.17 VHA

.17 VHA

The .17 VHA (Varminter High-Performance Accuracy), though not a mainstream cartridge, has quietly developed a loyal following among precision varmint shooters. Designed with high velocity, minimal recoil, and consistent accuracy in mind, the .17 VHA is a wildcat based on the .221 Fireball case, necked down to accept a .172-inch bullet. This small but potent cartridge delivers performance levels often exceeding 3,800 feet per second with bullets in the 20-grain range, making it an efficient and explosive choice for small game and varmint hunting.

What sets the .17 VHA apart from similar cartridges like the .17 Remington Fireball is its emphasis on optimized case geometry and efficiency. The parent .221 Fireball case offers a solid foundation for low powder capacity paired with high velocity potential, helping preserve barrel life while maintaining flat trajectories. Many handloaders appreciate the cartridge’s flexibility and report excellent performance with powders like Hodgdon Benchmark, Accurate 1680, and H4198.

In tests conducted and published in Rifle’s Varmint – 2014, the .17 VHA demonstrated sub-MOA accuracy with several bullet and powder combinations, particularly when paired with 20-grain V-MAX or Nosler Tipped bullets. Standard barrel lengths of 22 to 24 inches allowed handloads to achieve consistent velocities over 3,900 fps, with minimal wind drift and excellent terminal performance on varmints like prairie dogs and ground squirrels.

The cartridge’s compact case design results in reduced powder consumption, producing less fouling and prolonging barrel life—both attractive qualities for high-volume shooters. Reloaders also value the VHA’s forgiving nature, often noting how it feeds reliably in custom and modified actions originally chambered in .221 Fireball or .17 Fireball.

Though factory brass and dies may not be readily available due to the wildcat nature of the round, forming .17 VHA brass is relatively straightforward for experienced handloaders. Cases are typically necked down from .221 Fireball with minor adjustments to shoulder and neck dimensions, and careful annealing is recommended to prevent neck splits.

Overall, the .17 VHA fills a unique niche for varmint hunters seeking high velocity in a compact and efficient package. Its blend of speed, accuracy, and reloading versatility ensures that it remains a respected option in the growing field of small-caliber precision cartridges.

Source: Wolfe Publishing