Are there any varmint species that .17 Remington can't effectively hunt?

Choosing the Right Target

The .17 Remington is an excellent choice for hunting small varmints such as rodents, rabbits, and squirrels. It offers a flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and high accuracy at ranges up to 200 yards. However, its effectiveness decreases when targeting larger varmints like coyotes and feral pigs. These animals often require a more substantial caliber to ensure a quick and humane kill.

Ballistic Considerations

The .17 Remington’s ballistics are key to its varmint-hunting capabilities. With a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,900 feet per second and a 25-grain bullet, the cartridge achieves a flat trajectory and high kinetic energy at close range. However, this energy drops off rapidly at longer ranges, making it less effective against larger targets. For example, at 200 yards, the .17 Remington’s kinetic energy has decreased to around 500 ft-lbs, which may not be sufficient to penetrate deep enough to ensure a quick kill.

Practical Hunting Techniques

To maximize the effectiveness of the .17 Remington for varmint hunting, it’s essential to use the right techniques and calibers. When hunting small varmints, a 20-25 grain bullet at 2,900-3,000 feet per second will provide a quick and humane kill. However, when faced with larger varmints, consider increasing the caliber to something like the .22-250 Remington or .223 Remington, which offer more kinetic energy and penetration. Additionally, using the right bullets, such as those designed for varmint hunting, can also improve the cartridge’s effectiveness.