17 Hornet HP choices

K

kfin

Member
I have just gotten my 17 Hornet, Savage Model 25. Have not had a chance to shoot it but a few rounds but am really excited about the accuracy of those shots. I purchased some of the factory Hornady 25 gr HP and the 20 grain vmax factory ammo to get my brass ready for reloading. I love the vmax bullets in general in 223 but want a fur friendly round for hunting coyotes, fox, bobcat and the occasional coon. Seems to me from my research, both on here and the Saubier forum, that the best bullets for fur friendly are the HP bullets. The Hornady factory loads grouped great but I've only shot a dozen of them.

There are 4 HP bullets that I know of made for this caliber. The 25 gr Berger is by far the most expensive, Hornady 25 gr, Nosler 25 gr Varmageddon, and the Midway Dogtown 20 gr bullet. Have any of you used all of these? Most of my rifle reloading has always been either Hornady or Nosler bullets. I have ordered a box of the Hornady and Dogtown HPs and also both 20 and 25 grain vmax. Would it be worth buying a box of the Berger and Noslers to try out a load or two with? Any experience with any of them? Most of the discussions about loading this caliber speak mainly of which powder. I have 6 powders to try out that I bought specifically for this gun.

Thanks for any words of experience. Are the Berger bullets that much better than the rest of them to justify about 40% more cash? Dogtowns shoot as accurately as the others as they are a little bit less than the middle 2?

Keith
 
I've only used the Noslers, Hornady and Dogtowns myself....they all shot great but my fur experience has been limited to a few squirrels. Accuracy wise my Ruger 17/77 has loved everything I've fed it, I've yet to shoot ammo factory or handloads that don't do better than MOA
 
That is kind of what I'm thinking. It probably isn't going to make that big of a difference for me...I'm struggling ordering a box of those Bergers when I could order 2 of something else. But if folks think they are that much better, I'd try one to see in my rifle.
 
The Bergers are 200/box so...

I have killed around 50 coyotes and at least that many fox with the 25gr Bergers. They are worth the premium IMO, and yes I skin and stitch everything I shoot that doesn't have mange. Ive killed both fox and coyotes with the Hornady 25 gr HP and Vmax. Given a choice of the 2 i would go HP.
 
I have tried all of those plus the 20 grain Berger, the 25 grain Calhoon, and the 25 grain Remington hollow points. But this was in my .17 Remington. While I like the accurate and explosive 20 grain Vmax for critters 400 yards and less critters like squirrels and prairie dogs, I think that the 25 grain Hornady HP is what would suit you best. I have not killed anything larger than a Wyoming prairie dog with them but if I were going after rock chucks or coyote or badgers that would be the bullet that I used. The Berger might be better but I have not ever shot anything as large as a coyote with them. I have shot thousands and thousands of .17 caliber bullets since 1979 but over 99% of them have been through one of my .17 Remingtons. I have only had .17 Hornet for a few months so I sure aint no expert on that round.
 
For me the currently available Berger 25's(match varmint) are not good performers on stuff larger than raccoon, out of the bigger 17's. However the lower starting velocity of the hornet may result in better penetration. Out of the 17 rem I see 1-3" of penetration, this is not good for winter coyote in Mn. For Fox,raccoon and bobcat this bullet is excellent and will reduce fur damage. There really is nothing wrong with the Hornady hp, still far less damage than a 223,22-250 etc. on the smaller furbearers.
 
Get the cheapest 20gr you can for high volume shooting / stuff you don’t mind blowing large holes in.

Spend the money on the Berger 25gr HP’s for your fur hunting. If you were only hunting coyotes or using a bigger 17, I’d say try the hornady 25gr HP’s first, but I think you’ll be happier with the bergers in the hornet when a smaller critter comes in...I’ve shot dozens and dozens of treed coons with most of the 17 bullets commercially produced (and a few that aren’t) and nothing kills like the Berger 25 at 2900-3100 FPS...tiny hole in, no exits and they act like they got struck by lightning...worth every penny.
 
Last edited:
Thanks....that was what I was really wanting to hear from somebody who has done it for fur.

I am in total agreement on using the HP for anything that I want to keep the fur on. Really glad to hear from somebody who has shot more than the occasional critter with one. I'll buy a box of the Berger and give them a test on the same type critter at the same distances.

I got a chance to shoot it today at 100 yards. 20 mph wind will move that little bullet a bit. lol Had a good time and am getting some brass to start reloading my own pills. Sure wish that it was as inexpensive as the 22 hornet.
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top