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.
