.17 Hornet vs .17 HMR: Ballistics, Range, Cost, Best Uses (2026)
The .17 Hornet and .17 HMR are both small-caliber varmint cartridges, but they're different in design and performance. The .17 HMR is a rimfire cartridge, while the .17 Hornet is a centerfire cartridge based on the .22 Hornet case.
This guide compares .17 Hornet and .17 HMR across ballistics, effective range, cost, and best uses. Whether you're choosing a varmint cartridge or curious about small-caliber options, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision. For related comparisons, see our .22 LR vs .22 Magnum guide.
Key Differences
| Feature | .17 HMR | .17 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rimfire | Centerfire |
| Velocity (typical factory loads) | ~2,550 fps (approx. 17gr .17 HMR) | ~3,650 fps (approx. 20gr .17 Hornet) |
| Energy (typical factory loads) | ~245 ft-lbs (approx. 17gr .17 HMR) | ~550 ft-lbs (approx. 20gr .17 Hornet) |
| Reloadable | No (rimfire) | Yes (centerfire) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Note: Velocity and energy values shown are typical factory loads and vary by barrel length, specific ammunition, and environmental conditions. Real numbers will differ based on your rifle and load selection.
Best Uses
.17 HMR
- • Small varmint hunting
- • Plinking
- • Budget-friendly varmint control
- • Not reloadable (rimfire cartridge)
.17 Hornet
- • Extended range varmint hunting
- • Higher velocity/energy needs
- • Reloadable (centerfire cartridge)
Bottom Line
The .17 HMR is a rimfire cartridge that's more affordable and suitable for close-range varmint hunting, but it's not reloadable. The .17 Hornet is a centerfire cartridge with higher velocity and energy, better for extended range, and it's reloadable. Choose based on your range requirements, budget, and whether you want the option to reload. The key difference is rimfire vs centerfire—this affects both performance and reloading capability.