Rimfire · SAAMI
.17 HMR
Flat-shooting rimfire varmint cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.172″ · 4.369 mm
- Introduced
- 2002
- Case
- Rimfire
- Parent
- .22 WMR
- Primary use
- Varmint, Target
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 2002
- Type
- Rimfire
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Hornady
- Manufacturer
- Hornady
- Standard
- SAAMI
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Common
- Case capacity
- 5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:9
- Primer
- Rimfire
- Case type
- Rimfire
- Max pressure
- 26,000 psi
- Eff. range
- 200 yd
- Recoil
- 0.3–0.6 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Introduced by Hornady
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .17 HMR. Parent case: .22 WMR.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
SAAMI · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 4.37 | 0.172 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 4.83 | 0.190 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 6.04 | 0.238 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 25° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 6.08 | 0.239 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 7.26 | 0.286 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.27 | 0.050 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 3.49 | 0.137 | ≈ |
| Case length | 26.87 | 1.058 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 34.26 | 1.349 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .17 HMR is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Firearms chambered in .17 HMR
12 models in the database chamber .17 HMR. Browse all →
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Introduced by Hornady in 2002 as the first successful .17 caliber rimfire. Rapidly became most popular rimfire varmint cartridge. Based on necked-down .22 WMR case.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .17 HMR use?
- .17 HMR typically uses a 1:9 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .17 HMR?
- .17 HMR uses a 0.172″ (4.369 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .17 HMR still in production?
- .17 HMR is active; typical availability is common.
- What is .17 HMR used for?
- .17 HMR is primarily used for varmint, target.
- What is .17 HMR based on?
- .17 HMR is derived from the .22 WMR case.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 102 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →