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Lindcott Armory

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
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
7.5 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:9
Primer
Rimfire
Case type
Rimfire
Pressure & range
Max pressure
33,000 psi
Eff. range
250 yd
Max range
500 yd
Recoil
0.5–0.9 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Introduced by Winchester Ammunition

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .17 WSM.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
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
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 4.370.172 ✓
Neck ⌀ 5.000.197 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ 6.830.269 ✓
Shoulder angle 20°— ✓
Base ⌀ 6.830.269 ✓
Rim ⌀ 8.460.333 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.680.066 ✓
Neck length 3.540.139 ≈
Case length 30.481.200 ✓
Overall length 40.391.590 ~

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

10 models in the database chamber .17 WSM. Browse all →

Franklin Armory F17-M2Franklin Armory F17-V .17 WSM 20-inch VarmintFranklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 18-inchFranklin Armory F17-L 17 WSMFranklin Armory Franklin Armory F17-L .17 WSM 20-inchFranklin Armory F17-LFranklin Armory F17-V .17 WSMSavage B-Mag 17 WSMSavage B.Mag .17 WSM 22-inchCZ 455

Connected reference

FirearmsFirearms in .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.

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 →