17 HMR Ballistics Chart and Hornady Ammunition

By Chris Nelson

Our 17 HMR Ammo Ballistics Chart provides details on the bullet's ballistic coefficient, muzzle energy, muzzle velocity, and bullet drop for both 17 HMR and 17 HMR2 cartridges.

Abbreviations by Manufacturer: (H) = Hornady

17 HMR Ammo Ballistics Chart

Let's compare the ballistics of the 17 HMR Hornady 20-grain ammunition to that of the 17 HMR Hornady 15.5-grain ammunition.

17 HMR Bullet Weight

The weight of the bullet is measured in grains; there are 7,000 grains in one pound. The abbreviation for grains is "gr." Additionally, there are 437.5 grains in one ounce. The bullet weight for the 17 HMR Hornady 20-grain ammunition is 20 grains, which equates to .04 ounces. Conversely, the bullet weight for the 17 HMR Hornady 15.5-grain ammunition is 15.5 grains, equivalent to .03 ounces.

17 HMR Ballistic Coefficient (BC)

The ballistic coefficient (BC) of a bullet represents its drag factor and is expressed as a decimal. A higher BC value indicates lower drag, essentially quantifying how streamlined the bullet is. The BC for the 17 HMR Hornady 20-grain ammo is .125, while the 17 HMR Hornady 15.5-grain ammo has a BC of .115. Therefore, the 20-grain ammo experiences less drag than the 15.5-grain ammo. Please refer to the Bullet Ballistic Coefficient Chart above for more details.

17 HMR Muzzle Velocity

Muzzle velocity measures the speed at which the bullet leaves the barrel, recorded in feet per second (FPS). Generally, a higher muzzle velocity results in a shorter bullet flight time, flatter trajectory, and less drop. The muzzle velocity for the 17 HMR Hornady 20-grain ammo is 2,375 FPS, compared to the 2,525 FPS of the 17 HMR Hornady 15.5-grain ammo. For a deeper understanding, consult the 17 HMR ballistics table above, which illustrates how muzzle velocity decreases at distances of 100 and 200 yards.

17 HMR Muzzle Energy

Muzzle energy is measured in foot-pounds to gauge the bullet's destructive potential. It represents the kinetic energy of the bullet as it exits the muzzle. Generally, a heavier and faster bullet will have a greater impact on the target. As evident from the data, the 17 HMR Hornady 20-grain ammo has a higher muzzle energy from zero to 200 yards compared to the 17 HMR Hornady 15.5-grain ammo. The 20-grain bullet has significantly higher kinetic energy, providing more lethal power at greater distances. To compare muzzle energy at various ranges, consult the 17 HMR ballistics table.

17 HMR Bullet Drop Chart

This chart displays how the ballistics of 17 HMR and 17 HMR2 compare in terms of bullet drop at different distances. When using a rifle zeroed at 50 yards, the chart illustrates the comparative bullet drop at 75, 100, 150, and 200 yards. For a visual representation, refer to the 17 HMR & 17 HMR2 Bullet Trajectory Chart.

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