- Aguila
- Ammo Inc.
- Armscor
- Barnes
- Belom
- Browning
- CCI
- Double Tap Ammunition
- DRZ
- Federal
- Fetter
- Fiocchi
- GGG
- Hornady
- HSM
- Igman
- International Cartridge Company (ICC)
- Kalashnikov
- Lahab
- Magtech
- Maxxtech
- Mesko
- Mili
- Nobel Sport
- Norma
- Nosler
- Patriot Sports
- PMC
- Prvi Partizan (PPU)
- Remington
- Rio
- Ruag Ammotec
- Sellier & Bellot (S&B)
- Sierra
- Sig Sauer
- Speer
- Sterling
- TulAmmo
- Winchester
- Wolf Performance
- ZSR
- 9MM AMMO
- 40 S&W AMMO
- 45 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 380 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 357 MAGNUM AMMO
- 38 SPECIAL AMMO
- 10MM AUTO AMMO
- 30 SUPER CARRY AMMO
- 5.7x28MM AMMO
- 45 LONG COLT AMMO
- 32 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 32 S&W LONG AMMO
- 44 REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 454 CASULL AMMO
- 9X18MM MAKAROV AMMO
- 357 SIG AMMO
- 5.56MM NATO AMMO
- 223 REMINGTON AMMO
- 7.62x39MM AMMO
- 308 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 7MM PRC
- 6.5 CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 300 AAC BLACKOUT AMMO
- 7.62x51MM NATO AMMO
- 30-06 SPRINGFIELD AMMO
- 243 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 6.5 GRENDEL AMMO
- 300 NORMA MAGNUM AMMO
- 204 RUGER AMMO
- 22-250 REMINGTON AMMO
- 224 VALKYRIE AMMO
- 25-06 REMINGTON AMMO
- 260 REMINGTON AMMO
- 270 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 270 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM AMMO
- 280 ACKLEY IMPROVED AMMO
- 280 REMINGTON AMMO
- 30 CARBINE AMMO
- 300 PRC AMMO
- 300 REMINGTON ULTRA MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM AMMO
- 303 BRITISH AMMO
- 30-30 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 338 LAPUA MAGNUM AMMO
- 350 LEGEND AMMO
- 375 H&H MAGNUM AMMO
- 444 MARLIN AMMO
- 450 BUSHMASTER AMMO
- 45-70 GOVERNMENT AMMO
- 50 CAL BMG AMMO
- 6.5 PRC AMMO
- 6.8MM REMINGTON SPECIAL AMMO
- 6MM ARC AMMO
- 6MM CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 7.62x54R AMMO
- 7MM REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 7MM-08 REMINGTON AMMO
- 7x57MM MAUSER AMMO
- 10 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 16 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 20 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 24 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 32 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 410 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO
- 17 AGUILA AMMO
- 17 HMR AMMO
- 17 WSM AMMO
- 22 CB LONG AMMO
- 22 CB SHORT
- 22 LONG AMMO
- 22 LONG RIFLE AMMO
- 5MM REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 22 WMR AMMO
- 17 HORNADY MACH 2 AMMO
- 1911 Magazines
- Beretta 92 Magazines
- Beretta APX Magazines
- Beretta PX4 Storm Magazines
- CZ 75 Magazines
- Glock 17 Magazines
- Glock 19 Magazines
- Glock 36 Magazines
- Glock 43 Magazines
- HK P2000 Magazines
- HK VP9 Magazines
- Ruger LC9 Magazines
- Ruger LCP II Magazines
- Ruger LCP Magazines
- Ruger LCP MAX Magazines
- Ruger MAX-9 Magazines
- Ruger SR1911 Magazines
- Ruger SR40 Magazines
- Ruger-57 Magazines
- Smith & Wesson Bodyguard Magazines
- Smith & Wesson M&P Magazines
- Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ Magazines
- Springfield XD Magazines
- Springfield XD-S Magazines
- Taurus G2/G3 Magazines
- Taurus GX4 Magazines
- 9MM AMMO
- 40 S&W AMMO
- 45 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 380 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 357 MAGNUM AMMO
- 38 SPECIAL AMMO
- 10MM AUTO AMMO
- 30 SUPER CARRY AMMO
- 5.7x28MM AMMO
- 45 LONG COLT AMMO
- 32 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 32 S&W LONG AMMO
- 44 REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 454 CASULL AMMO
- 9X18MM MAKAROV AMMO
- 357 SIG AMMO
- 22-250 REMINGTON AMMO
- 223 REMINGTON AMMO
- 243 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 270 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 270 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM AMMO
- 30-06 SPRINGFIELD AMMO
- 30-30 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 300 AAC BLACKOUT AMMO
- 300 NORMA MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM AMMO
- 303 BRITISH AMMO
- 308 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 338 LAPUA MAGNUM AMMO
- 350 LEGEND AMMO
- 375 H&H MAGNUM AMMO
- 444 MARLIN AMMO
- 45-70 GOVERNMENT AMMO
- 450 BUSHMASTER AMMO
- 5.56MM NATO AMMO
- 50 CAL BMG AMMO
- 6.5 CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 6.5 GRENDEL AMMO
- 6.5 PRC AMMO
- 6.8MM REMINGTON SPECIAL AMMO
- 6MM CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 7.62x39MM AMMO
- 7.62x51MM NATO AMMO
- 7.62x54R AMMO
- 7MM REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 7MM-08 REMINGTON AMMO
- 7x57MM MAUSER AMMO
- 22-250 REMINGTON AMMO
- 223 REMINGTON AMMO
- 243 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 270 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 270 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM AMMO
- 30-06 SPRINGFIELD AMMO
- 30-30 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 300 AAC BLACKOUT AMMO
- 300 NORMA MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM AMMO
- 303 BRITISH AMMO
- 308 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 338 LAPUA MAGNUM AMMO
- 350 LEGEND AMMO
- 375 H&H MAGNUM AMMO
- 444 MARLIN AMMO
- 45-70 GOVERNMENT AMMO
- 450 BUSHMASTER AMMO
- 5.56MM NATO AMMO
- 50 CAL BMG AMMO
- 6.5 CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 6.5 GRENDEL AMMO
- 6.5 PRC AMMO
- 6.8MM REMINGTON SPECIAL AMMO
- 6MM CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 7.62x39MM AMMO
- 7.62x51MM NATO AMMO
- 7.62x54R AMMO
- 7MM REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 7MM-08 REMINGTON AMMO
- 7x57MM MAUSER AMMO
- Aguila
- Ammo Inc.
- Armscor
- Barnes
- Belom
- Browning
- CCI
- Double Tap Ammunition
- DRZ
- Federal
- Fetter
- Fiocchi
- GGG
- Hornady
- HSM
- Igman
- International Cartridge Company (ICC)
- Kalashnikov
- Lahab
- Magtech
- Maxxtech
- Mesko
- Mili
- Nobel Sport
- Norma
- Nosler
- Patriot Sports
- PMC
- Prvi Partizan (PPU)
- Remington
- Rio
- Ruag Ammotec
- Sellier & Bellot (S&B)
- Sierra
- Sig Sauer
- Speer
- Sterling
- TulAmmo
- Winchester
- Wolf Performance
- ZSR
- 9MM AMMO
- 40 S&W AMMO
- 45 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 380 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 357 MAGNUM AMMO
- 38 SPECIAL AMMO
- 10MM AUTO AMMO
- 30 SUPER CARRY AMMO
- 5.7x28MM AMMO
- 45 LONG COLT AMMO
- 32 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 32 S&W LONG AMMO
- 44 REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 454 CASULL AMMO
- 9X18MM MAKAROV AMMO
- 357 SIG AMMO
- 5.56MM NATO AMMO
- 223 REMINGTON AMMO
- 7.62x39MM AMMO
- 308 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 7MM PRC
- 6.5 CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 300 AAC BLACKOUT AMMO
- 7.62x51MM NATO AMMO
- 30-06 SPRINGFIELD AMMO
- 243 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 6.5 GRENDEL AMMO
- 300 NORMA MAGNUM AMMO
- 204 RUGER AMMO
- 22-250 REMINGTON AMMO
- 224 VALKYRIE AMMO
- 25-06 REMINGTON AMMO
- 260 REMINGTON AMMO
- 270 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 270 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM AMMO
- 280 ACKLEY IMPROVED AMMO
- 280 REMINGTON AMMO
- 30 CARBINE AMMO
- 300 PRC AMMO
- 300 REMINGTON ULTRA MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM AMMO
- 303 BRITISH AMMO
- 30-30 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 338 LAPUA MAGNUM AMMO
- 350 LEGEND AMMO
- 375 H&H MAGNUM AMMO
- 444 MARLIN AMMO
- 450 BUSHMASTER AMMO
- 45-70 GOVERNMENT AMMO
- 50 CAL BMG AMMO
- 6.5 PRC AMMO
- 6.8MM REMINGTON SPECIAL AMMO
- 6MM ARC AMMO
- 6MM CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 7.62x54R AMMO
- 7MM REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 7MM-08 REMINGTON AMMO
- 7x57MM MAUSER AMMO
- 1911 Magazines
- Beretta 92 Magazines
- Beretta APX Magazines
- Beretta PX4 Storm Magazines
- CZ 75 Magazines
- Glock 17 Magazines
- Glock 19 Magazines
- Glock 36 Magazines
- Glock 43 Magazines
- HK P2000 Magazines
- HK VP9 Magazines
- Ruger LC9 Magazines
- Ruger LCP II Magazines
- Ruger LCP Magazines
- Ruger LCP MAX Magazines
- Ruger MAX-9 Magazines
- Ruger SR1911 Magazines
- Ruger SR40 Magazines
- Ruger-57 Magazines
- Smith & Wesson Bodyguard Magazines
- Smith & Wesson M&P Magazines
- Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ Magazines
- Springfield XD Magazines
- Springfield XD-S Magazines
- Taurus G2/G3 Magazines
- Taurus GX4 Magazines
- 9MM AMMO
- 40 S&W AMMO
- 45 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 380 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 357 MAGNUM AMMO
- 38 SPECIAL AMMO
- 10MM AUTO AMMO
- 30 SUPER CARRY AMMO
- 5.7x28MM AMMO
- 45 LONG COLT AMMO
- 32 ACP AUTO AMMO
- 32 S&W LONG AMMO
- 44 REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 454 CASULL AMMO
- 9X18MM MAKAROV AMMO
- 357 SIG AMMO
- 22-250 REMINGTON AMMO
- 223 REMINGTON AMMO
- 243 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 270 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 270 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM AMMO
- 30-06 SPRINGFIELD AMMO
- 30-30 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 300 AAC BLACKOUT AMMO
- 300 NORMA MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM AMMO
- 300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM AMMO
- 303 BRITISH AMMO
- 308 WINCHESTER AMMO
- 338 LAPUA MAGNUM AMMO
- 350 LEGEND AMMO
- 375 H&H MAGNUM AMMO
- 444 MARLIN AMMO
- 45-70 GOVERNMENT AMMO
- 450 BUSHMASTER AMMO
- 5.56MM NATO AMMO
- 50 CAL BMG AMMO
- 6.5 CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 6.5 GRENDEL AMMO
- 6.5 PRC AMMO
- 6.8MM REMINGTON SPECIAL AMMO
- 6MM CREEDMOOR AMMO
- 7.62x39MM AMMO
- 7.62x51MM NATO AMMO
- 7.62x54R AMMO
- 7MM REMINGTON MAGNUM AMMO
- 7MM-08 REMINGTON AMMO
- 7x57MM MAUSER AMMO
17 WSM AMMO
17 WSM Ammo: The Fastest Rimfire Available
Introduction to 17 WSM Ammo
The .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) is the fastest commercial rimfire cartridge available today. Developed by Winchester in 2012, this round was designed to deliver superior velocity, energy, and accuracy compared to other rimfire options like the .17 HMR and .22 Magnum.
Ideal for varmint hunting and precision shooting, the 17 WSM offers exceptional ballistics with higher velocity and a flatter trajectory than its competitors. However, the quality of guns available for the 17 WSM caliber can significantly impact the overall shooting experience. While some high-quality firearms exist, many users find the available guns to be disappointing, which affects both the enjoyment and effectiveness of using this powerful cartridge. Whether you’re targeting coyotes, prairie dogs, or groundhogs, this cartridge provides the power and precision necessary for a successful hunt.
What is 17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) Ammo?
The 17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) is a high-velocity, rimfire cartridge designed for hunting small game, managing pests, and target shooting. Developed by Winchester, this .17 caliber rifle cartridge stands out for its impressive speed and power. With muzzle velocities reaching up to 3,000 feet per second, the 17 WSM ammo offers a flat trajectory, making it ideal for longer shots. Whether you’re aiming at distant targets or small varmints, this ammunition provides the accuracy and velocity needed for a successful shot.
Key Specifications and Muzzle Velocities of 17 WSM Ammo
- Bullet Diameter: 0.172 inches
- Case Type: Rimfire
- Bullet Weights: 15.5 gr, 20 gr, and 25 gr
- Muzzle Velocity:
- 3,300 fps (25-grain)
- 3,600 fps (20-grain)
- 3,000 fps+ (15.5-grain)
- Muzzle Energy: 320–400 ft-lbs
- Effective Range: 200+ yards
- Parent Case: Modified .27-caliber nail gun blank
17 WSM vs. 17 HMR: What’s the Difference?
The .17 WSM and .17 HMR are two popular rimfire cartridges, but 17 WSM outperforms 17 HMR in nearly every aspect.
Feature |
17 WSM |
17 HMR |
Velocity |
Up to 3,600 fps |
Up to 2,650 fps |
Energy |
320–400 ft-lbs |
245 ft-lbs (max) |
Effective Range |
200+ yards |
150 yards |
Wind Resistance |
Better |
Good |
Availability |
Less common |
Widely available |
Cost per Round |
Higher |
More affordable |
The 17 WSM is the superior choice for long-range varmint hunting due to its higher velocity, greater energy, and flatter trajectory. However, 17 HMR is more affordable and widely available.
Best Uses for 17 WSM Ammo
Due to its high velocity and excellent terminal performance, 17 WSM ammo is best suited for:
- Varmint Hunting: Perfect for coyotes, prairie dogs, groundhogs, and foxes.
- Pest Control: Farmers and ranchers use it for controlling nuisance animals. Reliable 17 WSM ammo can also enhance security for property and crops.
- Target Shooting: Offers outstanding accuracy for long-range rimfire shooting.
The 17 WSM delivers devastating terminal ballistics, ensuring quick and ethical kills on small game and varmints.
Choosing the Best 17 WSM Ammo
Selecting the best 17 WSM ammo depends on your specific goals and needs. For hunters, rounds designed for expansion and stopping power are crucial. Options like the Winchester 20gr Varmint HV or the Federal American Eagle 17 WSM are excellent choices. These rounds offer the necessary velocity and energy to ensure effective and humane kills. For target shooters, accuracy and consistency are paramount. Hornady’s Varmint Express is a top pick, known for its precision and reliable performance. When choosing your ammo, consider factors such as bullet weight, velocity, and energy to match your rifle and shooting style perfectly.
Popular 17 WSM Ammo Brands
Winchester produces high-quality .17 WSM ammunition, including:
- Winchester – 20gr Varmint HV rounds
- Winchester – 25gr Varmint HV rounds
Both of these Winchester options offer reliable expansion, deep penetration, and high accuracy for hunting and target shooting.
What Rifles Chamber 17 WSM?
Although not as common as .17 HMR rifles, several top manufacturers offer .17 WSM-compatible rifles, including:
- Savage B.MAG – One of the first rifles designed specifically for 17 WSM
- Ruger 77/17 – Bolt-action accuracy and reliability
- Franklin Armory F17-L – Semi-automatic .17 WSM rifle
- Volquartsen Summit – Premium precision rifle for varmint hunters
These rifles provide excellent accuracy, range, and stopping power when paired with 17 WSM ammunition. Additionally, sighting in a new rifle is crucial to achieve superior performance with 17 WSM ammo.
Pros and Cons of 17 WSM Ammo
Pros
- Fastest Rimfire Cartridge – Up to 3,600 fps
- Flat Trajectory – Less bullet drop at long range
- High Energy – Ideal for varmint hunting
- Superior Wind Resistance – More stable in crosswinds
Cons
- Less Common – Fewer rifles and ammo options compared to .17 HMR
- More Expensive – Costs more per round
- Higher Recoil for a Rimfire – Slightly more than .17 HMR
Despite the drawbacks, hunters and precision shooters prefer the 17 WSM for its unbeatable velocity and impact.
Tips for Shooting 17 WSM Ammo
When shooting 17 WSM ammo, following proper safety protocols and techniques is essential for accurate and effective shots. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always handle firearms safely and responsibly.
- Use the correct ammunition for your rifle, ensuring it is properly seated in the chamber.
- Regularly sight in your rifle to maintain accuracy and consistency.
- Utilize a scope or optic to enhance accuracy and visibility.
- Practice shooting at various distances and angles to develop your skills.
- Consider using a shooting rest or bipod to stabilize your rifle and improve accuracy.
- Always adhere to local laws and regulations regarding hunting and firearms use.
By following these tips and choosing the right 17 WSM ammo for your needs, you can enjoy a fun and successful shooting experience.
Where to Buy 17 WSM Ammo
Due to limited availability, finding 17 WSM ammo for sale can be challenging. You can purchase it online here:
It's important to maintain a reliable stock of 17 WSM ammo for various activities like hunting and target shooting to ensure you are well-prepared.
Final Thoughts: Why 17 WSM is a Great Choice
The 17 WSM is a standout in the world of rimfire cartridges, offering an unmatched combination of speed, accuracy, and stopping power. Its ability to shoot at over 3,600 feet per second makes it the fastest rimfire round available, delivering flat trajectories and minimal bullet drop at long distances. This makes it the go-to choice for varmint hunters and precision shooters who require high-performance ammunition.
Although ammo availability and rifle selection are limited, the tradeoff is a highly effective and specialized round that excels in its intended use. For those who demand the best in long-range rimfire performance, the 17 WSM is a superior choice that outperforms traditional rimfire options. If you're serious about varmint hunting, pest control, or long-range target shooting, the 17 WSM is well worth considering.
FAQs
Q: What is the effective range of 17 WSM?
A: 200+ yards, depending on shooting conditions.
Q: Can you use 17 WSM for deer hunting?
A: No, it lacks the necessary stopping power for deer.
Q: Is 17 WSM better than 17 HMR?
A: Yes, for hunting. 17 WSM has higher velocity, better range, and more energy.