What twist rate does .17 WSM use?

.17 WSM typically uses a 1:9 twist rate.

What bullet diameter is .17 WSM?

.17 WSM uses a 0.172″ (4.369 mm) diameter bullet.

Is .17 WSM still in production?

.17 WSM is active; typical availability is common.

What is .17 WSM used for?

.17 WSM is primarily used for varmint, small game.

What is .17 WSM based on?

.17 WSM is derived from the .27 caliber nail-gun blank (Hilti) case.

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Rimfire · SAAMI

.17 WSM

Also known as .17 Winchester Super Magnum

The most powerful rimfire cartridge available.

Caliber: 0.172″ · 4.369 mm
Introduced: 2012
Case: Rimfire
Parent: .27 caliber nail-gun blank (Hilti) case
Primary use: Varmint, Small Game
Status: Active

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VelocityBeing verified

EnergyBeing verified

Typical grains20 · 25 gr

Identity

Introduced: 2012
Type: Rimfire
Origin: United States
Inventor: Winchester
Manufacturer: Winchester Ammunition
Standard: SAAMI
Status: Active
Availability: Common

Build

Case capacity: 11.1 gr H₂O
Twist (typical): 1:9
Primer: Rimfire
Case type: Rimfire

Pressure & range

Max pressure: 33,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
Eff. range: 250 yd
Max range: 2450 yd
Recoil: 0.4–0.5 ft·lb
Subsonic: Capable

Introduced by Winchester Ammunition

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .17 WSM. Parent case: .27 caliber nail-gun blank (Hilti) case.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified

Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

SAAMI · verified

Measure	mm	in	✓
Bullet ⌀	4.37	0.172	✓
Neck ⌀	5.00	0.197	✓
Shoulder ⌀	6.83	0.269	✓
Shoulder angle	20°	—	✓
Base ⌀	6.83	0.269	✓
Rim ⌀	8.46	0.333	✓
Belt ⌀	n/a
Rim thickness	1.68	0.066	✓
Neck length	3.54	0.139	≈
Case length	30.48	1.200	✓
Overall length	40.39	1.590	~

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .17 WSM is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Firearms chambered in .17 WSM

Franklin Armory F17-M2Franklin Armory F17-V .17 WSM 20-inch VarmintFranklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 18-inchSavage Arms A22 .17 WSM 22-inchVolquartsen Firearms TF-17 .17 WSM 18-inchVolquartsen Firearms TF-17 17 WSM RifleFranklin Armory F17-L 17 WSMFranklin Armory Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20-inchFranklin Armory F17-LSavage Arms B.Mag .17 WSM 22-inchFranklin Armory F17-VSavage Arms B-Mag 17 WSM

History

Introduced by Winchester in 2012 based on a nail gun blank case. The highest-pressure and highest-velocity production rimfire cartridge. Positioned as the ultimate rimfire varmint cartridge.

FAQs

What twist rate does .17 WSM use?: .17 WSM typically uses a 1:9 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .17 WSM?: .17 WSM uses a 0.172″ (4.369 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .17 WSM still in production?: .17 WSM is active; typical availability is common.
What is .17 WSM used for?: .17 WSM is primarily used for varmint, small game.
What is .17 WSM based on?: .17 WSM is derived from the .27 caliber nail-gun blank (Hilti) case.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 18 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →

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