Ruger Mark II 77/17 17 Hornet 24" Heavy Barrel 6 Round Stainless Steel Green Mountain Laminate Bolt Action Rifle 7212

Wildcatters have necked the 22 Hornet case down to 17 caliber for many years, but it wasn't until 2011 that Hornady introduced the 17 Hornet as a factory cartridge. Hornady's version removes some of the body taper and has a shorter, sharper shoulder, considerably increasing powder capacity. Propelling a 20-grain bullet at 3650 feet per second, the 17 Hornet is much faster--and much more modern--than its parent, the 22 Hornet. 17-caliber bullets are simply to light to buck wind particularly well, but the 17 Hornet is a very capable cartridge for small varmints out to perhaps 200 yards and, on a calm day, a bit beyond. Accuracy tends to be very good, the report is mild, and recoil is nonexistant. Ammunition (and usually rifles) are costlier than 17 HMR, but the 17 Hornet is a much more effective varmint cartridge, suitable for use in open country and use at greater ranges than either 22 Hornet or the 17 HMR. — Craig Boddington