Thread: .17 WSM

Has anyone had experience with the .17 WSM if so is it a good caliber or should I be looking at a .17 HMR or .223

What are you intending to shoot and at what range are the questions you need to ask yourself.

Small game in general out to a couple hundred yards,300ish being around the max for my ability

go .223 and future proof yourself . . with a fast twist barrel

.223 is a bit overkill at closer ranges so the .17 WSM appeals to me a bit more for shooting rabbits,hares,magpies ect at short to mid range so the .223 may be another future purchase for things such as wallaby’s

Originally Posted by rossi.45

go .223 and future proof yourself . . with a fast twist barrel

Mr Rossi is bang on the money mate. Buy a 223 and you have a rifle that will take rabbits out over 400 mtrs, you have wallaby gun and something that is capable of Deer , Goats and Pigs with practice at sensible ranges.
Cheap to shoot, cheap to reload and nice to use.

Cheers mate
Do you have any recommendations for a good rifle with a fast twist barrel?

223. especially in windy conditions

I really hate to say it but a Tikka T3 with 1:8 twist is hard to beat.

Is the Ruger American Predator in .223 a good rifle as that’s around my price range

If it taking ar15 mags is an attraction to you it's a good option
I have both the tikka and ruger. The tikka is far nicer

Originally Posted by berg243

howa mini action has 1 in 9 twist I think and can get a floorplate to replace the mag.

Who is making the floor plate for the Howa Mini's?

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I bought a Tikka in .308 a while back and love it so might go for a tikka in .223

17 HMR will do all you need, follow up with a 204 and your complete for small game, I have a 223 for Fallow and a 6.5 x 55 for red. 17 wsm I looked at then bought a 17 hornet, wasted my dosh, the 17 HMR and 204 take care of rabbits and hares and cheap to run. Having to save cases is a pain in the rectum, the 204 with an 8-32 nightforce is a straight sniping unit and so cases as easy to find!!

I have always liked the idea of the 17wsm and would really like to have one
little bit more punch than the 17hmr but still a rimfire.
If I wanted a centerfires than yes the 222-223 etc would be fine.
As money allows I would still like a something that I don't have to either reload for or look after brass and at mid 40 bucks for 50 rounds is still a little cheaper than the centerfires.
if I wanted to reload and be shagged developing tack driving loads for bunnies all well and good but I struggle getting my head around that for that for deer ammo. Money just aint there
Only thing is the absolute crap choice of rifles for the 17wsm and their cost. They make the centerfires calibre almost more cost effective plus some of them historically had literally hit and miss accuracy plus the rifles were a bit naff.