.17 Remington loads

.17 Remington Loads

The .17 Remington, introduced by Remington Arms in 1971, continues to be a sought-after cartridge among varmint and precision shooters. Based on the .223 Remington case necked down to .172 caliber, the cartridge delivers blistering velocities—frequently exceeding 4,000 feet per second—paired with a flat trajectory and virtually no recoil. These characteristics make it ideal for long-range shooting of small game with surgical precision.

This handload data, sourced from Handloader Issue #117 – September, 1985, reflects thorough testing focused on balancing velocity, accuracy, and barrel health. Bullet weights in this testing typically range from 20 to 25 grains. Lighter options, such as Hornady V-MAX or polymer-tipped bullets, are favored for maximum velocity and explosive impact, while 25-grain hollow points are selected for better performance in windy conditions.

Powder selection is critical with the small-capacity .17 case, and powders like IMR 4198, Benchmark, and Hodgdon H335 were featured in the testing. These propellants provide reliable metering, clean burn, and stability in velocity spread. A widely cited combination was a 20-grain bullet over 23.5 grains of IMR 4198 with a Remington 7½ Bench Rest primer, achieving muzzle velocities around 4,030 fps with sub-MOA groups from a 24" barrel.

Despite its straight-line performance, the .17 Remington is susceptible to barrel fouling due to the high velocity and small bore. The data emphasizes rigorous cleaning intervals—every 25 shots or even fewer—to maintain accuracy. Case prep, consistent neck tension, and seating depth also play essential roles in maintaining stable and repeatable accuracy.

The rifle’s minimal report and negligible recoil contribute to quick target acquisition and follow-up shots, even during extended shooting sessions. These loads also emphasize maintaining brass longevity while pushing the performance envelope, resulting in reliable, tight-shooting handloads that remain highly effective today.

Source: Handloader Issue #117 – September, 1985