.17 Rem Fireball Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.17 Rem Fireball: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Small Rifle |
| Used For | Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 2007 |
.17 Rem Fireball: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Extremely high velocity for flat trajectory
- ✔ Minimal recoil for comfortable shooting
- ✔ Excellent accuracy at medium ranges
- ✔ Low wind drift compared to larger calibers
- ✔ Minimal pelt damage for varmint hunting
Cons
- ✘ Limited to small game and varmints
- ✘ Relatively expensive ammunition
- ✘ Less common than other varmint calibers
- ✘ Performance drops quickly at longer ranges
- ✘ Requires frequent barrel cleaning due to high velocity
.17 Rem Fireball Ammo: In Depth
The .17 Remington Fireball is a high-velocity, flat-shooting rimless cartridge designed for varmint hunting and target shooting. Introduced by Remington Arms in 2007, it's essentially a shortened version of the .17 Remington, offering similar performance with less powder and reduced recoil. Known for its exceptional accuracy and minimal wind drift, the .17 Rem Fireball has gained popularity among varmint hunters and precision shooters.
History and Development
The .17 Remington Fireball was developed by Remington Arms Company in 2007. It was created as a response to the growing popularity of small-caliber, high-velocity cartridges in the varmint hunting and target shooting markets. The cartridge is based on a shortened .221 Fireball case necked down to .17 caliber, which allows it to achieve high velocities while maintaining low recoil and minimal report.
Remington designed the .17 Fireball to offer performance similar to the larger .17 Remington, but in a more compact package that could be used in shorter actions. This design choice resulted in a cartridge that uses less powder, produces less muzzle blast, and generates less barrel heat than its predecessor, making it more suitable for extended shooting sessions.
The .17 Rem Fireball quickly gained a following among varmint hunters and target shooters due to its flat trajectory, minimal wind drift, and exceptional accuracy. Its high velocity and lightweight bullets make it particularly effective for small game hunting at ranges up to 300 yards, while also minimizing pelt damage.
Since its introduction, several rifle manufacturers have chambered bolt-action and single-shot rifles for the .17 Rem Fireball. The cartridge has found particular success in custom and semi-custom rifles designed for precision varmint hunting and long-range target shooting.
Ballistic Performance
The .17 Rem Fireball typically fires a 20-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 4,000 feet per second, generating 710 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle. This high velocity results in a very flat trajectory, with only about 2.5 inches of bullet drop at 200 yards when zeroed at 100 yards. The cartridge\'s lightweight bullets and high velocity also contribute to minimal wind drift, making it an excellent choice for shooting in windy conditions.
Despite its high velocity, the .17 Rem Fireball produces minimal recoil, making it comfortable to shoot even in lightweight rifles. This low recoil, combined with its accuracy potential, makes the cartridge popular for both hunting and target shooting applications.
Timeline of .17 Rem Fireball Development:
.17 Rem Fireball Performance
The .17 Rem Fireball offers excellent performance characteristics that have made it popular for varmint hunting and target shooting. Here\'s a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 4,000 fps (20-grain bullets) Measured at the muzzle |
| Energy | 710 ft-lbs at the muzzle (20-grain bullets) Provides excellent performance for varmint hunting |
| Trajectory | 2.5-inch drop at 200 yards (100-yard zero) Very flat trajectory ideal for long-range varmint hunting |
| Wind Drift | 1.5 inches at 200 yards in a 10 mph crosswind Minimal wind drift compared to larger calibers |
| Recoil | Minimal, allowing for quick follow-up shots Comfortable to shoot even in lightweight rifles |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .17 Rem Fireball loads.
.17 Rem Fireball: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .17 Rem Fireball ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Varmint Hunting | 0-300 | Excellent for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other small varmints |
| Small Game Hunting | 0-200 | Suitable for rabbits and similar-sized game, minimal pelt damage |
| Target Shooting | 0-400 | Capable of impressive accuracy at longer ranges with proper loads |
| Benchrest Competition | 0-300 | Popular for its accuracy and low recoil in benchrest shooting |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .17 Rem Fireball is known for its flat trajectory and exceptional accuracy at moderate ranges. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .17 Rem Fireball
The .17 Rem Fireball\'s performance profile makes it suitable for specific applications:
Caliber Comparisons for .17 Rem Fireball
To understand the .17 Rem Fireball\'s place in the rifle world, it\'s helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .17 Rem Fireball with other popular varmint cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .17 Rem Fireball with other popular varmint cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .17 Rem Fireball with other popular varmint cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .17 Rem Fireball with other popular varmint cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .17 Rem Fireball Ammo
The .17 Rem Fireball is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory. This table compares the sectional density of common bullet weights used in this cartridge.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .17 Rem Fireball | 20 | 0.114 |
| .17 Rem Fireball | 25 | 0.142 |
| .17 Rem Fireball | 30 | 0.171 |
| .17 Rem Fireball | 32 | 0.182 |
Note: The .17 Rem Fireball is designed for high velocity and flat trajectory, making it popular for varmint hunting and target shooting at moderate ranges. Despite its relatively low sectional density compared to larger calibers, its high velocity contributes to its effectiveness.