How Deadly Is 17 HMR? (Super Small Varmint Round)

Published on November 9, 2025
Duration: 22:45

This video provides an expert-level analysis of the .17 HMR cartridge's lethality, featuring detailed ballistic testing and comparisons. The host, recognized for his expertise in firearms testing, demonstrates the round's performance against ballistic gel, simulated anatomy, and a ballistic dummy, concluding it's highly effective for varmints but not ideal for self-defense against humans.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis reveals the .17 HMR cartridge achieves high velocities (around 2600 fps) and causes dramatic tissue damage, making it highly effective for varmint hunting. However, ballistic gel tests show it lacks the necessary penetration for reliable self-defense against human threats, with .22 LR often penetrating deeper.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Skit
  2. 00:28What is .17 HMR?
  3. 02:32Ammunition Selection
  4. 03:19Velocity Testing
  5. 04:17Ballistics Gel Testing (CCI TNT)
  6. 07:22Ballistics Gel Testing (Hornady V-Max)
  7. 08:29Comparison with .22 LR
  8. 10:40Meat Target Testing
  9. 19:19Ballistic Dummy Test
  10. 20:24Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical velocity of a .17 HMR round?

The .17 HMR cartridge typically achieves velocities around 2,500 to 2,600 feet per second (fps). Specific loads, like the Hornady V-Max tested, clocked at 2582 fps, while CCI TNT rounds approached 2600 fps.

Is the .17 HMR effective for self-defense against humans?

Based on ballistic gel tests, the .17 HMR is generally not recommended for self-defense against humans due to insufficient penetration. While it causes significant tissue damage, it often fails to reach vital organs on angled shots.

How does the .17 HMR compare to the .22 LR in terms of penetration?

In ballistic gel tests, the standard .22 LR round demonstrated deeper penetration compared to the .17 HMR. However, the .17 HMR exhibited more dramatic expansion and tissue disruption for varmint applications.

What kind of damage does the .17 HMR cause?

The .17 HMR causes violent expansion and fragmentation, especially with polymer-tipped rounds like the Hornady V-Max. It creates significant immediate damage and a temporary cavity but often disintegrates or fails to penetrate deeply.

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