Let’s Talk About **Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 20 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Rimfire Ammunition
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The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) 20 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance (XTP) Ammunition is Hornady’s offering for varmint hunters who demand both accuracy and devastating terminal performance. This round is designed to provide a flat trajectory and significant expansion upon impact, making it a popular choice for eliminating small game at longer ranges. It’s a rimfire cartridge with the punch to reach out and touch those pesky critters that thought they were safe.
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for ammunition that delivers consistent performance and reliable results. My main interest in the Hornady .17 HMR 20 grain XTP ammo stems from a need for a highly effective round for controlling varmints on my property, where minimizing ricochet is crucial. My current ammunition, while accurate, sometimes lacks the desired terminal effect on larger pests.
Upon unboxing, the Hornady rounds presented a clean and consistent appearance. The brass cases looked polished and the jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullets were uniformly seated, indicating good quality control. The 20-grain bullet felt substantial for a .17 HMR, suggesting a robust construction designed for optimal expansion.
Compared to other .17 HMR offerings, such as the CCI 17 grain V-MAX, the Hornady 20 grain XTP aims for a different balance between velocity and terminal energy. I chose this over others primarily for its potential to deliver more kinetic energy on target, ensuring humane kills. The 20 grain bullet appeared to have a larger surface area on the tip of the hollow point compared to other brands, leading me to believe expansion would be more consistent on a variety of small varmints.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The promise of eXtreme Terminal Performance is a bold claim, but Hornady’s reputation for quality ammunition gave me confidence that these rounds would perform as advertised. I was eager to see how they would group at various distances and, more importantly, how they would perform on real-world targets.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 20 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Rimfire Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 HMR 20 Grain XTP ammunition at my local shooting range, focusing on accuracy at 50, 100, and 150 yards. The weather conditions were mild, with a slight breeze that I accounted for when adjusting my aiming point. I shot from a stable bench rest to eliminate as much human error as possible.
The ammunition performed well in the mild conditions, exhibiting consistent velocities and reliable cycling in my Savage 93R17 rifle. The jacketed hollow point design seemed to effectively stabilize the bullet in flight, resulting in tight groupings at closer ranges. Recoil was negligible, as expected from a .17 HMR cartridge.
The initial results were promising. At 50 yards, I achieved nearly one-hole groups. At 100 yards, the groups opened up slightly to around 1 inch, which is still acceptable for varmint hunting. However, I noticed a more significant drop in accuracy beyond 100 yards, which required further investigation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Hornady .17 HMR 20 Grain XTP ammunition, I have a better understanding of its strengths and limitations. The ammunition remains reliable in terms of cycling and ignition, with no misfires or malfunctions to report. Its durability has proven adequate for standard hunting and shooting conditions.
I’ve found that the Hornady rounds perform best in temperatures ranging from 40°F to 80°F. Extreme cold may affect the powder’s performance, while excessive heat could potentially lead to pressure issues, although I haven’t encountered any such problems. Cleaning is straightforward, with minimal fouling in the barrel after extended shooting sessions.
Compared to my previous experiences with other .17 HMR ammunition, the Hornady 20 grain XTP stands out for its terminal performance on small game. It outperforms lighter bullets in terms of delivering a quick, humane kill, particularly on slightly larger pests like groundhogs and prairie dogs. However, it sacrifices some long-range accuracy compared to the lighter, faster V-MAX rounds.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 20 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Rimfire Ammunition
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Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hornady.
- Caliber: .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire.
- Number of Rounds: 50.
- Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP). This design promotes rapid expansion upon impact, maximizing terminal effect.
- Bullet Weight: 20 grain. The heavier bullet provides more energy on target compared to lighter .17 HMR loads.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass.
- Muzzle Velocity: 2375 ft/s.
- Application: Small Game.
- Primer Style: Rimfire.
- Muzzle Energy: 250 ft-lbs. This gives the bullet ample energy to transfer into the target with devastating results.
These specifications collectively contribute to the ammunition’s intended purpose: delivering accurate shots with maximum terminal effect on small game. The heavier bullet weight and jacketed hollow point design are key factors in achieving this goal. The brass casing contributes to reliable cycling and extraction in various firearms.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 HMR 20 Grain XTP ammunition excels in its intended role of dispatching small game with authority. Its JHP design ensures rapid expansion, resulting in quick and humane kills. The ammunition is reliable and consistent in terms of cycling and ignition, providing a dependable shooting experience.
One of the strengths of this ammunition is its ability to transfer energy effectively on impact, which is crucial for ethical hunting. The 20 grain bullet retains more energy at longer ranges compared to lighter .17 HMR offerings. However, its long-range accuracy is slightly compromised by its lower velocity and higher ballistic coefficient.
While the Hornady 20 grain XTP ammunition meets expectations for terminal performance, it may not be the best choice for shooters prioritizing extreme long-range accuracy. For varmint hunting within 150 yards, it offers an excellent balance of accuracy and stopping power. For longer distances, a lighter, faster bullet might be more suitable.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 HMR 20 Grain XTP ammunition is well-designed for its intended purpose. The JHP bullet profile promotes consistent feeding in various firearms. The brass casing ensures smooth cycling and extraction.
The build quality of the ammunition is excellent, reflecting Hornady’s commitment to quality control. The bullets are uniformly seated, and the brass casings are clean and polished. The overall weight of the cartridge is typical for .17 HMR ammunition, making it comfortable to carry in bulk for extended hunting trips.
The ammunition is user-friendly, with no special handling or loading requirements. It performs reliably in a wide range of .17 HMR firearms. There is minimal learning curve for experienced shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 HMR 20 Grain XTP ammunition is designed for reliable performance under normal hunting and shooting conditions. The brass casings are resistant to corrosion, ensuring long-term storage stability. The bullets are well-protected by their jackets, minimizing the risk of deformation during handling.
With proper storage, the ammunition should last for many years without significant degradation in performance. The brass casings can be reloaded, although this is less common with rimfire cartridges. Cleaning the firearm after shooting Hornady 20 grain XTP ammunition is straightforward, with minimal fouling in the barrel.
Maintaining the ammunition is minimal. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Inspect the cartridges before loading to ensure there are no signs of damage or corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 HMR 20 Grain XTP ammunition does not require any specific accessories for optimal performance. However, choosing the right firearm and optic can enhance its accuracy and effectiveness. A high-quality scope with adjustable parallax is recommended for varmint hunting at longer ranges.
While there are no direct customization options for the ammunition itself, shooters can experiment with different firearms and optics to find the optimal combination for their specific needs. Consider using a bore snake for easy cleaning after use. There is significant interchangeability with aftermarket scope mounts across various rifle platforms.
The Hornady ammunition is compatible with a wide range of .17 HMR firearms from various brands, including Savage, Ruger, and Marlin. It can be used effectively in both bolt-action rifles and semi-automatic rifles. Be sure to use the correct caliber for your firearm.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 20 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Rimfire Ammunition
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Pros
- Excellent Terminal Performance: The JHP bullet design ensures rapid expansion, resulting in quick and humane kills on small game.
- Reliable Cycling: The brass casings provide smooth and consistent cycling in various firearms.
- Consistent Ignition: The ammunition is known for its reliable primer ignition, reducing the risk of misfires.
- Good Accuracy at Moderate Ranges: Accurate out to 150 yards, making it well-suited for most varmint hunting scenarios.
- Hornady’s Reputation: Hornady is a trusted name in ammunition, known for quality and consistency.
Cons
- Reduced Long-Range Accuracy: The heavier bullet sacrifices some long-range accuracy compared to lighter .17 HMR offerings.
- Price: Can be more expensive than other .17 HMR ammunition options.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 20 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Rimfire Ammunition
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The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 HMR 20 Grain XTP ammunition is perfect for varmint hunters who prioritize terminal performance and ethical kills. It’s ideal for situations where a quick, humane kill is essential, such as controlling pests around livestock or in areas where minimizing suffering is a priority. It will also work for anyone trying to minimize the amount of varmints that will survive their shots.
This ammunition may not be the best choice for competitive shooters or those primarily focused on long-range target shooting. Shooters seeking maximum accuracy at distances beyond 150 yards might prefer lighter, faster .17 HMR loads. Those who are just target shooting will be better off with cheaper, more generic ammunition.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality scope with adjustable parallax for accurate shots at varying distances. It’s recommended to use a reliable firearm chambered in .17 HMR, such as a Savage 93R17 or Ruger American Rimfire. A good set of cleaning supplies is also recommended to maintain the firearm’s performance.
Conclusion on **Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 20 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Rimfire Ammunition
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The Hornady Varmint Express Rimfire .17 HMR 20 Grain XTP ammunition is a reliable and effective choice for varmint hunters who demand both accuracy and terminal performance. Its JHP design ensures rapid expansion and humane kills. Its consistent cycling makes it a dependable option for various firearms.
The price is justified for hunters who value ethical kills and reliable performance. While it may not be the cheapest .17 HMR ammunition on the market, its superior terminal performance makes it a worthwhile investment. I believe anyone who needs effective and humane varmint control will find this ammo to be excellent.
I would personally recommend the Hornady 20 grain XTP ammunition to varmint hunters seeking a balance of accuracy and stopping power. If you’re looking for ammunition that delivers on its promise of eXtreme Terminal Performance, give Hornady a try. Take control of those varmints, and ensure that you can do so humanely.