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:

Shop 17 WSM Ammo Now

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.

Winchester Varmint High Velocity 17 WSM 25gr Polymer Tip

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Now: $22.40

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