Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off Review

Why the Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off Might Be Right for You

When it comes to reliable pest control and small game hunting at rimfire distances, precision and terminal performance are paramount. This is where Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off enters the fray, promising a potent combination of accuracy and explosive expansion. My pursuit of a rimfire round that could deliver consistent results on challenging varmint targets, particularly in less-than-ideal field conditions, led me to explore this specific offering from Federal. While other options exist, such as standard .22 LR rounds for closer work or higher-velocity magnum rounds for extreme ranges, this .17 HMR ammunition aims to bridge that gap effectively. My initial impression upon handling the box and cartridges was one of professional packaging and a clear indication of a quality product, sparking a sense of cautious optimism.

Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds for this particular rimfire ammunition were a familiar prairie dog colony in late spring, a scenario where rapid deployment and precise shot placement are critical. I loaded up my preferred .17 HMR rifle, a platform known for its inherent accuracy, and set out. The rounds fed flawlessly from the magazine, a crucial first step that immediately instilled confidence in their reliability.

In terms of performance, the first few shots were promising. The light bullet seemed to carry its velocity well, and initial impacts on target were clean and decisive. I encountered a variety of conditions, including moderate crosswinds and fluctuating temperatures, which are typical for early season varmint hunting. The ammunition performed consistently across these variables, demonstrating an admirable resistance to environmental shifts.

Ease of use was, as expected, straightforward. Being a direct load-and-shoot proposition, there was no learning curve beyond the standard operation of the firearm itself. The consistent ballistics meant that adjusting for range became a predictable process, rather than a series of educated guesses.

One minor surprise was the sheer explosiveness of the expansion on impact, even on smaller targets. While this is the intended effect for varmint control, it was more pronounced than I had initially anticipated from such a small-caliber round. It’s a testament to the TNT bullet design, which the manufacturer highlights.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of dedicated prairie dog hunting and some informal target practice at extended distances, this ammunition has proven itself to be a reliable performer. It has become my go-to for varmint control sessions where distance is a factor and rapid follow-up shots are often necessary. I’ve subjected the rounds to extended periods in my range bag, exposed to the dust and occasional light moisture of field use, and have seen no degradation in performance.

Durability, in the context of ammunition, translates to consistent ignition and ballistic integrity. I have experienced zero misfires or hangfires with this Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off, which speaks volumes about the quality of the priming and propellant. Even after multiple trips to the field and exposure to varying conditions, the accuracy has remained impressively stable.

Maintenance is, of course, not applicable to the ammunition itself, but rather the firearm it feeds. The clean-burning propellant leaves minimal fouling in the action, which is a welcome benefit during extended shooting sessions. Compared to some lesser-known brands I’ve experimented with in the past, these rounds require less frequent barrel cleaning to maintain peak accuracy.

When stacked against other .17 HMR loads I’ve used, these Federal Premium rounds consistently hold their own, often exceeding expectations in terms of terminal performance. While some ultra-premium boutique rounds might offer marginal gains in absolute precision at extreme ranges, the balance of accuracy, reliability, and destructive effect offered by this TNT load is hard to beat for its intended purpose.

Breaking Down the Features of Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off

Specifications

This ammunition is chambered in the potent .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire caliber, a cartridge renowned for its flat trajectory and high velocity. Each cartridge features a 17 grain Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullet, meticulously engineered for rapid expansion. The case material is standard Brass, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction.

The stated muzzle velocity is an impressive 2550 ft/s, contributing to its flat trajectory and reduced need for dialing in significant elevation adjustments. This translates to a practical advantage in the field, allowing for quicker target acquisition and engagement. The muzzle energy clocks in at 245 ft-lbs, indicating substantial impact force for its size.

The sectional density of 0.291 provides a good balance between bullet weight and diameter, further enhancing its penetration and expansion capabilities. This specific offering comes in a 50-round box, a common package size for rimfire ammunition, making it convenient for range trips and hunting excursions alike. The Rimfire primer style is standard for this class of ammunition.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off is to efficiently dispatch varmints and small predators with minimal suffering. It excels at this task through a combination of pinpoint accuracy and devastating terminal ballistics. The Speer TNT bullet design is the star here, featuring a thin jacket that ruptops on impact, creating a fragmentation effect.

This ammunition consistently delivers extreme accuracy, which is fundamental for varmint hunting where clean shots are crucial. The hollow point design ensures explosive expansion on impact, vaporizing tissue and bone for quick incapacitation. This is precisely what one looks for when dealing with unpredictable small game.

While generally exceeding expectations for its intended application, the sheer effectiveness of the expansion can sometimes be a double-edged sword. On very small varmints, such as ground squirrels, the result can be, to put it mildly, total destruction. This is a common characteristic of many rapid-expansion JHP rounds in smaller calibers, but it’s worth noting if you’re looking to preserve pelts or specimens.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this ammunition is centered around the Speer TNT bullet. This bullet features a precisely controlled jacket thickness, which is the key to its rapid and reliable expansion. The core of the bullet is designed to fragment upon impact with soft tissue, creating multiple wound channels.

The reliable priming and propellant are hallmarks of Federal Premium ammunition. This ensures consistent ignition and burn rate, which directly contributes to the predictable ballistics and accuracy. The brass casing is well-formed, allowing for smooth feeding in a variety of firearms chambered in .17 HMR.

Durability & Maintenance

Ammunition, by its nature, is designed for a single use, but its inherent durability lies in its shelf life and consistent performance over time. The sealed primers and well-constructed cases of this Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off suggest good longevity when stored properly. I have found no evidence of casing degradation or primer issues even when stored for extended periods.

Maintenance for ammunition is primarily about proper storage. Keeping the cartridges in their original box in a cool, dry environment will ensure they perform as intended for years. There are no specific failure points to watch out for beyond standard ammunition handling precautions.

Accessories and Customization Options

As ammunition, this product does not come with accessories, nor does it offer customization in the traditional sense. Its purpose is to be loaded into a compatible firearm and fired. However, the firearm it is used in might have accessories.

For example, a high-quality scope is essential for maximizing the accuracy potential of this ammunition, especially at longer ranges. A bipod can also significantly improve stability for precise shots. These aren’t accessories for the ammunition itself, but rather for the platform that deploys it.

Pros and Cons of Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off

Who Should Buy Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off?

This ammunition is ideally suited for varmint hunters and small predator control enthusiasts who utilize firearms chambered in .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire. If your primary goal is the rapid and humane dispatch of targets like prairie dogs, groundhogs, squirrels, or coyotes at distances where rimfire is effective, this is an excellent choice. It’s also a great option for those who appreciate a flat-shooting cartridge and appreciate the confidence that comes with explosive terminal performance.

Those who need to preserve pelts or are engaged in pest control on very small vermin might want to explore other bullet types, such as varmint grenades or ballistic tips that offer controlled expansion without excessive fragmentation. It is also not suitable for larger game or situations requiring deep penetration beyond what a .17 HMR can reliably provide. For maximizing the effectiveness of this ammunition, I highly recommend pairing it with a quality scope with target turrets and a stable shooting platform like a bipod.

Conclusion on Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off

In summary, Federal Premium Varmint & Predator TNT .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 Grain Hollow Point Rimfire Ammunition P770 $1.00 Off is a highly effective and accurate round for its intended purpose. The combination of the Speer TNT bullet’s design and Federal’s commitment to quality manufacturing results in ammunition that performs exceptionally well in the field. Its extreme accuracy and explosive expansion make it a top-tier choice for anyone serious about varmint control.

Considering the price, especially with the current $1.00 Off promotion, this ammunition offers a compelling value proposition. The reliability and performance far outweigh the cost for dedicated hunters. I wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to any .17 HMR shooter looking for a powerful and precise round for varmint and predator engagement.