Thread: .17 WSM thoughts?

Here are my thoughts:

1. Price - Due to the limited choices available, the prices of 17wsm ammo are somewhat fixed at about $0.8~1 per round. 223 on the other hand has huge amount of choices. you can get expensive ones at 2 dollars, or bulk from Belmont at less than 60c each. I do not really see the price advantage in favour of 17 WSM. I think as far as rifles goes you can find cheaper 223 than 17 WSM just because the amount of choices.

2. Convenience - I have not studied this in any great level of detail but it seems to me that 17 WSM rifles are not smaller than 223. Most 223 rifles have 20~24 inch barrel on a short action. I suppose 17WSM has a smaller action but otherwise equivalent barrel length. I suppose 17 WSM rifle can be a bit smaller but I dont think by much. I would imaging recoil is less, but it is not like 223 causes anyone recoil issues in the first place. I can see it may be slightly less loud but I cannot see by much. they shoot at about the same speed do they not? one is 4.5mm and one is 5.5 mm

3. Performance - mimms 2 said the difference is 1000 fps. I do not understand this statement. Do they not both shoot at around 2600~3000 FPS? I would have thought that 223 would retain better trajectory and power at longer range because it has better BC.

I am happy to be corrected.

Personally I feel that 17 WSM is filling a gap between 17hmr and 223, which no one was complaining about it being a gap in the first place.