.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 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 its size
- ✔ Very flat trajectory
- ✔ Minimal recoil
- ✔ Excellent accuracy at short to medium ranges
- ✔ Less wind drift than larger .17 caliber rounds
Cons
- ✘ Limited to small game and varmint hunting
- ✘ Relatively expensive ammunition
- ✘ Less effective in windy conditions compared to heavier bullets
- ✘ Limited bullet selection compared to more popular calibers
- ✘ Shorter effective range than some larger varmint cartridges
.17 Rem Fireball: A Comprehensive Overview
The .17 Rem 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 .204 Ruger case necked down to .17 caliber. Known for its exceptional accuracy, minimal recoil, and impressive ballistic performance, the .17 Rem Fireball has gained popularity among varmint hunters and precision shooters.
Development and Characteristics
The .17 Rem Fireball was developed to offer a high-performance option for varmint hunters and target shooters who desired a cartridge with less powder capacity than the .17 Remington but more power than the .17 HMR. It achieves velocities of around 4,000 fps with 20-grain bullets, while maintaining minimal recoil and report.
This cartridge is based on the .204 Ruger case, shortened to 1.350 inches and necked down to accept .17 caliber bullets. The result is a compact yet potent round that delivers excellent accuracy and flat trajectory, making it ideal for long-range varmint hunting and target shooting up to 300 yards.
The .17 Rem Fireball's design allows it to be chambered in short-action rifles, offering a balance between power and portability. Its high velocity and light bullet weight contribute to minimal wind drift and drop, enhancing its effectiveness for small target engagement at varying distances.
Performance and Applications
The .17 Rem Fireball excels in varmint hunting scenarios, particularly for animals like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and coyotes. Its high velocity and lightweight bullets result in explosive impact on small targets, while the flat trajectory allows for precise shot placement at extended ranges.
In target shooting applications, the .17 Rem Fireball's minimal recoil and high accuracy potential make it a favorite among benchrest and long-range shooters. The cartridge's performance characteristics allow shooters to spot their own impacts through the scope, facilitating quick follow-up shots and improving overall shooting efficiency.
While primarily designed for varmint hunting and target shooting, some hunters have successfully used the .17 Rem Fireball for small game hunting. However, its use on larger game is generally discouraged due to the limited bullet weight and energy at extended ranges.
Timeline of .17 Rem Fireball Development:
.17 Rem Fireball Performance Characteristics
The .17 Rem Fireball offers impressive ballistic performance, particularly for its size. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 20-25 grains Most common loadings use 20-grain bullets |
| Muzzle Velocity | 4,000-4,200 fps with 20-grain bullets Velocity varies based on specific load and barrel length |
| Effective Range | 300 yards Optimal for varmint hunting and target shooting |
| Energy | 700-800 ft-lbs at the muzzle (20-grain bullets) Sufficient for varmint hunting applications |
| Recoil | Minimal Allows for easy shot observation and quick follow-up shots |
| Accuracy | Sub-MOA potential Capable of excellent accuracy in quality rifles |
.17 Rem Fireball: 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 | Effective for rabbits and similar-sized game, minimal pelt damage |
| Target Shooting | 0-400 | Capable of high 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: .17 Rem Fireball
The .17 Rem Fireball is a high-velocity rimfire cartridge known for its flat trajectory and accuracy. To understand its place in the rifle world, let's compare it to similar cartridges:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .17 Rem Fireball with other popular rifle 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 rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .17 Rem Fireball with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .17 Rem Fireball with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison
Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration and energy retention.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density | Relative SD |
|---|---|---|---|
| .17 Rem Fireball | 20 | 0.114 |
|
| .17 HMR | 17 | 0.097 |
|
| .22 Long Rifle | 40 | 0.114 |
|
| .204 Ruger | 32 | 0.137 |
|
| .223 Remington | 55 | 0.157 |
|
Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The .17 Rem Fireball, despite its small size, offers good sectional density for its class, matching that of the popular .22 Long Rifle with heavier bullets. This contributes to its effectiveness for varmint hunting and target shooting at moderate ranges.