.17 K Hornet (John Barsness Data)

.17 K Hornet (John Barsness Data)

The .17 K Hornet, as explored through the work of respected gun writer John Barsness, represents a thoughtful evolution of the classic .17 Hornet — a cartridge already known for its minimal recoil and exceptional varmint performance. The "K" in its name stands for "Kilimanjaro," a nod to Lysle Kilbourn, the original developer of the improved .22 K Hornet. This wildcat version of the .17 Hornet brings several small but important refinements that appeal to reloaders seeking improved case life, enhanced velocity potential, and tighter chambering tolerances.

Barsness' experience with the .17 K Hornet highlights the balance it strikes between old-world charm and modern ballistic efficiency. Unlike its parent case, which can exhibit some variation in shoulder angle and neck tension, the K version sharpens the shoulder to 40 degrees and minimizes case taper. These changes improve powder burn consistency and reduce the amount of brass flow during repeated firings — a benefit that becomes apparent after only a few reload cycles. Barsness often notes how these changes extend the useful life of cases and reduce the need for trimming and neck turning.

The data derived from Barsness’ tests typically involved 20 to 25 grain bullets, with the 20-grain V-MAX and 25-grain Hornady hollow points delivering standout accuracy and performance. Using powders like Hodgdon’s Lil’Gun, H110, and Accurate 1680, the .17 K Hornet consistently produced velocities ranging from 3,500 to 3,750 fps without excessive pressure signs. Barsness was especially impressed by how the cartridge responded to careful charge weights, with many loads yielding half-inch groups at 100 yards when paired with high-quality optics and tuned rifles.

Another highlight of Barsness’ data is his attention to real-world field use. The .17 K Hornet wasn't just a benchrest novelty — it was a practical, repeatable performer on ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and other small game across the western United States. Its light report, paired with minimal pelt damage and almost no recoil, made it a perfect walking varmint rifle for shooters who enjoy spending long hours in the field. Barsness often pointed out that follow-up shots were nearly instantaneous, since the rifle never needed to be re-shouldered after recoil — a trait not commonly found in centerfire cartridges.

Though the .17 K Hornet remains a wildcat cartridge and requires fireforming .17 Hornet brass to its improved chamber dimensions, Barsness made it clear that the process is relatively simple and low-risk. Once formed, the cases showed admirable longevity and could be reloaded multiple times with minimal degradation.

In a world of ever-expanding cartridge offerings, the .17 K Hornet holds onto its niche with pride. Barsness' data affirms that while it may not be mainstream, it absolutely deserves a spot on the bench of any serious varmint shooter or wildcat enthusiast. It combines elegance, economy, and deadly efficiency — the kind of traits that define handloading at its best.

Source: Wolfe Publishing