Description
CCI VNT 17 HMR 17gr Varmint Tipped is CCI item 923CC, a 125 round carton of fast, flat-shooting 17 HMR ammo. It uses a 17 grain polymer tipped Speer bullet with a very thin jacket, and it is built for varmint hunting and long range rimfire target work.
Who Makes CCI VNT 17 HMR 17gr Varmint Tipped
CCI, based in Lewiston, Idaho, is one of the largest rimfire ammunition makers in the world. Its VNT line, short for Varmint, uses bullets from sister company Speer, built specifically for rapid expansion on small animals.
CCI describes the VNT bullet as having an extremely thin jacket and a polymer tip, which work together to deliver flat trajectories, long range accuracy and explosive terminal performance. The polymer tip also helps the bullet resist deformation in the magazine.
The 125 round carton is a convenient middle size, more than a standard 50 round box but less of a commitment than a full brick. It suits a day on a prairie dog town or a season of varmint control around a farm.
The 17 HMR was introduced in 2002 by Hornady, based on a necked-down 22 Magnum case. It quickly became popular with varmint hunters because it shoots much flatter than any 22 rimfire, and loads like CCI VNT 17 HMR 17gr Varmint Tipped are a large part of the reason for that popularity.
Specifications and Performance
CCI lists CCI VNT 17 HMR 17gr Varmint Tipped at 2,650 fps at the muzzle, 2,305 fps at 50 yards, 2,142 fps at 75 yards and 1,986 fps at 100 yards. That flat trajectory is the main reason hunters choose the 17 HMR over the 22 Magnum for small targets at distance.
With a 100 yard zero, the bullet stays within about an inch of the line of sight out to around 125 yards, which makes holds simple. Beyond about 150 yards wind drift becomes the limiting factor for the light 17 grain bullet, so pick your shots on breezy days.
The 17 HMR is also known for accuracy. Many rifles will group within an inch at 100 yards with quality ammunition, and the low recoil lets you watch your hits through the scope. Try a few groups with this load in your rifle before you buy in bulk, as every barrel has its preferences.
- Product: CCI VNT 17 HMR 17gr Varmint Tipped
- Manufacturer item number: 923CC
- Cartridge: 17 HMR
- Bullet: 17 grain Speer polymer tipped varmint bullet
- Muzzle velocity: 2,650 fps
- Velocity at 100 yards: 1,986 fps
- Quantity: 125 rounds per carton
- UPC: 604544655636
Field Notes
The VNT bullet is designed to fragment, not to penetrate deeply. It is ideal for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, crows and similar varmints, and it reduces ricochet risk compared with solid bullets. It is not a good choice for larger animals such as coyotes at long range, where a heavier bullet or a centrefire cartridge is more humane.
17 HMR ammo is only for firearms chambered in 17 HMR. It is not interchangeable with 17 Mach 2, 17 WSM or 22 Magnum, so check the barrel stamp before loading.
Rimfire bullets carry a long way, so make sure of a safe backstop. Varmint hunting over flat ground calls for extra care about what lies beyond your target.
Clean your 17 HMR bore periodically with a 17 caliber rod and brush. The small bore can build up fouling faster than larger calibers, and a clean barrel helps maintain the accuracy that makes this cartridge worth shooting.
Store ammunition cool and dry. Buyers must be at least 18 for rimfire rifle ammunition, and some states add extra rules for ammunition purchases.
Browse our full ammunition selection for other rimfire ammo, compare the CCI Mini-Mag 22LR 36gr CPHP 300 Round, and see CCI VNT for ballistics.
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