely cannot. The .17 HMR and .22 Magnum (WMR) are different cartridges. They have different rim diameters and case sizes. Using the wrong ammo can damage your rifle and be very dangerous.
Q: What is the effective range of .17 HMR ammo?
A: For varmint hunting, the effective range is typically around 150 to 200 yards. With good shooting and favorable conditions, you can often hit targets even further away.
Q: Which bullet weight is best for .17 HMR?
A: It depends on what you are doing. Lighter bullets (17 gr) are very fast and fly flat. Heavier bullets (20 or 25 gr) can be more stable in wind and may offer a bit more impact. Many shooters find 17 or 20 grain bullets work very well for most purposes.
Q: Do poly-tip bullets damage barrels?
A: No, poly-tip bullets are designed to be safe for barrels. The plastic tip is soft and will not harm the rifling in your gun.
Q: How should I store my .17 HMR ammo?
A: Store your ammo in a cool, dry place. Keep it away from extreme heat or moisture. Original packaging is best for keeping it safe and organized.
Q: What does “Hornady Magnum Rimfire” mean?
A: “Hornady” is the company that developed this cartridge. “Magnum” means it’s a more powerful version of a standard rimfire round. “Rimfire” refers to how the primer is ignited in the rim of the cartridge case.
Q: Is .17 HMR good for self-defense?
A: No, .17 HMR is not recommended for self-defense. It is designed for small game and varmints. It lacks the power for reliable stopping of a human threat.
Q: Where can I buy .17 HMR ammo?
A: You can buy .17 HMR ammo at most sporting goods stores, gun shops, and many online retailers. Remember to check local laws regarding ammunition purchases.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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