Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Winchester Varmint LF 17 HMR loads a 15.5-grain Hornady NTX polymer-tip projectile to 2550 feet per second, delivering 224 foot-pounds of muzzle energy in a lead-free package engineered for varmint control on public lands, California ranges, and any environment where non-toxic projectiles are mandated. 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) is a high-velocity rimfire cartridge introduced in 2002, necking the .22 WMR case down to .172 caliber; the result is a flat-shooting, wind-resistant round that reaches well past 200 yards while retaining sufficient energy to anchor ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and predators out to ranges where .22 LR runs out of steam. Winchester pairs the proven Hornady NTX bullet — a compressed metal alloy core seated in a polymer tip — with non-corrosive priming and a 50-round box count that balances session volume against weight for all-day field carry.
Performance at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) |
| Bullet weight | 15.5 grains |
| Bullet type | Polymer Tip (Hornady NTX) |
| Muzzle velocity | 2550 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 224 ft-lbs |
| Lead free | Yes |
| Velocity rating | Supersonic |
| Rounds/box | 50 |
| Intended use | Hunting (varmint) |
| Corrosive | Non-corrosive |
| Manufacturer | Winchester (USA) |
The 15.5-grain NTX sits at the lighter end of the 17 HMR spectrum, trading some retained energy for flatter trajectory inside 150 yards — ideal when you’re calling coyotes over bait or clearing rockchucks from alfalfa fields where shot opportunities cluster between 75 and 125 yards. Browse the full 17 HMR ammo inventory to compare copper-alloy, jacketed hollow-point, and traditional lead-core loads for different varmint scenarios.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Observe the four universal rules of firearms safety: treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you’re not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current state and local ammunition purchasing, possession, and use laws in your jurisdiction — some states impose additional restrictions on rimfire ammunition or magazine capacity.
- Lead-free projectiles reduce barrel fouling but may produce different point-of-impact shifts compared to traditional lead-core loads — re-zero your rifle after switching ammunition types.
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