.17 Ackley Hornet in a Martini

.17 Ackley Hornet in a Martini: Vintage Rifle, Wildcat Performance

The marriage of the .17 Ackley Hornet with a Martini-action rifle is a striking blend of old-world craftsmanship and wildcat innovation. The Martini — originally a single-shot, lever-actuated military rifle platform from the late 19th century — offers a strong, simple action that lends itself beautifully to precision varmint cartridges like the Ackley Hornet. When chambered for this high-velocity .17-caliber wildcat, the result is a quiet, elegant, and deadly-accurate tool for small game and target shooting.

The .17 Ackley Hornet, developed by P.O. Ackley as an improved version of the .22 Hornet, brings sharper case geometry and improved powder efficiency to the table. When fired from a well-tuned Martini action, shooters benefit from the rifle’s rigid receiver, crisp break, and minimal moving parts — making it ideal for extracting every bit of accuracy from Ackley’s design. Many enthusiasts have reported sub-MOA performance with handloads in the 20-grain range, achieving velocities over 3,600 fps with a whisper-light report.

This combination is especially appealing to traditionalists and tinkerers alike. The compact Martini action keeps rifle weight low, and the single-shot configuration encourages deliberate, focused shooting. Reloaders forming cases from .22 Hornet brass find the process straightforward, and the Martini’s forgiving chambering process makes it ideal for custom builds or vintage sporter conversions.

The .17 Ackley Hornet in a Martini rifle remains a favorite among collectors, small-game hunters, and experimental handloaders — a nod to both firearm heritage and ballistic creativity. It’s a rifle-and-cartridge pairing that feels like a page from history but performs like something far newer.

Source: Handloader Issue #153 – September, 1991