.17 Kimber Hornet

.17 Kimber Hornet

The .17 Kimber Hornet is a lesser-known wildcat cartridge that holds a quiet but respected place in the evolution of sub-caliber varmint rounds. Developed by Kimber of Oregon during the company’s early years, the cartridge was designed to push the limits of the classic Hornet case by pairing it with the advantages of the .17 caliber — all while maintaining simplicity and efficiency for handloaders.

Like many Hornet-based wildcats, the .17 Kimber Hornet is built from the parent .22 Hornet case, necked down to accept a .172-inch bullet. What sets it apart from other .17 wildcats — such as the .17 Ackley Hornet or .17 K Hornet — is its emphasis on consistent performance using standard brass and minimal case modification. The design retains more of the original Hornet case geometry, which makes it more forgiving when forming brass and loading for field use.

Kimber rifles chambered in this cartridge were known for their precision and elegant construction. These small, lightweight rifles quickly became favorites for varmint hunters who valued portability and pinpoint accuracy. The cartridge was tuned for high-velocity performance with minimal recoil, making it ideal for long hours afield shooting ground squirrels, jackrabbits, or prairie dogs.

Handloaders experimenting with the .17 Kimber Hornet typically find success with fast-burning powders such as H4198, Lil’Gun, and AA1680. The sweet spot in bullet weights lies between 20 and 25 grains, where velocities often fall between 3,300 and 3,600 fps depending on barrel length and powder charge. Despite its diminutive case size, the cartridge generates respectable energy for its class and delivers explosive terminal effects on varmints — often anchoring targets instantly with minimal pelt damage.

Where the .17 Kimber Hornet truly shines is in its balance. It offers a unique mix of old-school wildcat charm with modern, user-friendly behavior. Reloaders appreciate its straightforward brass conversion and the fact that it doesn't stress components as aggressively as higher-pressure alternatives. This translates to excellent case life and forgiving pressure curves when loads are worked up carefully.

Despite its excellent performance, the .17 Kimber Hornet remains a rarity. Factory brass and ammunition have never been produced in large quantities, and rifles chambered for it are now mostly found among collectors or dedicated wildcat enthusiasts. Still, those who’ve had the opportunity to work with the cartridge often describe it as an ideal blend of utility and elegance — delivering fast, flat-shooting results without the noise, barrel wear, or recoil of larger rounds.

Today, the .17 Kimber Hornet stands as a quiet tribute to a time when wildcatting was as much an art as it was a science. Though overshadowed by newer commercial offerings, it remains a solid performer in the hands of reloaders who appreciate its simplicity, history, and effectiveness in the field.

Source: Wolfe Publishing