.17 Ackley Bee (Hodgdon Rifle Data)

The 17 Ackley Bee by P.O Ackley

The 17 Ackley Bee is a classic wildcat cartridge created by P.O. Ackley, designed for shooters seeking extreme velocity and precision in a compact case. Based on the rimmed .218 Bee, this cartridge was radically necked down to accept .172-inch bullets, resulting in a flat-shooting round perfect for small game and varmint control. Though it never saw commercial production, the 17 Ackley Bee has maintained a loyal following among reloaders and custom rifle builders.

The data presented here highlights tested handloads using a 22-inch barrel with a 1:10-inch twist, ideal for stabilizing light 25-grain bullets—typically hollow points like the Hornady HP. Cases used were from Winchester, trimmed to 1.325 inches, and all loads ignited with Winchester small rifle primers. Cartridge overall length (COL) was held at 1.650 inches.

Load data shows the cartridge responds well to a range of Hodgdon powders, including BL-C(2), H-335, H-4198, and H-4227. Even at moderate pressures, the cartridge delivers excellent velocities. Starting loads such as 16.0 grains of BL-C(2) or H-335 generate just over 3,000 fps, with relatively low chamber pressures around 32,000 to 33,000 CUP—well within safe limits for most rifles chambered for the round.

As pressure increases, performance significantly improves. Maximum loads with 17.0 grains of BL-C(2) reach 3,294 fps, while the same charge of H-335 pushes bullets at 3,288 fps, producing pressures near 39,600 CUP. Notably, H-4198 and H-4227 proved to be more efficient high-energy powders for this case. The top-end 13.5-grain charge of H-4198 generated 3,365 fps at 45,300 CUP, while 11.0 grains of H-4227 produced 3,131 fps, also at the upper limit of 45,300 CUP.

These results show that the 17 Ackley Bee can deliver magnum-like velocities in a small case, rivaling larger cartridges like the 17 Remington in performance while using less powder. This efficiency is one of the key reasons the cartridge has endured in the wildcat community.

However, like all .17-caliber rounds, the 17 Ackley Bee demands careful attention to case preparation and load precision. Its small bore diameter means fouling can quickly degrade accuracy, and minor changes in charge weight can significantly affect pressures. Additionally, as with all wildcats, there is no commercial factory ammunition, making this a handloader's cartridge from start to finish.

In terms of application, the 17 Ackley Bee shines in varmint and pest control. Its high velocity and light bullets offer flat trajectories and explosive terminal effects on small targets like ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and crows, while the minimal recoil makes follow-up shots quick and easy.

In summary, the 17 Ackley Bee is a highly effective and rewarding wildcat for precision-minded shooters. It offers excellent velocity, efficient powder usage, and tack-driving potential when paired with the right components and careful handloading practices. Even decades after its introduction, it remains a benchmark for small-caliber, high-speed performance.