.17 WSM Ammo
The .17 WSM—17 Winchester Super Magnum—is the most powerful rimfire cartridge in common use, pushing a 20-25 grain bullet to 2,600–3,000 fps and extending effective varmint range beyond 200 yards. Introduced in 2013, it fills the gap between the .17 HMR and centerfire varmint calibers, offering rimfire economy and simplicity with performance that approaches .223 Remington at short range. We carry .17 WSM loads from Winchester, CCI, and Federal for bolt-action varmint rifles.
Read our full .17 WSM Ammunition Buying Guide ↓
Ballistics Overview
The .17 WSM fires a 20-grain V-MAX bullet at 3,000 fps, producing approximately 400 ft-lbs of muzzle energy—roughly double the .17 HMR and the most energy available in a rimfire cartridge. Zeroed at 100 yards, it drops approximately 1.5 inches at 150 yards and 5 inches at 200 yards, offering a meaningfully flatter trajectory than the .17 HMR at extended range. Wind drift is minimal at varmint hunting distances. The .17 WSM remains supersonic past 400 yards, though practical accuracy limits are typically 200–250 yards for most shooters.
Varmint Hunting Applications
The .17 WSM is purpose-built for varmint hunting at distances where even the .17 HMR begins to lose its edge. Prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and similar small varmints at 150–250 yards are the primary use case. Winchester 20gr V-MAX and CCI 20gr V-MAX are the standard loads, delivering explosive fragmentation on small varmints at .17 WSM velocities. The additional velocity over the .17 HMR is most meaningful in windy conditions, where the flatter trajectory and faster bullet speed reduce the effect of crosswind on point of impact.
.17 WSM vs. .17 HMR
The .17 WSM offers approximately 400 fps more velocity than the .17 HMR, translating to a flatter trajectory, less wind drift, and more energy at distance. The tradeoff is a significantly more limited platform selection and higher ammunition cost. For most shooters hunting inside 175 yards in moderate wind conditions, the .17 HMR is more practical—more rifles are available and ammunition is less expensive and more widely stocked. The .17 WSM earns its premium for shooters who regularly take shots past 175 yards or hunt in consistently windy conditions. See our .17 HMR page for comparison.
Compatible Platforms
The .17 WSM operates at higher pressure than .17 HMR and requires a specifically rated firearm. Compatible platforms include the Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall, Savage B.Mag, and Franklin Armory F17-L. Platform selection is more limited than for .17 HMR or .22 WMR, which is one of the practical constraints of the cartridge. Confirm your rifle is chambered and rated for .17 WSM before purchasing ammunition—the cartridge is not interchangeable with .17 HMR despite the similar bullet diameter.
Pricing and Availability
The .17 WSM is priced at a premium over .17 HMR due to its smaller market and more limited manufacturing. Ammunition is available from Winchester, CCI, and Federal but is stocked less consistently than more common rimfire calibers. Buying in quantity when your preferred load is in stock is advisable to avoid interruptions. Per-round cost typically runs higher than .17 HMR and significantly higher than .22 LR, making it best suited for hunters who specifically need its extended-range performance rather than general practice use.
Related Pages
Browse our .17 HMR page for the more widely available high-velocity rimfire option, or see our .22 WMR page for a heavier bullet alternative. Visit our rimfire ammo overview for all rimfire calibers.