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17 HMR – CCI 20 gr FMJ

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Ammo Reports Team 5 17 HMR

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At a Glance

Official Specs

Manufacturer-stated data. No independent verification — see Real-World Data below.

Note: CCI does not publish the test barrel length for this load on retail listings. The 2,375 fps figure matches the commonly cited value for 20 gr .17 HMR loads across multiple manufacturers, consistent with a 24″ test barrel. Actual velocity will vary — see community submissions below.

Variants

CCI produces several .17 HMR loads. This page covers the 20 gr FMJ (SKU 0055) only. Other CCI .17 HMR offerings include:

• CCI 17 gr V-Max — polymer-tipped hunting load
• CCI VNT 17 gr Varmint Tipped — high-velocity varmint load
• CCI TNT 17 gr JHP — jacketed hollow point
• CCI 16 gr Lead-Free HP — lead-free option

Each has its own report page.

Best Uses

Good fit:

• High-volume range sessions and accuracy practice where cost and barrel fouling matter
• Shooters developing loads data or testing rifle/scope setups without burning hunting ammo
• Semi-automatic .17 HMR platforms (Savage A17, CZ 512) where consistent cycling is a priority — FMJ profiles feed more reliably than some tipped designs in some actions
• Situations where local regulations prohibit expanding ammunition (rare, but applies in some jurisdictions)
• Pest control scenarios where pass-through is acceptable and terminal fragmentation is not needed

Not the right tool for:

• Varmint or small game hunting — FMJ does not expand, energy transfer is reduced, and humaneness of kill is a genuine concern at .17 HMR velocities
• Situations requiring maximum terminal performance at distance
• Any use where meat or fur preservation is desired — unpredictable wound channel without controlled expansion

Reliability Notes

Not enough data to draw conclusions. This section will be updated as submissions accumulate.

General notes from open sources:

• CCI is widely regarded as the benchmark for rimfire primer consistency. Their manufacturing process is specifically designed to distribute primer compound evenly around the entire rim circumference, which translates to lower misfire rates compared to many competitors — a relevant factor at the velocity and pressure levels of .17 HMR
• FMJ projectiles produce less barrel fouling than thin-jacketed hollow point and polymer-tipped designs — a practical advantage for longer range sessions without cleaning
• The 20 gr bullet weight at 2,375 fps produces less dramatic flight characteristics on impact with hard surfaces (steel targets, rocks) compared to fragmenting V-Max or V-Max-style loads — relevant for range safety

Competitors

Report pages for the loads above are in progress and will be linked here when published.

Price Reality

• Typical retail range: $21–23 per box of 50 (US market, 2025–2026)
• Per-round cost: approximately $0.42–0.46
• Compared to CCI’s own hunting loads: roughly equal in price — the FMJ offers no cost savings over V-Max or VNT variants, which is unusual; in most calibers FMJ is cheaper than premium hunting ammo
• Fair price benchmark: up to ~$22/box is normal; .17 HMR FMJ does not carry a price premium over expanding loads, so there is little reason to pay above the market rate

Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.

Where to Buy

Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or any editorial content on this page.

• Ammunition Depot — add link
• MidwayUSA — add link
• Brownells — add link
• Palmetto State Armory — add link

FAQ

Why does FMJ exist in .17 HMR — isn’t this caliber designed for hunting?

.17 HMR was originally developed for varmint hunting, but a significant portion of shooters use it purely for precision rimfire practice and plinking. FMJ loads serve that market — they produce less barrel fouling, behave more predictably on steel targets, and in some semi-auto actions cycle more consistently than tipped or hollow point designs. They are also occasionally required by range rules that prohibit expanding ammunition on certain target setups.

Is this load safe to use on steel targets?

FMJ at .17 HMR velocities (2,375 fps) is significantly faster than typical pistol FMJ, which means ricochet and splash risk is real. Always observe minimum safe distance rules for the specific steel target rated for the velocity. Many steel target manufacturers specify minimum distances for rimfire magnum calibers — check your target’s specifications before use. Do not assume that “FMJ = safe for steel” without verifying the target rating.

Why is the price the same as hunting loads? FMJ is usually cheaper.

.17 HMR is a low-volume specialty caliber. Unlike 9mm or .22 LR where FMJ is produced in massive quantities at low per-unit cost, .17 HMR manufacturing volume is limited regardless of bullet type. The brass case, rimfire priming, and necked-down cartridge geometry all carry fixed production costs that dominate the per-round price. The bullet itself — FMJ vs V-Max — is a smaller fraction of the total cost than in high-volume calibers.

Does FMJ affect accuracy compared to hunting loads in .17 HMR?

Bullet construction affects terminal performance, not inherently accuracy. Accuracy in .17 HMR is primarily determined by the rifle’s barrel, the consistency of the powder charge and primer, and the concentricity of the loaded round. CCI’s manufacturing reputation for consistent rimfire primer distribution is a positive factor here. Whether this specific FMJ load groups as well as a given rifle’s preferred hunting load is something only range testing — and community submissions — can answer for your specific firearm.

Can I use this for pest control around the farm?

You can, but it is not the ideal choice. FMJ bullets do not expand on impact, which reduces energy transfer and may result in less reliable, less humane kills on small animals at varying distances. For pest control where clean kills matter, an expanding load — JSP, JHP, or V-Max — is more appropriate. The FMJ is better matched to range use and accuracy testing.

Submit Your Data · Real-World Results

Manufacturer velocity figures are measured under controlled lab conditions — barrel length, temperature, and lot number all affect real-world performance. The data below comes from community submissions tied to specific test conditions and reviewed before
publishing.

Once this page reaches 3 approved submissions, aggregate velocity
and confidence level will appear here automatically.

Shot this load? Share your results — firearm type, barrel length, average velocity, shots fired, temperature. No account required.

All submissions are manually reviewed before appearing on this page.

Results vary by firearm, barrel condition, ammunition lot, and environmental factors.
Submitted data is for reference only.
AmmoReports does not guarantee accuracy of user-submitted results.

Last updated: April 2026 · Data confidence: Low (0 submissions) ·