.17 HMR

The .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is a small-caliber rimfire cartridge developed by Hornady to deliver high velocity, flat trajectory, and excellent accuracy compared to traditional rimfire rounds. It is known for its fast, lightweight bullet and minimal recoil, making it popular for varmint control, small-game hunting, and precision target shooting. While it excels at longer rimfire distances, the .17 HMR is best appreciated for accuracy and speed rather than raw stopping power, especially when compared to larger rimfire options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the .17 HMR good for?

The .17 HMR is best suited for varmint control, small game hunting, and recreational target shooting, where flat trajectory and accuracy matter more than raw power.

Is a .17 HMR more powerful than a .22 Magnum?

No. While the .17 HMR is faster, the .22 Magnum carries more energy and delivers greater impact, especially from handguns.

Which is stronger, .17 HMR or .22 LR?

The .17 HMR is significantly stronger than .22 LR in velocity, range, and terminal performance.

Does Smith & Wesson make a .17 HMR revolver?

Yes. Smith & Wesson has produced .17 HMR revolvers, particularly in their rimfire revolver lineup.

Can you shoot a .17 HMR out of a .22 Magnum revolver?

No. This is unsafe and should never be attempted. The cartridges are not interchangeable, even though they are similar in size.

How far will a .17 HMR shoot accurately?

In revolver form, practical accuracy is usually 50–75 yards, depending on barrel length and shooter skill.

Does anyone make a .17 HMR revolver?

Yes. Several manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson, have offered .17 HMR revolvers at different times.

What distance should you zero a .17 HMR?

Most shooters choose a 25–50 yard zero for revolvers, which balances trajectory and practical use.

What does HMR mean in guns?

HMR stands for Hornady Magnum Rimfire, named after Hornady, the company that developed the cartridge.

What is the best .17 HMR gun?

“Best” depends on use, but the .17 HMR is generally better suited to rifles than revolvers due to its high-velocity design.

Which is better, .22 or .17 HMR?

• .22 LR: cheaper, quieter, more versatile
• .17 HMR: flatter shooting, longer range, higher accuracy
  Neither is universally better, it depends on purpose.

What grain bullet is best for .17 HMR?

The most common and well-balanced choice is 17-grain, offering optimal velocity and accuracy.

Is a .17 HMR revolver more powerful than a .22 Magnum?

No. In revolvers especially, .22 Magnum generally produces more usable energy than .17 HMR.

What is the maximum range of a .17 HMR revolver?

The bullet can travel well over a mile, but practical and ethical shooting distances are much shorter, typically under 100 yards.