Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator Ammunition: Precision Performance for Discerning Hunters

When the quest for ultimate precision and devastating terminal performance in varmint and predator hunting begins, the discerning outdoors enthusiast often seeks ammunition that embodies reliability, consistency, and ethical effectiveness. The Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator .17 Hornet 20 grain Tipped Varmint (TVP) ammunition, identified by SKU AE17H20TVP, stands as a prime example of such a meticulously engineered product. This specific load is not merely a bullet and powder combination; it represents a commitment to maximizing lethality on small game while ensuring humane, clean takedowns, making it an indispensable choice for serious hunters and target shooters alike.

This American Eagle series is meticulously crafted for those who demand more from their ammunition – whether it's for pest control on the farm, competitive small-bore target shooting, or dedicated predator management. It addresses the critical need for an incredibly accurate round that delivers consistent, repeatable results shot after shot, even in challenging field conditions. The very essence of its design focuses on solving common hunter dilemmas: how to achieve extreme accuracy at extended ranges, how to ensure rapid energy transfer for humane kills, and how to maintain reliable performance under pressure.

Why Choose the .17 Hornet for Varmint and Predator Hunting?

The .17 Hornet cartridge itself is renowned for its blazing velocity, flat trajectory, and minimal recoil, making it an ideal choice for varmint and predator applications. When paired with Federal's expertly designed Tipped Varmint (TVP) bullet, the capabilities of this caliber are fully unlocked. Users often ask, "What's the best ammunition for groundhogs?" or "Which .17 Hornet load offers the most reliable expansion?" This Federal American Eagle offering directly answers these questions, providing a high-velocity, explosively expanding solution specifically tailored for creatures like prairie dogs, groundhogs, coyotes, and foxes.

One of the primary benefits of this ammunition is its incredibly high muzzle velocity of 3610 feet per second (fps). This phenomenal speed translates into an exceptionally flat trajectory, significantly simplifying shot placement, especially at varying distances where range estimation can be tricky. A flat trajectory means less holdover is required, increasing the likelihood of precise hits on small, fast-moving targets. For a varmint hunter, this is a game-changer, reducing the margin for error and enhancing confidence in every shot.

Engineered for Explosive Terminal Performance

At the heart of the Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator load is the 20-grain Tipped Varmint (TVP) bullet. This isn't just any bullet; it's specifically designed for rapid, explosive expansion upon impact. When dealing with thin-skinned animals, quick energy transfer is paramount for humane dispatch and to minimize the risk of a runner. The polymer tip initiates immediate and violent fragmentation, depositing all of the bullet's energy within the target, ensuring maximum lethality and often resulting in impressive "lights out" performance. This rapid energy dump is what makes it an ethical choice, preventing undue suffering and achieving clean, decisive takedowns. For hunters concerned about pelt damage, while the explosive expansion is effective, it's worth noting that some pelt damage may occur due to the nature of the bullet's design focused on terminal performance.

The bullet's design also contributes significantly to its ballistic efficiency. The sleek profile, combined with the polymer tip, helps to reduce drag and maintain velocity downrange, ensuring that the bullet's devastating energy is delivered where it counts. This makes it an excellent choice for shots that might extend beyond typical close-range engagements, providing reliable performance even at what many consider long-range for varmint hunting.

Unwavering Consistency and Reloadability

Consistency is a hallmark of quality ammunition, and Federal American Eagle delivers on this front. Each round is loaded with carefully selected components to ensure uniform performance from cartridge to cartridge. This includes the use of Federal primers, known for their reliable ignition characteristics, which contribute directly to the consistent velocities and precise accuracy shooters expect. For a hunter tracking a moving target or aiming for a small vital zone, knowing that each round will perform identically to the last is invaluable.

Furthermore, the reloadable brass casing is a significant advantage for those who enjoy handloading their own ammunition. Once fired, these high-quality brass cases can be reloaded multiple times, offering substantial cost savings over time and allowing shooters to fine-tune loads for even greater accuracy tailored to their specific firearm. This feature extends the value of each box of ammunition beyond its initial use, appealing to the dedicated hobbyist and precision shooter. The robust brass construction ensures durability and consistency through multiple reloading cycles, providing an economical and customizable solution for avid shooters.

Specifications and Technical Insights

Let's delve into the technical specifications that underscore this ammunition's performance capabilities:

• Caliber: .17 Hornet – A modern, efficient cartridge known for its high velocity and flat trajectory.
• Bullet Type: Tipped Varmint (TVP) – A specialized bullet designed for rapid, explosive expansion on impact.
• Bullet Weight: 20 Grains – A lighter bullet weight, optimized for high velocity and minimal recoil, crucial for quick follow-up shots and maintaining sight picture.
• Muzzle Velocity: 3610 fps – An incredibly high velocity that ensures a flat trajectory and rapid energy transfer.
• Muzzle Energy: 579 ft lbs – Significant energy for effective and humane dispatch of varmints and predators.
• Rounds Per Box: 50 – A generous quantity per box, providing ample ammunition for a hunting trip or an extended range session.
• Casing Material: Brass – Durable, reliable, and reloadable for handloaders.
• Application: Varmint/Target – Clearly defined for its primary uses, encompassing both hunting and precision shooting.

These specifications highlight the deliberate engineering behind each round. The combination of a lightweight, high-velocity bullet and its explosive terminal performance makes it a standout choice in the .17 Hornet category.

Real-World Applications and Hunter Scenarios

Consider a farmer dealing with a pervasive groundhog problem that is damaging crops. The farmer needs an accurate, reliable, and effective solution. The Federal American Eagle .17 Hornet 20 gr TVP ammunition allows for precise shot placement from a distance, minimizing disturbance and ensuring a quick, humane end to the pest. Or perhaps a predator hunter is pursuing coyotes in open country, where shots might be long and wind drift is a factor. The flat trajectory and high velocity of this load significantly reduce the challenges presented by such scenarios, increasing the success rate.

For those engaging in target shooting, particularly at small targets, the inherent accuracy of this ammunition provides a rewarding experience. The consistent ballistic performance helps shooters hone their skills, understand their rifle's capabilities, and achieve tighter groupings. This versatility from field to range adds to the overall value proposition of this specific Federal load.

Optimizing Your Hunt with the Right Ammunition

Selecting the right ammunition is as crucial as choosing the right rifle. For the .17 Hornet, the Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator series represents an optimized choice for specific criteria:

• Ethical Hunting: The rapid energy transfer and explosive expansion ensure a quick, humane kill.
• Accuracy: Consistent manufacturing processes and quality components lead to superior accuracy, critical for hitting small targets.
• Velocity & Trajectory: High muzzle velocity means less bullet drop and wind drift, simplifying long-range shots.
• Reliability: Federal primers and quality brass casings guarantee dependable ignition and consistent feeding.
• Value: Reloadable brass adds long-term value for handloaders.

When searching for "reliable .17 Hornet ammunition," "best ammo for prairie dog hunting," or "high velocity varmint loads," this Federal American Eagle product consistently rises to the top. It’s a solution designed for success in the field and precision on the range, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of serious enthusiasts.

For those ready to elevate their varmint and predator hunting experience, or who seek uncompromising accuracy for target practice, the Federal American Eagle Varmint & Predator .17 Hornet 20 grain Tipped Varmint (TVP) ammunition is a trusted and recommended option. This high-performance ammunition is available at DEGuns, where you can find this and other premium shooting supplies to equip your next outing.

Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Detail
Series	Varmint & Predator
Caliber	.17 Hornet
Application	Varmint / Target
Bullet Type	Tipped Varmint (TVP)
Bullet Weight	20 Grains
Muzzle Energy	579 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	50
Casing Material	Brass (Reloadable)
Muzzle Velocity	3610 fps
SKU	AE17H20TVP
UPC	604544618006