17 WSM or 17 HMR: Choosing the Right Rimfire Round for Your Needs
The world of rimfire ammunition offers a diverse range of options for varmint hunters, target shooters, and plinkers alike. Two popular choices often compared are the .17 Winchester Super Magnum (.17 WSM) and the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR). Both cartridges offer flat trajectories and impressive accuracy, but their performance characteristics differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right round for your specific needs. This article delves into a detailed comparison of the 17 WSM and 17 HMR, covering their ballistics, effective range, applications, and more, enabling you to make an informed decision.
Understanding the Basics: 17 WSM vs. 17 HMR
Before diving into a head-to-head comparison, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between these two rimfire cartridges.
17 Winchester Super Magnum (17 WSM)
The 17 WSM, introduced by Winchester in 2012, is a relatively recent addition to the rimfire market. It boasts significantly higher velocity and energy compared to the 17 HMR and other traditional rimfire rounds. This increased power comes from its larger case and higher operating pressure. The 17 WSM is often favored for its extended range and flatter trajectory, making it suitable for varmint hunting at longer distances.
17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (17 HMR)
The 17 HMR, developed by Hornady in 2002, quickly gained popularity for its accuracy and flat shooting characteristics. It offers a significant improvement over the .22 Long Rifle in terms of velocity and trajectory, making it a popular choice for small game hunting and target shooting. While not as powerful as the 17 WSM, the 17 HMR provides a good balance of performance and affordability.
Ballistic Performance: Velocity, Energy, and Trajectory
The ballistic performance of a cartridge is a key factor in determining its suitability for a particular application. Let’s compare the velocity, energy, and trajectory of the 17 WSM and 17 HMR.
Velocity
The 17 WSM consistently delivers higher velocities than the 17 HMR. Typical 20-grain 17 WSM loads achieve velocities of around 3,000 feet per second (fps), while 17-grain 17 HMR loads typically reach velocities of around 2,550 fps. This higher velocity translates to a flatter trajectory and greater energy downrange for the 17 WSM.
Energy
The 17 WSM’s higher velocity also results in significantly greater energy. A 20-grain 17 WSM load can deliver around 400 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle, compared to around 245 foot-pounds for a 17-grain 17 HMR load. This increased energy makes the 17 WSM a more effective choice for larger varmints and longer-range engagements.
Trajectory
Both the 17 WSM and 17 HMR offer flatter trajectories than the .22 LR, but the 17 WSM has a slight edge in this department due to its higher velocity. This flatter trajectory reduces the need for holdover at longer distances, making it easier to hit targets accurately. While both are good, the 17 WSM maintains a flatter trajectory at distances beyond 100 yards. [See also: Rimfire Cartridge Ballistics: A Comprehensive Guide]
Effective Range: How Far Can You Accurately Shoot?
The effective range of a cartridge is the distance at which it can consistently deliver accurate shots with sufficient energy to effectively dispatch the target. The 17 WSM generally boasts a longer effective range than the 17 HMR.
While both cartridges are accurate within 100 yards, the 17 WSM’s higher velocity and energy allow it to maintain its effectiveness out to 200 yards or even further under ideal conditions. The 17 HMR is typically considered most effective within 150 yards. These ranges are of course contingent on shooter skill, environmental conditions, and the specific firearm being used.
Applications: What Are They Best Used For?
The different performance characteristics of the 17 WSM and 17 HMR make them better suited for certain applications.
17 WSM Applications
- Varmint Hunting: The 17 WSM’s higher velocity, energy, and flatter trajectory make it an excellent choice for varmint hunting, particularly for larger varmints like prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes at longer ranges.
- Target Shooting: While not as common as the 17 HMR for target shooting, the 17 WSM can be used for target practice at longer distances.
17 HMR Applications
- Small Game Hunting: The 17 HMR is a popular choice for small game hunting, such as squirrels, rabbits, and other small critters. Its accuracy and relatively flat trajectory make it effective at moderate ranges.
- Target Shooting: The 17 HMR is widely used for target shooting and plinking due to its accuracy and relatively low cost.
- Varmint Hunting: While not as powerful as the 17 WSM, the 17 HMR can be used for varmint hunting at shorter ranges, particularly for smaller varmints.
Availability and Cost: Which is Easier on the Wallet?
Availability and cost are important considerations when choosing a rimfire cartridge.
The 17 HMR is generally more widely available and less expensive than the 17 WSM. This is due to its longer history and greater popularity. Ammunition for the 17 HMR can be found at most sporting goods stores and online retailers, while 17 WSM ammunition may be less readily available in some areas. The 17 HMR also typically costs less per round than the 17 WSM, making it a more economical choice for high-volume shooting.
Rifle Availability: What Firearms are Chambered in Each?
The availability of rifles chambered in each cartridge is another factor to consider. The 17 HMR is chambered in a wide variety of rifles from numerous manufacturers, including bolt-action, semi-automatic, and single-shot rifles. The 17 WSM, while gaining popularity, is still chambered in a smaller selection of rifles compared to the 17 HMR. This may limit your options when choosing a firearm. [See also: Best Rifles Chambered in 17 HMR]
Recoil and Noise: What to Expect When Shooting
Both the 17 WSM and 17 HMR have relatively low recoil and noise levels compared to centerfire cartridges. However, the 17 WSM generally produces slightly more recoil and noise due to its higher velocity and energy. The difference is minimal, but it may be a consideration for shooters who are particularly sensitive to recoil or noise.
Accuracy: Which is More Accurate?
Both the 17 WSM and 17 HMR are capable of excellent accuracy. The accuracy of a particular rifle and cartridge combination will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of the rifle, the ammunition used, and the shooter’s skill. In general, both cartridges are capable of producing sub-MOA (minute of angle) groups under ideal conditions. Many factors contribute to accuracy, and often the shooter is the largest variable. While both the 17 WSM and 17 HMR are accurate, the 17 HMR has a slight edge in some tests.
Choosing the Right Round: Factors to Consider
Ultimately, the best choice between the 17 WSM and 17 HMR depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Intended Use: What will you primarily be using the cartridge for? Varmint hunting, small game hunting, or target shooting?
- Effective Range: How far do you need to be able to accurately shoot?
- Target Size: What size are your typical targets?
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on ammunition?
- Rifle Availability: What rifles are available in each caliber that fit your needs and budget?
Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The 17 WSM and 17 HMR are both excellent rimfire cartridges that offer flat trajectories and impressive accuracy. The 17 WSM provides higher velocity, energy, and a flatter trajectory, making it a better choice for varmint hunting at longer ranges. The 17 HMR offers a good balance of performance and affordability, making it a popular choice for small game hunting, target shooting, and plinking. By carefully considering your specific needs and priorities, you can choose the right round for your shooting needs. Choosing between the 17 WSM and the 17 HMR is a matter of personal preference and intended use. Both offer unique advantages, and understanding those differences is key to making the best decision.
