Precision Performance for the Modern Hunter: Hornady Varmint Express 17 HMR 20 gr XTP

For serious varmint hunters, pest control specialists, and precision rimfire enthusiasts, the quest for the ultimate ammunition is never-ending. You demand consistent accuracy, devastating terminal performance, and unwavering reliability, shot after shot. This is where the Hornady Varmint Express 17 HMR 20 gr Hornady XTP Hollow Point truly distinguishes itself. Engineered to deliver an unparalleled blend of speed, precision, and on-target effectiveness, this ammunition is meticulously crafted to meet the rigorous demands of taking down small game and varmints with surgical precision.

Are you struggling with inconsistent groups at longer rimfire ranges? Do you need ammunition that ensures a humane and ethical dispatch of pests? Or perhaps you're simply looking for the most reliable cartridge to maximize your .17 HMR rifle's inherent accuracy? The Hornady Varmint Express with its 20-grain XTP Hollow Point bullet is specifically designed to address these challenges, offering a superior solution for anyone who relies on the .17 HMR caliber for critical applications. Available readily at DEGuns, this ammunition represents a pinnacle of rimfire engineering.

The .17 HMR Caliber: A Revolution in Rimfire

The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) has revolutionized the world of rimfire shooting since its introduction. Developed by Hornady in 2002, it quickly gained widespread acclaim for its remarkably flat trajectory, blistering velocity, and impressive downrange accuracy compared to traditional rimfire cartridges like the .22LR or .22 WMR. Built by necking down a .22 WMR case to accept a smaller, lighter .17 caliber bullet, the .17 HMR propels these small projectiles at incredibly high speeds, often exceeding 2,500 feet per second. This high velocity translates directly into reduced bullet drop over extended distances, making it an ideal choice for varmint hunting where shots can range from close quarters to over 150 yards. The low recoil of the .17 HMR also contributes significantly to shooter comfort and allows for quicker follow-up shots, an undeniable advantage when engaging multiple targets or confirming a hit. Its inherent accuracy makes it a favorite among competitive rimfire shooters and those who appreciate precision.

Unleashing Devastation: The Hornady XTP Hollow Point Bullet

At the core of the Hornady Varmint Express 17 HMR's effectiveness is the iconic Hornady XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) Hollow Point bullet. While often associated with handgun ammunition, Hornady has expertly adapted this proven design for high-velocity rimfire applications, leveraging its strengths to deliver maximum impact on small targets. The 20-grain XTP Hollow Point features a precision-machined lead core and a jacket that is carefully drawn to ensure concentricity and consistent bullet weight.

What makes the XTP so effective for varmints?

• Controlled Expansion: Unlike some hollow points that might fragment excessively at high velocities, the XTP is designed for controlled, yet rapid, expansion upon impact. This ensures that the bullet expends its energy efficiently within the target, creating a devastating wound channel that results in quick, humane kills.
• Deep Penetration: While expanding, the XTP maintains enough integrity to achieve adequate penetration for small to medium-sized varmints, reaching vital organs for swift dispatch. This balance of expansion and penetration is crucial for ethical hunting.
• Aerodynamic Profile: The sleek profile of the XTP contributes to the cartridge's excellent ballistic coefficient for a rimfire round, minimizing wind drift and retaining velocity over distance. This translates to more predictable bullet flight and greater precision, even in challenging environmental conditions.
• Consistency: Each XTP bullet is manufactured to exceptionally tight tolerances, ensuring that every projectile behaves predictably and uniformly when fired. This consistency is paramount for achieving the tight groups that varmint hunters demand.

Hornady's Unwavering Commitment to Quality

Hornady has built a reputation over decades for producing some of the most reliable and accurate ammunition available, and the Varmint Express line is no exception. Every single cartridge loaded under the Hornady name undergoes a rigorous quality control process, ensuring that the final product consistently meets their exceptionally high standards. This meticulous attention to detail is evident in every component:

• Precision-Matched Powders: The propellant used in Hornady Varmint Express cartridges is carefully selected and precisely measured to ensure optimal burn rates, consistent pressure, and reliable ignition across a wide range of temperatures. This results in incredibly uniform velocities and energies from shot to shot, which is a cornerstone of accuracy.
• Reliable Primers: Each primer is meticulously chosen for its ability to quickly, completely, and reliably ignite the powder charge. Consistent primer ignition is fundamental to achieving predictable muzzle velocities and, consequently, superior accuracy.
• Premium Brass Casings: The brass casing is far more than just a container; it's a critical component for performance. Hornady selects brass that meets their stringent requirements for reliable feeding, ensuring smooth cycling through your firearm. Furthermore, the brass boasts excellent corrosion resistance, vital for ammunition that might be stored for extended periods or exposed to varied weather conditions during a hunt. Its proper hardness ensures it can withstand maximum chamber pressures without deforming, contributing to both safety and ballistic consistency. The ability of the brass to maintain its integrity under pressure directly influences the consistent sealing of gases, which in turn dictates the uniformity of the bullet's launch. This careful selection and manufacturing of brass also contribute to consistent neck tension, which is vital for bullet seating and ultimately, shot-to-shot consistency.

This holistic approach to component selection and manufacturing ensures that every box of Hornady Varmint Express ammunition you purchase delivers the same high level of performance, lot-to-lot consistency that competitive shooters and serious hunters truly value. This consistency means you can trust your ammunition to perform exactly as expected every time you pull the trigger.

Real-World Applications: Where the Varmint Express Shines

The Hornady Varmint Express 17 HMR 20 gr Hornady XTP Hollow Point ammunition excels in a variety of real-world scenarios, making it a versatile choice for anyone seeking superior rimfire performance.

• Varmint Hunting: This is the primary application for which this ammunition was designed. Its flat trajectory and potent terminal performance make it devastatingly effective against common varmints such as:
  • Prairie Dogs: The high velocity and explosive expansion of the XTP bullet are ideal for these small, often numerous targets, allowing for rapid and humane dispatch even at considerable distances.
  • Groundhogs (Woodchucks): For groundhogs, which can be more resilient, the controlled expansion and penetration of the 20-grain XTP ensure a clean kill.
  • Squirrels and Rabbits: While perhaps overkill for simple harvesting, for nuisance animals or pest control, the Varmint Express provides decisive results.
  • Coyotes and Foxes (at close range): For smaller predators at closer ranges (typically under 100 yards, depending on shot placement and conditions), the 17 HMR can be effective. However, shooters must understand the limitations of the caliber for these larger animals and prioritize ethical shot placement.
• Pest Control: For agricultural settings or property owners dealing with nuisance animals, the precise accuracy and reliable performance of this ammunition offer an effective solution. Its relatively low report compared to centerfire rifles also makes it more suitable for use in areas where noise might be a concern.
• Target Shooting and Plinking: While optimized for hunting, the consistent accuracy of Hornady Varmint Express makes it an excellent choice for target practice, especially at longer rimfire distances where the flat trajectory is a significant advantage. It allows shooters to hone their skills and fully explore the accuracy potential of their .17 HMR rifles.
• Competition: For rimfire competitions that prioritize precision at varying ranges, the consistent ballistics of this ammunition give shooters a competitive edge.

Ballistic Prowess: Velocity, Energy, and Trajectory

The numbers tell a compelling story of the Hornady Varmint Express's capabilities. With a muzzle velocity of 2375 feet per second (fps), this 20-grain XTP bullet exits the barrel at an astonishing speed, contributing to its famously flat trajectory. This high velocity minimizes bullet drop over typical varmint hunting ranges, simplifying holdover calculations and increasing the likelihood of first-shot hits.

Accompanying this impressive speed is a muzzle energy of 251 foot-pounds (ft lbs). While seemingly modest compared to centerfire cartridges, this energy is more than sufficient for the intended targets of the .17 HMR. The design of the XTP bullet ensures that this energy is efficiently transferred to the target upon impact, leading to rapid incapacitation. For instance, at 50 yards, the bullet often retains significant energy, still hitting with substantial force. At 100 yards, while energy drops, the flat trajectory ensures the projectile arrives on target with enough velocity for terminal performance, especially with the XTP's reliable expansion characteristics. This combination of speed and targeted energy transfer makes the Hornady Varmint Express highly effective for humane varmint control.

Why Choose Hornady Varmint Express for Your .17 HMR?

When evaluating your options for .17 HMR ammunition, several factors set the Hornady Varmint Express apart as a superior choice, especially when purchased from reputable suppliers like DEGuns:

• Unmatched Accuracy: Hornady's precision manufacturing and rigorously tested components translate directly into tighter groups on target, giving you the confidence needed for challenging shots.
• Devastating Terminal Performance: The 20-grain XTP Hollow Point bullet ensures rapid, controlled expansion and energy transfer, resulting in quick and ethical kills.
• Exceptional Consistency: From primer ignition to bullet seating, Hornady maintains tight tolerances, guaranteeing consistent ballistic performance from one shot to the next, and from one box to the next.
• Reliable Feeding and Function: The premium brass casings are designed for smooth feeding and extraction, minimizing firearm malfunctions in the field.
• Optimized for Varmints: Every aspect of this cartridge, from bullet selection to powder charge, is fine-tuned for the unique demands of varmint hunting and pest control.
• Trusted Brand: Hornady is a name synonymous with innovation and quality in the ammunition industry, a trust earned through decades of delivering high-performing products.

Maximizing Your .17 HMR Experience with Hornady

To fully capitalize on the capabilities of your Hornady Varmint Express ammunition, consider these practices:

• Optics: Invest in quality optics that match the precision capabilities of your .17 HMR rifle and ammunition. Clear glass and a precise reticle will help you utilize the flat trajectory of the 17 HMR to its fullest potential.
• Rifle Maintenance: Keep your rifle clean, especially the barrel, to maintain optimal accuracy. Fouling can negatively impact bullet flight, even with premium ammunition.
• Range Practice: Practice at varying distances to understand your rifle's and ammunition's true ballistic performance. This helps in estimating holdovers and windage adjustments in the field.
• Environmental Factors: While the .17 HMR is relatively stable, strong crosswinds can still affect bullet flight. Be mindful of wind conditions and practice compensating for them.
• Ammunition Storage: Store your ammunition in a cool, dry place to preserve its integrity and performance over time.

In conclusion, the Hornady Varmint Express 17 HMR 20 gr Hornady XTP Hollow Point ammunition, available at DEGuns, stands as a testament to precision engineering and ballistic excellence. It solves the critical problems of achieving consistent accuracy and ensuring humane terminal performance in the rimfire world. Whether you're a dedicated varmint hunter, a property owner battling pests, or a shooter who simply demands the best from your .17 HMR rifle, this ammunition delivers on every promise. Its combination of high velocity, flat trajectory, and the proven effectiveness of the XTP bullet design makes it the definitive choice for your rimfire needs. When precision and performance cannot be compromised, Hornady Varmint Express is the answer.

Product Specifications Overview

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Varmint Express
Caliber	17 HMR
Bullet Type	Hornady XTP Hollow Point
Bullet Weight	20 gr
Muzzle Velocity	2375 fps
Muzzle Energy	251 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	50
Casing Material	Brass
Application	Hunting
Boxes Per Case	40
MPN	83172
UPC	090255831726