CCI GamePoint 17 HMR 20 Grain Full Metal Jacket Ammunition: Precision Performance for Rimfire Enthusiasts

Are you searching for highly reliable, consistently accurate, and exceptionally effective ammunition for your 17 HMR rifle? For discerning shooters who demand optimal performance for everything from precision target practice to ethical small game and varmint control, the CCI GamePoint 17 HMR 20 Grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) stands out as a premier choice. This isn't just another box of rimfire rounds; it's a meticulously engineered solution designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern rimfire shooting.

What is 17 HMR Ammunition and Why Does it Matter?

The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (17 HMR) cartridge has rapidly gained popularity among hunters and sport shooters alike since its introduction in 2002. Developed by necking down a .22 Magnum case to accept a .17-caliber bullet, the 17 HMR delivers blistering velocities and an incredibly flat trajectory, outperforming traditional rimfire cartridges like the .22LR and even the .22 WMR at extended ranges. Its high velocity minimizes bullet drop and wind drift, making it exceptionally accurate for precise shot placement.

What problems does 17 HMR solve for shooters?

• Extended Rimfire Range: It extends the effective range of rimfire rifles beyond what was previously thought possible, making ethical shots on small game out to 150-200 yards achievable.
• Superior Accuracy: Its inherent design leads to exceptional accuracy, ideal for target shooting, plinking, and situations where precision is paramount.
• Minimal Recoil: Despite its impressive speed, the 17 HMR produces very little recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods and suitable for shooters of all experience levels, including youth.
• Cost-Effective Practice: While more expensive than .22LR, it offers a more affordable alternative for practicing long-range shooting skills compared to centerfire cartridges.

When users ask questions like "What's the best rimfire caliber for varmint hunting?" or "Which rimfire round offers the flattest trajectory?", the 17 HMR is consistently a top recommendation, and for good reason. It bridges the gap between traditional rimfire and entry-level centerfire cartridges, providing a versatile and potent option.

Why Choose CCI GamePoint 20 Grain FMJ for Your 17 HMR?

When it comes to ammunition, the manufacturer's reputation and specific bullet design play a critical role in performance. CCI, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the ammunition industry for decades, delivers with its GamePoint line. The CCI 0055 GamePoint 17 HMR 20 grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) specifically addresses the needs of shooters who require consistent penetration, reliable feeding, and outstanding accuracy.

This particular loading is engineered to excel in scenarios where controlled penetration and minimal pelt damage are desired, or simply for reliable target practice without concerns about bullet expansion. The 20-grain bullet weight, slightly heavier than the more common 17-grain offerings in 17 HMR, often provides enhanced stability in certain rifle barrels and can sometimes exhibit better energy retention at longer distances, contributing to more predictable downrange performance.

For instance, if you're asking, "What 17 HMR ammo is best for target shooting on windy days?" or "Which 17 HMR load offers reliable penetration without over-expansion on small pests?", the 20-grain FMJ from CCI GamePoint emerges as a compelling answer. It's a testament to CCI's commitment to producing specialized ammunition that meets the diverse needs of the shooting community. The full metal jacket design ensures that the bullet retains its shape, promoting straight-line penetration through various mediums, which is crucial for training and specific hunting applications where through-and-through shots are preferred.

Key Features and Unmatched Benefits

The CCI 0055 GamePoint 17 HMR 20 gr FMJ ammunition is packed with features that translate directly into superior shooting experiences. Understanding these attributes helps shooters make informed decisions about their ammunition choice.

Precision-Engineered Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Bullet

• Consistent Penetration: The robust copper-plated jacket encasing a lead core ensures the bullet maintains its integrity upon impact, providing predictable penetration. This is particularly beneficial for target shooting, where clean holes are desired, or for specific pest control where over-expansion is not needed.
• Reliable Feeding: The smooth, uniform profile of the FMJ bullet reduces friction and minimizes the chances of feeding issues in a variety of 17 HMR firearms, ensuring consistent cycling whether you're using a bolt-action or semi-automatic rifle.
• Enhanced Accuracy: CCI's manufacturing precision guarantees tight tolerances for bullet weight and concentricity. This translates directly to more consistent flight paths and tighter groupings downrange, crucial for both competitive shooters and hunters.

Optimized 20-Grain Bullet Weight

• Improved Ballistic Coefficient (BC): While specific BC values vary, a slightly heavier bullet like the 20-grain typically offers a higher BC compared to lighter 17 HMR offerings. A higher BC means the bullet is more aerodynamic, retaining its velocity and energy more effectively and being less susceptible to wind drift over distance.
• Enhanced Downrange Energy: The increased mass of the 20-grain bullet helps it carry more kinetic energy downrange, which can be advantageous for clean, ethical harvests on small game and pests where reliable energy transfer is essential.
• Versatile Performance: This weight strikes an excellent balance, offering flatter trajectories than traditional rimfire while providing more stability and energy than lighter 17 HMR variants for certain applications.

CCI's Legendary Propellants and Primers

• Consistent Muzzle Velocity: CCI is renowned for its use of high-quality, clean-burning propellants. This ensures highly consistent muzzle velocities (approximately 2375 feet per second from a standard rifle barrel), minimizing vertical stringing and providing predictable points of impact shot after shot.
• Dependable Ignition: Every CCI GamePoint cartridge features CCI's sensitive and reliable rimfire primers, guaranteeing consistent ignition even in challenging conditions. This reliability is foundational for accuracy and operational safety.
• Clean Burning Formula: The propellants are formulated to burn cleanly, reducing fouling in your rifle's bore. Less fouling means less maintenance, prolonged barrel life, and sustained accuracy over longer shooting sessions.

These features culminate in a product that answers common questions like "How can I improve my 17 HMR's accuracy?" or "What ammunition ensures reliable cycling in my semi-auto 17 HMR?". The answer often lies in the consistent quality and thoughtful design found in CCI GamePoint ammunition.

Real-World Applications for the CCI 17 HMR 20gr FMJ

The versatility of the 17 HMR, combined with the specific characteristics of the CCI GamePoint 20-grain FMJ, makes it suitable for a diverse range of shooting pursuits.

Varmint and Pest Control

For landowners and farmers dealing with nuisance animals like ground squirrels, prairie dogs, gophers, and even raccoons or skunks, the CCI GamePoint 20gr FMJ offers a compelling solution.

• Precise Shot Placement: The inherent accuracy of the 17 HMR combined with the consistent performance of CCI GamePoint allows for precise head or vital zone shots, crucial for ethical and effective pest elimination.
• Reduced Over-Penetration (Controlled): While an FMJ will penetrate, the smaller caliber and lighter weight compared to centerfire rounds generally result in less likelihood of dangerous ricochets or over-penetration in populated areas, provided a safe backstop is always used. The controlled nature of the FMJ can be advantageous where minimal damage to surrounding property is a concern, or when attempting to avoid exit wounds on small fur-bearing animals for pelt preservation.

Target Shooting and Plinking

Whether you're honing your marksmanship skills or simply enjoying a day at the range, this ammunition performs admirably.

• Exceptional Accuracy at Range: The flat trajectory and inherent precision of the 17 HMR make it an excellent cartridge for engaging targets at 100 yards and beyond, pushing the limits of rimfire accuracy.
• Clean Target Holes: The FMJ design creates neat, circular holes in paper targets, making scorekeeping and shot analysis much easier.
• Economical Practice: Compared to centerfire rifle ammunition, 17 HMR is significantly more affordable, allowing for more trigger time without breaking the bank. This makes it a go-to for practicing fundamental marksmanship, trigger control, and wind reading.

Small Game Hunting (with considerations)

While often associated with expanding bullets, the 20-grain FMJ can be used for small game like rabbits and squirrels, especially where state regulations allow or when aiming for headshots to preserve meat.

• Ethical Headshots: The precision of this round makes ethical headshots on small game highly achievable, ensuring a quick and humane harvest while minimizing meat damage.
• State Regulations: Always check local and state hunting regulations, as some jurisdictions may require expanding bullets for hunting.

When someone asks, "What's good ammo for prairie dogs at 150 yards?" or "Can I use 17 HMR for rabbit hunting?", the CCI GamePoint 20gr FMJ provides a definitive answer, emphasizing its precision and controlled performance.

Understanding the 17 HMR Trajectory and Ballistics

One of the most appealing aspects of the 17 HMR is its remarkably flat trajectory. This minimizes the need for significant holdovers, simplifying aiming, especially in dynamic hunting scenarios. While the exact trajectory will vary slightly based on barrel length, atmospheric conditions, and individual rifle characteristics, the CCI GamePoint 20 Grain FMJ maintains impressive velocity and a predictable flight path.

• Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2375 feet per second (fps)
• Muzzle Energy: Approximately 250 foot-pounds (ft-lbs)

For example, when zeroed at 100 yards, the 17 HMR often exhibits very little drop out to that range, typically only a few inches of drop at 150 yards, and manageable drop out to 200 yards. This flat-shooting nature is a significant advantage over other rimfire calibers, making quick follow-up shots or adjustments much less complicated. For hunters, this means less guesswork and more confidence in shot placement. For target shooters, it translates to easier compensation for range variations.

Addressing Common Questions About 17 HMR Ammunition

Q: Is 17 HMR expensive to shoot?
A: Compared to .22LR, 17 HMR is more expensive, but it offers superior performance and range. When compared to centerfire rifle ammunition, it's significantly more affordable, making it a great option for high-volume practice or varmint control without the high cost associated with centerfire rounds. The CCI GamePoint 50-round boxes (and 40 cases of these boxes, totaling 2000 rounds) offer an efficient way to stock up.

Q: What's the effective range of 17 HMR for varmints?
A: While capable of reaching 200+ yards, most ethical varmint hunting with 17 HMR is recommended within 150-175 yards to ensure sufficient energy for a humane kill and to maintain accuracy in varying field conditions. The CCI GamePoint 20 gr FMJ helps maintain this effectiveness.

Q: Can 17 HMR be used for self-defense?
A: While any firearm can be used in self-defense, the 17 HMR is generally not recommended as a primary self-defense caliber. Its small bullet diameter and relatively light bullet weight are optimized for varmint hunting and target shooting, not for stopping human threats. For personal defense, larger centerfire calibers are universally recommended.

Q: How does temperature affect 17 HMR performance?
A: Like all ammunition, 17 HMR can be affected by extreme temperature changes. Colder temperatures can lead to slightly reduced velocities and increased bullet drop, while hotter temperatures can increase velocities. However, modern propellants like those used by CCI are designed to minimize these variations, ensuring reliable performance across a range of conditions. For serious shooting, understanding your rifle's performance in different temperatures is beneficial.

Q: What rifles are best suited for 17 HMR?
A: The 17 HMR is chambered in a variety of bolt-action, lever-action, and some semi-automatic rifles. Popular choices include models from Ruger, Savage, CZ, Marlin, and Henry. The consistent performance of CCI GamePoint 20 gr FMJ makes it a perfect match for any quality 17 HMR firearm, allowing the rifle to perform at its maximum potential.

Maintaining Your Rifle for Optimal 17 HMR Performance

While CCI GamePoint ammunition is designed for clean burning and reliable performance, proper rifle maintenance is crucial for sustaining accuracy and prolonging the life of your firearm.

• Regular Barrel Cleaning: Even with clean-burning powders, copper fouling and powder residue will accumulate. Regular cleaning of the bore helps maintain peak accuracy. Use a good quality bore cleaner and a bore guide to protect your rifle's chamber and crown.
• Chamber Care: Ensure the chamber is clean and free of debris, as this directly impacts cartridge seating and reliable ignition.
• Action Maintenance: Keep the bolt or action clean and lightly lubricated according to your rifle manufacturer's recommendations to ensure smooth cycling and reliable operation.
• Scope and Mounts: Periodically check your scope rings and mounts for tightness. Recoil, even light recoil from a 17 HMR, can loosen components over time, leading to inconsistent accuracy.

Investing in high-quality ammunition like CCI GamePoint 17 HMR 20 gr FMJ is a step towards superior performance, but pairing it with a well-maintained rifle is essential to truly unlock its potential.

The CCI Advantage and Where to Find It

CCI Ammunition has built a reputation over decades for producing high-quality, reliable, and innovative rimfire and centerfire ammunition. Their commitment to stringent quality control, advanced manufacturing processes, and continuous research and development ensures that every box of GamePoint 17 HMR meets exacting standards. When you choose CCI, you're not just buying ammunition; you're investing in a legacy of performance and trust that shooters worldwide depend on.

Whether you're stocking up for a season of varmint control, preparing for a competitive target shoot, or simply enjoying the precise challenge of plinking at distance, the CCI 0055 GamePoint 17 HMR 20 gr Full Metal Jacket 50 Bx ammunition is an outstanding choice. This ammunition, like all top-tier shooting supplies, is readily available at reputable retailers such as DEGuns, where you can explore a comprehensive selection for your specific needs and ensure you're getting authentic, quality products from trusted brands like CCI. Elevate your rimfire shooting experience with the precision and reliability of CCI GamePoint.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Caliber	17 HMR (.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire)
Bullet Weight	20 Grains
Bullet Type	Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Muzzle Velocity	2375 FPS (approx.)
Rounds Per Box	50
Boxes Per Case	40
UPC	076683000552