Introduction
The world of rimfire ammunition offers a multitude of choices for shooters, each designed with specific purposes in mind. Among the most popular and highly regarded are the .17 Winchester Super Magnum (.17 WSM) and the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR). Both cartridges have carved out a dedicated following thanks to their flat trajectories, impressive accuracy, and suitability for various shooting applications. But which one is the better choice for you? This article aims to dissect the strengths and weaknesses of both the .17 WSM and the .17 HMR, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision based on your individual needs and priorities.
While the venerable .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) remains a staple for plinking and small game hunting, both the .17 WSM and the .17 HMR offer significant improvements in terms of trajectory and precision. These enhanced capabilities have made them favorites among varmint hunters and target shooters seeking a more accurate and longer-range rimfire experience. Let’s delve into the specifics of each cartridge to understand what sets them apart.
A Glimpse into Their Origins
The .17 HMR, a creation of Hornady in the year two thousand two, emerged from a desire to bridge the gap between the .22 LR and centerfire cartridges. The goal was to create a rimfire round that offered a flatter trajectory, greater accuracy, and longer effective range than the .22 LR, without the increased cost and recoil of centerfire options. Hornady achieved this by necking down a .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) case to accept a .17 caliber bullet.
The .17 HMR was an instant hit. Shooters quickly embraced its superior ballistics and accuracy, making it a popular choice for varmint hunting, small game hunting, and target shooting. Its widespread adoption solidified its place as a leading rimfire cartridge.
A decade later, in the year two thousand twelve, Winchester introduced the .17 WSM. This cartridge was designed to push the boundaries of rimfire performance even further. Winchester sought to create a rimfire round with even greater velocity and energy than the .17 HMR, providing shooters with an extended effective range and increased terminal performance on targets. The .17 WSM utilizes a unique case design derived from a nail gun blank, allowing it to achieve significantly higher pressures and velocities.
The introduction of the .17 WSM generated considerable excitement among shooters. Marketed as the most powerful rimfire cartridge available, it promised to deliver centerfire-like performance in a rimfire package.
Ballistic Performance Unveiled
When comparing the .17 WSM and the .17 HMR, ballistic performance is a key differentiator. The .17 WSM boasts significantly higher velocities and energy levels than the .17 HMR, translating to a flatter trajectory and greater downrange power.
Typical .17 HMR loads, often featuring seventeen-grain bullets, achieve velocities in the range of two thousand five hundred to two thousand six hundred feet per second. In contrast, the .17 WSM, typically loaded with twenty-grain bullets, can reach velocities exceeding three thousand feet per second. This substantial velocity advantage gives the .17 WSM a noticeable edge in terms of trajectory and energy.
Looking at energy figures, the .17 WSM delivers considerably more energy at the muzzle and at various distances downrange. For example, at one hundred yards, the .17 WSM retains significantly more energy than the .17 HMR, making it a more effective choice for larger varmints or longer-range shots. The added energy translates to increased terminal performance, ensuring cleaner and more humane kills on game animals.
The flatter trajectory of both cartridges compared to the .22 LR is a major selling point. The .17 WSM, with its higher velocity, exhibits an even flatter trajectory than the .17 HMR, requiring less holdover for longer-range shots. This makes it easier to achieve precise shot placement, especially on small or moving targets.
Wind drift is another important consideration, particularly for longer-range shooting. Both cartridges are susceptible to wind, but the .17 WSM’s higher velocity helps it to resist wind deflection to a greater extent than the .17 HMR. This means that in windy conditions, the .17 WSM will generally maintain a more consistent trajectory, making it easier to hit your target.
Accuracy and Reach
Both the .17 HMR and the .17 WSM are capable of excellent accuracy. With a quality rifle and consistent ammunition, both cartridges can deliver sub-minute-of-angle accuracy, meaning that they can consistently group shots within one inch at one hundred yards. However, it’s important to note that accuracy can vary depending on several factors, including the rifle itself, the ammunition used, and the shooter’s skill.
Some shooters have reported experiencing occasional issues with the .17 WSM, such as inconsistent ignition or accuracy problems in certain rifles. These issues are not universally experienced, but it’s worth researching and considering potential reliability concerns before investing in a .17 WSM rifle.
Effective range is a critical concept in ethical hunting. It refers to the distance at which a cartridge can reliably deliver enough energy to humanely dispatch a game animal while maintaining sufficient accuracy for precise shot placement. While the maximum effective range will vary depending on the specific animal being hunted and the shooter’s skill, the .17 WSM generally offers a longer effective range than the .17 HMR.
For small game like squirrels and rabbits, the .17 HMR is typically effective out to around one hundred twenty-five yards. The .17 WSM, with its greater energy and flatter trajectory, can extend that range to perhaps one hundred seventy-five yards or more. When targeting larger varmints like groundhogs or prairie dogs, the .17 WSM’s added power makes it a more suitable choice at longer distances.
Regardless of the cartridge you choose, it’s essential to practice responsible hunting practices. Always prioritize ethical shot placement and ensure that you are confident in your ability to make a clean, humane kill.
Cost and Accessibility
Ammunition availability and cost are important factors to consider when choosing a rimfire cartridge. While both .17 HMR and .17 WSM ammunition are generally available, the .17 HMR is typically more readily accessible and widely stocked at sporting goods stores.
The cost per round also differs between the two cartridges. The .17 HMR is generally less expensive than the .17 WSM. The increased cost of the .17 WSM is due to its more complex case design and higher powder charge.
Rifle availability is another consideration. The .17 HMR enjoys a broader selection of rifles chambered for it, ranging from bolt-action rifles to semi-automatic models. The .17 WSM, while gaining popularity, still has a smaller selection of available rifles.
Intended Uses: Where Each Excels
The .17 HMR is ideally suited for small game hunting, such as squirrels and rabbits. Its accuracy, flat trajectory, and relatively low cost make it an excellent choice for this application. It’s also effective for varmint hunting on smaller pests like groundhogs and prairie dogs, particularly at closer ranges. The .17 HMR is also a great choice for recreational target shooting.
The .17 WSM shines when targeting larger varmints like coyotes and foxes. Its higher velocity, greater energy, and longer effective range make it a more capable choice for these animals, particularly at extended distances. It’s also well-suited for longer-range small game hunting and target shooting.
Recoil and Report
Both the .17 HMR and the .17 WSM produce very little recoil, making them comfortable to shoot for extended periods. The noise level of both cartridges is moderate, but the .17 WSM is generally louder than the .17 HMR due to its higher velocity and larger powder charge. The sound difference is negligible for most shooters, but if noise is a significant concern, the .17 HMR might be a slightly better choice.
Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages
Here’s a table summarizing the key advantages and disadvantages of each cartridge:
| Feature | .17 HMR | .17 WSM |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity | Lower | Higher |
| Energy | Lower | Higher |
| Accuracy | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Availability | Generally more readily available | Less readily available |
| Best Use | Small game, closer-range varmints, target | Larger varmints, longer-range shots, target |
Making the Right Choice
In conclusion, both the .17 WSM and the .17 HMR are excellent rimfire cartridges with unique strengths and weaknesses. The .17 HMR offers a balance of accuracy, affordability, and availability, making it a popular choice for small game hunting and varmint control at closer ranges. The .17 WSM delivers significantly higher velocity and energy, extending its effective range and making it more suitable for larger varmints and longer-range shooting.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider the type of game you plan to hunt, the distances at which you typically shoot, your budget, and your tolerance for recoil and noise. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select the rimfire cartridge that best suits your shooting style and maximizes your success in the field. Remember to prioritize ethical hunting practices and always practice safe gun handling techniques.
