17 hmr ammo

17 HMR ammo — the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire — is the flat-shooting speed king of the rimfire world: a tiny 17-grain .172-inch bullet driven near 2,550 fps for laser-flat trajectory and explosive performance on small varmints. It reaches farther and shoots flatter than any .22 rimfire, making it a favorite for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other small pests out to 150–200 yards. This page covers what it’s good for and how it compares to the .22 rimfires.

Tatted Tacticals stocks .17 HMR from CCI, Hornady, Federal, and Winchester — polymer-tip varmint and FMJ loads, in boxes and bulk.

What the .17 HMR Does Best

The .17 HMR is a precision small-varmint cartridge. Its ultra-light, fast polymer-tip bullet shoots remarkably flat and opens violently on small game, delivering tack-driving accuracy and minimal holdover to 150 yards. It excels on prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and pest control where reach and precision matter and meat retention doesn’t. The trade-off is a light bullet easily deflected by wind and brush, and it’s strictly a small-game round. Our .17 HMR ballistic data guide has full drop charts.

.17 HMR vs. .22 LR and .22 WMR

Among premium rimfires, the .17 HMR is the flattest and fastest. It dramatically outranges the .22 LR and shoots flatter than the .22 WMR, though the heavier .22 Mag bullet carries more energy and bucks wind better at distance. For pure flat-shooting precision on small varmints the .17 HMR wins; for a bit more energy and wind resistance, the .22 WMR. Larger varmints at range call for a centerfire like the .22-250. Standards follow SAAMI specifications.

Buying .17 HMR

Rimfire ammo can’t be reloaded, so buy in quantity. Federal law sets the minimum age for rifle ammunition at 18; per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules and review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.

.17 HMR Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions

Is a .17 HMR stronger than a .22?

It’s faster and flatter, not necessarily higher in energy. The .17 HMR drives a very light bullet far faster than a .22 LR for a much flatter trajectory and more reach, though the heavier .22 WMR bullet carries comparable or more energy at distance. For flat-shooting precision on small varmints, the .17 HMR is the standout.

Is a .17 HMR good for coyotes?

It can take coyotes at close range with precise shot placement, but it’s marginal — the tiny bullet lacks the energy for reliable, humane kills at the ranges coyotes are typically shot. Most predator hunters prefer a .22 WMR up close or a centerfire like the .223 or .22-250 for coyotes. The .17 HMR shines on smaller varmints.

Is a .17 HMR good for deer?

No. The .17 HMR is a small-varmint cartridge with a tiny, light bullet that lacks the energy and penetration for deer, and it is not legal or ethical for deer hunting. Use it for prairie dogs, squirrels, and pests; for deer, choose an appropriate centerfire rifle cartridge.

How much is .17 HMR per round?

It costs more per round than .22 LR but remains an affordable rimfire, with polymer-tip varmint loads priced as premium rimfire ammo. Buying in bulk boxes lowers the per-round cost. It’s pricier than plinking .22 LR but cheaper than centerfire varmint cartridges, fitting between the two.

Can you buy .17 HMR ammo online?

Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy .17 HMR online and have it shipped to your door. The minimum age for rifle ammunition is 18, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.