First Impressions of HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball 20 Grian Hornady V-MAX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition HSM-17FB-1-N $2.20 Off
The world of varmint hunting demands precision, power, and consistent performance. HSM Ammunition steps up to the plate with its Varmint line, and the .17 Remington Fireball offering, loaded with the 20-grain Hornady V-MAX bullet, promises to deliver exactly that. My initial reaction, after years in the field and behind various rifles, is a mix of anticipation and cautious optimism – the .17 Remington Fireball is a screamer, and pairing it with the V-MAX bullet known for its explosive expansion seems like a recipe for varmint-dispatching success.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a consistently accurate factory load for my .17 Remington Fireball rifle. Coyotes and prairie dogs presented a unique challenge, demanding flat trajectories and minimal pelt damage when dispatching these animals at longer ranges. This is where HSM Ammunition’s offering piqued my interest, the combination of a proven bullet design and HSM’s reputation for quality control.
The ammunition arrived neatly packaged in a standard 50-round box. The brass cases were clean and uniformly sized, indicating careful attention to detail. The Hornady V-MAX bullets were seated consistently, providing a good first impression of reliable manufacturing.
I considered other options like custom hand-loading or other brands, but the price point and availability of HSM Ammunition made it an attractive option. Plus, the convenience of a readily available, high-quality factory load was hard to ignore when time is a precious commodity.
Initially, I was excited to finally have a factory-loaded solution that could deliver the accuracy and terminal performance I needed for my varmint hunting endeavors. However, I’ve been burned before by over-hyped ammunition. Only time at the range and in the field would reveal if the HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball lived up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball 20 Grian Hornady V-MAX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition HSM-17FB-1-N $2.20 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball to my local shooting range for initial testing and sighting-in. The weather was mild, with a slight crosswind, which would give me a good sense of the ammunition’s stability. I was shooting from a bench rest with a quality scope, allowing for optimal accuracy testing.
The rounds fed smoothly from the magazine into the chamber, and the primers ignited consistently with a crisp report. Recoil was minimal, as expected from the .17 Remington Fireball cartridge. Accuracy was impressive right out of the gate. My initial five-shot groups at 100 yards were consistently under an inch, which is more than acceptable for my varmint hunting needs. There were no malfunctions or failures to feed/eject.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range session, I put the HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball through its paces during several prairie dog hunts over the following months. The ammunition performed admirably in a variety of conditions, from warm and sunny days to cooler, windier afternoons. The results in the field were devastating on prairie dogs.
After several hundred rounds, I’ve observed no significant signs of wear and tear on my rifle attributed to this ammunition. Cleaning was straightforward. Standard bore solvent and a few passes with a brush were all that was needed to remove fouling. Compared to some other factory loads I’ve used, this HSM Ammunition seems to burn relatively clean.
I previously hand-loaded my .17 Remington Fireball ammunition, but the HSM offering outperforms those loads in terms of consistency and terminal performance on smaller varmints. The consistent velocity and accuracy translates to confident shots at extended ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball 20 Grian Hornady V-MAX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition HSM-17FB-1-N $2.20 Off
Specifications
Manufacturer: HSM Ammunition. Known for producing high-quality ammunition for various applications.
Caliber: .17 Remington Fireball. A small-bore, high-velocity cartridge known for its flat trajectory and effectiveness on small varmints.
Number of Rounds: 50. Standard packaging for most rifle ammunition.
Bullet Type: Polymer Tipped Boat Tail (PTBT). Specifically, the Hornady V-MAX bullet, known for its rapid expansion and explosive terminal performance.
Bullet Weight: 20 grain. A lightweight bullet designed for high velocities and flat trajectories.
Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Allowing for reloading, and contributes to reliable feeding and extraction.
Application: Hunting. Specifically designed for varmint hunting.
Package Type: Box. Standard packaging for ammunition.
Included Accessories: None. Ammunition only.
Primer Style: Centerfire. Ensuring reliable ignition.
These specifications contribute directly to the ammunition’s performance in the field. The lightweight, polymer-tipped bullet allows for high velocities and flat trajectories, making it easier to hit small targets at longer ranges. The brass casing and centerfire primer contribute to reliable feeding and ignition, minimizing the chance of malfunctions.
Performance & Functionality
The HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Its accuracy is outstanding, consistently producing sub-MOA groups at 100 yards in my rifle. The ammunition’s reliability is also noteworthy; I have yet to experience a single misfire or failure to feed/eject.
A significant strength is its consistent velocity and trajectory. This makes it easier to make accurate shots at varying distances, reducing the need for excessive holdover adjustments. A potential weakness, common to all .17 caliber rounds, is its susceptibility to wind drift, requiring careful wind calls.
It absolutely meets and even exceeds my expectations for a factory varmint load. It combines excellent accuracy, reliable performance, and devastating terminal ballistics.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition’s design is straightforward and functional. The brass cases are clean and uniformly sized, and the bullets are seated consistently. The ammunition is also relatively lightweight, which is a plus for hunters who carry large quantities of ammunition in the field.
The ammunition is easy to load and shoot. It functions flawlessly in my rifle.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition itself is designed to be fired once and the brass cases can be reloaded multiple times, depending on the quality of the brass and the reloading practices employed. With proper storage in a cool, dry place, the ammunition should last for many years without degrading.
Maintaining a rifle that shoots this ammunition is no different than maintaining any other firearm. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to ensure optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball comes with no accessories, as it is simply ammunition. However, the rifle used to shoot this ammunition can be customized with a variety of accessories, such as scopes, bipods, and slings.
The ammunition is compatible with any rifle chambered in .17 Remington Fireball. The reloading components (brass, bullets, primers) are standard sizes and can be used with any compatible reloading equipment.
Pros and Cons of HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball 20 Grian Hornady V-MAX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition HSM-17FB-1-N $2.20 Off
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy, consistently producing sub-MOA groups at 100 yards.
- Reliable performance, with no misfires or failures to feed/eject experienced.
- Devastating terminal performance on varmints, thanks to the Hornady V-MAX bullet.
- Consistent velocity and trajectory, making it easier to make accurate shots at varying distances.
- Reloadable brass cases, offering cost savings for high-volume shooters.
Cons
- Susceptibility to wind drift, requiring careful wind calls.
- Relatively high price compared to some other varmint ammunition options.
Who Should Buy HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball 20 Grian Hornady V-MAX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition HSM-17FB-1-N $2.20 Off?
The HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball is perfect for varmint hunters who demand accuracy, reliability, and devastating terminal performance. It’s also a good choice for reloaders who want high-quality brass cases for their custom loads. This ammunition would shine for anyone targeting prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other similar-sized varmints.
This product might not be ideal for shooters on a tight budget or those who primarily hunt in areas with strong winds. Also, those seeking to minimize pelt damage may find the explosive nature of the V-MAX bullet less desirable.
A must-have accessory is a quality scope with accurate windage and elevation adjustments. A rangefinder is also highly recommended for accurately judging distances, as the .17 Remington Fireball, while flat-shooting, still requires precise range estimation for longer shots.
Conclusion on HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball 20 Grian Hornady V-MAX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition HSM-17FB-1-N $2.20 Off
The HSM Ammunition Varmint .17 Remington Fireball 20 Grian Hornady V-MAX is a top-tier varmint load that delivers exceptional accuracy, reliable performance, and devastating terminal ballistics. While the price point may be higher than some other options, the consistent performance and reloadable brass make it a worthwhile investment for serious varmint hunters.
The price is justified by the accuracy and terminal performance. It saves time compared to reloading, while providing performance at or above that level.
I wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a high-quality, factory-loaded solution for their .17 Remington Fireball rifle. Give it a try, and experience the difference that precision and quality can make in the field!