Hornady Superformance Varmint 17 Hornet 20 Grain V-MAX Polymer Tip Ammo - Box of 25

The Hornady Superformance Varmint 17 Hornet 20 grain V-MAX polymer tip ammo delivers flat-shooting performance for varmint hunters who want real-world speed without the recoil penalty. Unlike other high-velocity rounds, Superformance Varmint achieves velocity gains of 100–200 fps from every gun—not just handloaded edge cases—while maintaining the same cartridge length as the 22 Hornet so it runs in standard actions. That means you get trajectory closer to a traditional 55-grain .223 Remington but with felt recoil that mirrors a .22 WMR. It's the practical balance between raw performance and shootability in the field.

The 20-grain V-MAX bullet is built for explosive terminal performance on varmints under 50 pounds. Hornady's polymer tip and V-MAX jacket are engineered to expand reliably on small, fast-moving targets—delivering the devastating results that make varmint control efficient and humane. This is ammunition designed to work, not to show up. Superformance Varmint also runs cleaner than many alternatives, with less fouling and reduced barrel wear compared to the 17 Remington, which adds up over a season of trigger time.

If you're running a .17 Hornet and want to maximize velocity without handloading complexity or the cost of other small-caliber varmint rounds, this is straightforward ammo that performs. Box of 25 rounds.

Key Features

• 20-grain V-MAX polymer tip bullet engineered for varmint expansion
• Velocity gain of 100–200 fps across all firearms
• Same cartridge length as 22 Hornet—compatible with existing actions
• Flatter trajectory and less wind drift than standard loads
• Lower fouling and reduced barrel wear
• Recoil impulse comparable to .22 WMR for extended shooting sessions

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this ammo work in my .17 Hornet rifle?

Yes. Superformance Varmint 17 Hornet uses the same cartridge length as the 22 Hornet, so it feeds and cycles in standard .17 Hornet actions without modification.

What's the velocity increase compared to standard loads?

Hornady's Superformance Varmint delivers 100–200 fps velocity gains from every firearm. This translates to flatter trajectory, reduced wind drift, and extended effective range for varmint work.

Is this ammo suitable for hunting small varmints like prairie dogs and ground squirrels?

Yes. The 20-grain V-MAX bullet is designed for varmints under 50 pounds, making it ideal for prairie dog towns, ground squirrels, and similar small-game applications where rapid, reliable expansion is essential.

How does the recoil compare to other high-velocity rifle cartridges?

Despite its velocity, the felt recoil is comparable to a .22 WMR—much lighter than a full-power varmint rifle. This makes it easier to control follow-up shots and shoot for extended sessions without fatigue.