Let’s Talk About Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition P771 19% Off
For years, the .17 HMR has been a favorite among varmint hunters and recreational shooters alike, offering a flat trajectory and impressive accuracy at moderate ranges. The Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition P771 19% Off aims to capitalize on this popularity, combining Federal’s consistent manufacturing with the renowned Hornady V-Max bullet. This combination promises explosive expansion and devastating terminal performance on small game, making it a highly sought-after round for ethical and effective varmint control.
My journey to this particular ammunition started with a persistent groundhog problem plaguing my family’s garden. Standard .22 LR rounds proved insufficient for clean, humane kills beyond 75 yards, and I needed something with more reach and stopping power. The promise of the V-Max bullet and the Federal name sealed the deal.
Upon receiving the Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition, I was immediately impressed with the consistent appearance and quality of the cartridges. The polymer tip of the V-Max bullet looked menacing, hinting at the explosive expansion to come. Compared to CCI A17 ammunition, which I’ve used extensively, the Federal offering appeared more uniformly manufactured.
My first impression was one of excitement. The reputation of both Federal and Hornady, combined with the impressive specifications on paper, built high expectations. I was eager to see if this ammunition could live up to the hype and effectively solve my varmint problem.
Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition P771 19% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition was a dedicated shooting range, followed by practical application in the fields surrounding my property. I tested it using a Savage A17 semi-automatic rifle with a 3-9×40 scope, focusing on accuracy at 50, 100, and 150 yards. The day was overcast, with a slight breeze – typical spring conditions in my area.
The Federal ammunition performed admirably, exhibiting consistent accuracy and reliable cycling in my rifle. At 100 yards, I was consistently achieving sub-MOA groups, which instilled confidence. There were no malfunctions or misfires experienced during the initial testing session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition has proven to be a reliable and effective performer. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through my Savage A17, and it continues to perform flawlessly.
The ammunition exhibits excellent durability, with no signs of degradation or performance loss over time. Stored properly in a cool, dry environment, the cartridges remain in pristine condition. It outperforms other .17 HMR ammunition I’ve used in terms of consistent accuracy and terminal performance on small game.
Breaking Down the Features of Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition P771 19% Off
Specifications
The Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition boasts several key specifications that contribute to its effectiveness. Its caliber is .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, offering a significant velocity advantage over .22 LR. The bullet weight is 17 grain, a common and effective weight for the .17 HMR, providing a balance of velocity and stability.
Each round features a Spitzer Flat Base bullet type, maximizing ballistic coefficient for flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift. The cartridge case material is brass, ensuring reliable extraction and consistent ignition. With a muzzle velocity of 2550 ft/s, this ammunition delivers a flat trajectory and significant energy on target. The muzzle energy is 245 ft-lbs, providing the necessary power for humane and effective varmint control.
These specifications combine to create an ammunition that excels in accuracy, velocity, and terminal performance. The high velocity translates to a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at varying distances. The combination of the bullet design and velocity contributes to the violent expansion on impact.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a varmint and predator control round. Its accuracy is consistently excellent, allowing for precise shot placement on small targets at extended ranges. The round is highly effective on groundhogs, squirrels, and other similar-sized animals, delivering rapid and humane kills.
The key strength of this ammunition lies in its terminal performance. The Hornady V-Max bullet design, with its polymer tip and thin jacket, ensures fast and violent expansion upon impact. This results in significant tissue damage, ensuring a quick and humane kill.
Design & Ergonomics
The Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition is designed for consistent performance and reliable feeding. The brass cartridge case is well-formed and exhibits consistent dimensions, ensuring smooth chambering and extraction in various firearms.
The ammunition is user-friendly, requiring no special handling or modifications to use effectively. Its consistent performance and reliability inspire confidence in the shooter.
Durability & Maintenance
The Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition is designed for long-term storage and reliable performance. When stored in a cool, dry environment, the ammunition should maintain its integrity for many years.
The brass cartridge cases are corrosion-resistant and contribute to the overall durability of the ammunition. Regular cleaning of the firearm after use is recommended to maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition is inherently compatible with any firearm chambered in .17 HMR. While no specific accessories are bundled with the ammunition itself, its performance can be further enhanced by using it in conjunction with a quality optic.
A scope with adjustable parallax and bullet drop compensation can significantly improve accuracy at longer ranges. The ammunition is also compatible with various aftermarket magazines designed for .17 HMR rifles.
Pros and Cons of Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition P771 19% Off
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, allowing for precise shot placement.
- Devastating Terminal Performance: The Hornady V-Max bullet ensures rapid and violent expansion, resulting in humane kills.
- Reliable Ignition: Federal’s priming compound provides consistent and dependable ignition, minimizing misfires.
- Flat Trajectory: The high velocity and ballistic coefficient contribute to a flat trajectory, simplifying long-range shots.
- Clean Burning: Minimizes fouling in the firearm’s barrel, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
Cons
- Price: The ammunition is generally more expensive than standard .22 LR options.
- Wind Drift: While improved compared to .22 LR, the lightweight bullet is still susceptible to wind drift at longer ranges.
Who Should Buy Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition P771 19% Off?
The Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition is perfect for varmint hunters, ranchers dealing with pest control, and target shooters seeking high accuracy at moderate ranges. It’s an excellent choice for anyone needing a flat-shooting, hard-hitting rimfire round for small game.
This ammunition may not be ideal for individuals primarily focused on high-volume, low-cost target practice. The higher price per round makes it less economical for casual plinking.
A high-quality scope and a bipod or shooting rest are must-have accessories to maximize the accuracy potential of this ammunition. A wind meter can also be beneficial for making accurate shots at longer ranges in windy conditions.
Conclusion on Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition P771 19% Off
The Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition P771 19% Off is a top-tier choice for anyone seeking superior accuracy and terminal performance in a .17 HMR round. The combination of Federal’s quality manufacturing and the renowned Hornady V-Max bullet creates a potent and reliable ammunition.
The price is justified by the consistent accuracy, devastating terminal performance, and reliable ignition it provides. I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to any serious varmint hunter or target shooter.
If you are looking for a rimfire round that delivers exceptional accuracy and humane kills, the Federal Premium Varmint & Predator Hornady V-Max 17 HMR 17 Grain Rimfire Ammunition is an excellent investment. Take your varmint hunting to the next level and experience the difference this ammunition can make.