Tiny wildcat with extreme velocity. P.O. Ackley's experiment with .17 caliber. Inspired modern .17 Hornet. Devastating on small varmints at close range.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1952, United States
Parent case: .22 Hornet
Standardization: Wildcat
Bullet diameter: 0.172" (4.37 mm)
Case length: 1.403" (35.64 mm)
Overall length: 1.723" (43.76 mm)
Max pressure: 46,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Small Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:9
Muzzle velocity: 3600–3900 fps
Muzzle energy: 650–800 ft-lbs
Effective range: 200 yd
Common bullet weights: 20, 25 gr
Primary use: Varmint, Target
Production status: Limited
Also known as: .17 AH
History: Created by P.O. Ackley in the early 1950s by necking down .22 K-Hornet to .17 caliber. One of the earliest successful .17 caliber wildcats. Extremely difficult to form brass and load. Demonstrated viability of .17 caliber centerfire cartridges. Largely forgotten after Hornady introduced commercial .17 Hornet in 2012. Historical significance as a precursor to modern .17 caliber cartridges.
Notable firearms: Custom single-shot rifles, Specialized varmint rifles
Similar cartridges: .17 Hornet, .17 Mach 2, .22 K-Hornet