I’d say that 300/350-yards is probably its effective ceiling! Dies and components and data will soon be available so reloading is an option, just get a very small powder funnel… However, that’s a long way for that light 20-grain pill that is down to 30% of its launch speed.
![winchester model 25 hornet winchester model 25 hornet](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/569ea8250ab37781807f6945/1596401591103-SYVROWRD19UXXMPI58RL/21436-03.jpg)
At that distance the 20-grain is doing a quoted 1383 fps/87 ft/lbs, which is slightly more than a 17-grain HMR produces at 200 at 1389 fps/73 ft/lbs. In essence it’s an entry level fun/varmint round with Hornady showing a possible effective range of 500-yards. I have been told that 25-grain loads in both V-MAX and HP will be coming and I picked up a snippet about a 15.5-grain NTX (non-lead) too.
![winchester model 25 hornet winchester model 25 hornet](https://gvx.blob.core.windows.net/item-images/value-r-724672.jpg)
They quote an impressive 3650 fps/592 ft/lbs, with felt recoil being like a 22 WMR, along with reduced bore fouling issues. There are also rumours that CZ and Ruger will be chambering up too.īefore we get our hands dirty what does the 17 Hornet offer? The only ammo currently available is the 20-grain V-MAX, which runs on Hornady’s Superformance powder. The 17 Hornet is another collaboration between Hornady and a major rifle manufacturer, with Marlin and Ruger already on board Savage stepped up to the plate with their Model 25 Light Varmint series. Initially I thought why not make it rimless and still do! However it could have been done to assist manufacturers as if you make a 22 Hornet rifle then the bolt face remains the same and you just need to re-barrel and maybe tweak the magazine for the 17! The 17’s proper shoulder should solve all that. I have shot rifles that could not group, whereas others performed well. The 22 Hornet has a varied reputation for accuracy, which in the main is down to its rimmed case, which and depending on bolt/chamber dimensions and ammo manufacturer can give headspace problems. 17” so giving a proper shoulder to headspace on. The case is in essence a 22 Hornet with a less tapered body and necked down to. However, the new 17 Hornet might be different as it’s a sort of super HMR that to a degree could bridge the gap between the 17 HMR and 22 WMR and the 22 centrefires and probably out perform the original 22 Hornet too.
![winchester model 25 hornet winchester model 25 hornet](https://content.osgnetworks.tv/shootingtimes/content/photos/Model70FeatherweightF.jpg)
Main reason being too wind-affected and cleaning fussy for the average shooter. In the UK 17 centrefires have not been a success, with the 17 Rem having a brief burst of popularity, likewise 17 Remington Fireball, both then dropping down the charts quickly. So it’s finally here the new Hornady 17 Hornet and its current launch platform the Savage Model 25.