Ep. 220 - 17 Hornet | Small Cartridge, Big Sting |

Published on January 29, 2026
Duration: 40:01

This episode of the Hornady podcast, featuring Dave Emery, delves into the development and ballistics of the .17 Hornet cartridge. Emery, a key figure in ballistic development at Hornady, discusses the cartridge's origins, its lineage from the .22 Hornet, and the design considerations that make it an effective varmint round. The discussion highlights the importance of chamber and throat design, the role of modern propellants, and the cartridge's performance characteristics, including velocity, trajectory, and low recoil.

Quick Summary

The .17 Hornet cartridge is a highly effective and cost-efficient varmint round, developed by Hornady by adapting .17 HMR chamber designs to a necked-down .22 Hornet case. It offers a flat trajectory, low recoil, and minimal report, making it ideal for small game hunting out to approximately 300 yards with velocities around 3650 fps.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Hornady Podcast
  2. 00:14Guest Introduction: Dave Emery
  3. 01:24Dave Emery's Career at Hornady
  4. 02:06Dave Emery's Passion for Tinkering
  5. 02:46History of Cartridge Development Stagnation
  6. 03:00.260 Remington and .308 Winchester Comparison
  7. 03:24The Need for Innovation in Ammunition
  8. 04:03Chamber and Throat Design Importance
  9. 04:55.17 HMR and Freebore Design
  10. 05:33.17 HMR Cartridge Discussion
  11. 06:50Introduction to the .17 Hornet
  12. 07:15Origins of the .22 Hornet
  13. 08:09.22 Hornet Commercialization
  14. 09:12Hornady's Role in .22 Hornet Development
  15. 10:12.22 Hornet Resurgence
  16. 11:08Resurgence of Historic Cartridges
  17. 12:45P.O. Ackley and Cartridge Design
  18. 12:55The Original .17 Hornet
  19. 13:13.17 Hornet Performance in its Day
  20. 13:39P.O. Ackley's .17 Hornet Design
  21. 14:13Wildcat Cartridges Becoming Popular
  22. 14:27Inspiration for the .17 Hornet
  23. 15:01Expanding the Envelope of Ammunition
  24. 15:11Rising Ammunition Costs
  25. 15:21Developing a Cost-Effective Varmint Cartridge
  26. 16:06Legitimizing the .17 Hornet
  27. 16:17Applying Chamber and Throat Design Criteria
  28. 17:09Adapting .17 HMR Throat Design
  29. 17:16Hornady's Cartridge Design Philosophy
  30. 17:47The Perfect Varmint Cartridge
  31. 17:54.17 Hornet vs. Other Varmint Cartridges
  32. 18:12Varmint Hunting in Nebraska
  33. 18:42.17 Hornet Performance Benefits
  34. 19:00Progressive Propellants and .17 Hornet
  35. 19:11.17 Hornet Velocity and Bullet Performance
  36. 20:40Polymer-Tipped Bullets and BC
  37. 20:53.17 Hornet Ballistics and Trajectory
  38. 21:14.17 Hornet Development Timeline
  39. 22:04Case Manufacturing for .17 Hornet
  40. 22:38Quick Cartridge Development Turnaround
  41. 22:55Hornady's Industry Involvement

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the .17 Hornet a good varmint cartridge?

The .17 Hornet excels as a varmint cartridge due to its flat trajectory, low recoil, and minimal report. It achieves high velocities with modern propellants, making it effective for small game out to approximately 300 yards, while also being cost-effective and manageable for shooters.

What is the history behind the .17 Hornet cartridge?

The .17 Hornet evolved from the .22 Hornet, which itself has roots in the late 1800s. Developed by P.O. Ackley and later refined by Hornady, the .17 Hornet emerged in the early 2010s, building on advancements in propellant technology and cartridge design principles.

What are the key ballistic features of the .17 Hornet?

With a 20-grain V-Max bullet traveling at around 3650 fps, the .17 Hornet offers a flat trajectory. When zeroed at 200 yards, it drops only about 6 inches at 300 yards, simplifying aiming for varmint hunting. Its low recoil and minimal report also enhance the shooting experience.

How did Hornady develop the .17 Hornet cartridge?

Hornady developed the .17 Hornet by adapting its successful .17 HMR chamber and throat designs to a necked-down .22 Hornet case. This process, completed in about 8 months, leveraged existing tooling and manufacturing capabilities to create a cost-effective and highly effective varmint round.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Hornady Manufacturing

View all →