The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) caliber is a small but powerful rimfire cartridge that occupies a remarkable niche in the shooting and hunting world. Developed and introduced by Hornady in 2002, the .17 HMR has quickly established itself as a popular choice for sport shooters and hunters looking for a caliber with high accuracy, flat trajectory and low recoil. This article takes a closer look at the development, characteristics, applications and special features of the .17 HMR caliber.

Development and history

The .17 HMR was developed to close the gap between the .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) and smaller centerfire cartridges. It is based on the .22 Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) case, which was necked down to a smaller diameter of .17 inch (4.5 mm) to accommodate a lighter bullet. The development aimed to create a cartridge with higher velocity, longer range and better accuracy than the .22 LR, without sacrificing low recoil and moderate loudness.

Technical specifications

• Bullet diameter:.17 inch (4.5 mm)
• Bullet weight: Typically between 17 and 20 grains (1.1 to 1.3 grams)
• Muzzle velocity: Approximately 2,550 to 2,750 feet per second (approximately 777 to 838 meters per second)
• Muzzle energy: Around 245 to 250 foot-pounds (approx. 332 to 339 joules)

Thanks to these specifications, the .17 HMR offers an exceptionally flat trajectory and enables shooters to hit targets at distances of 150 meters or more with high precision.

Fields of application

The .17 HMR is primarily used in the following areas:

• Hunting: It is particularly suitable for hunting small animals such as rabbits, marmots and foxes. Its high speed and precision enable hunters to make accurate shots even at long distances.
• Pest control: The .17 HMR is an excellent choice for pest control on farms and agricultural operations, as it is effective and reliable without causing unnecessary damage.
• Sport shooting: Due to its accuracy and flat trajectory, the .17 HMR is a popular choice for target shooting and competition shooting over short to medium distances.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• High accuracy: the .17 HMR offers excellent accuracy at distances that are difficult to achieve with other small calibers.
• Flat trajectory: The high velocity of the bullet results in a very flat trajectory, which simplifies the calculation of stopping points.
• Low recoil: The recoil is minimal, which allows for quick follow-up shots and longer shooting sessions without fatigue.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: .17 HMR caliber ammunition is generally more expensive than .22 LR.
• Wind susceptibility: Due to the light bullet, the trajectory can be more affected by strong winds than with heavier calibers.
• Availability: .17 HMR ammunition is not as widely available as the traditional .22 LR, which can lead to availability problems in some regions.

Conclusion

Since its introduction, the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire caliber has established itself as an excellent option for hunters and sport shooters looking for a powerful, accurate and easy-to-handle small caliber. Despite some drawbacks such as higher cost and wind sensitivity, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, especially for those looking to achieve maximum accuracy at medium ranges. The .17 HMR remains an intriguing choice for those looking to push the limits of small caliber ammunition.