Is 17 WSM Ammo Discontinued?
The.17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) is a centerfire rifle cartridge introduced in 2007 by Winchester Ammunition. With a.172-inch bullet and a maximum pressure of 60,000 psi, it was designed to provide a high-velocity, flat-shooting, and accurate cartridge for small-game hunting and varmint shooting. However, there has been a growing concern among shooters about the availability of.17 WSM ammunition. In this article, we will explore whether.17 WSM ammo has been discontinued and provide insights into its current situation.
Is 17 WSM Ammo Discontinued?
No,.17 WSM ammunition has not been officially discontinued by Winchester Ammunition or its parent company, Olin Corporation. However, there have been reports of scarcity and inconsistent availability in recent years.
Availability of.17 WSM Ammunition
According to Winchester’s website,.17 WSM ammunition is still listed as an available product. However, several sources, including online forums, social media groups, and gun stores, report difficulties in finding.17 WSM ammunition in stores and online retailers.
Here’s a breakdown of the availability of.17 WSM ammunition from various online retailers:
| Retailer | Availability |
|---|---|
| Winchester Ammunition Official Website | Available in 20-round boxes |
| Amazon | Out of stock (3+ months waiting period) |
| Cabela’s | Out of stock (2+ months waiting period) |
| Bass Pro Shops | Out of stock (1+ month waiting period) |
| MidwayUSA | Limited availability (1-2 weeks waiting period) |
| Local Gun Stores | Varying availability (some report limited stock, others say unavailable) |
Why Is.17 WSM Ammunition Scarce?
Several factors contribute to the scarcity of.17 WSM ammunition:
- Production Cuts: Winchester Ammunition reportedly reduced production of.17 WSM ammunition in recent years due to declining sales.
- Demand Surplus: The initial high demand for.17 WSM ammunition has not been maintained, leading to a surplus of inventory and reduced production.
- Regulatory Issues: Some regions have implemented stricter regulations on lead-based ammunition, affecting the availability of.17 WSM ammunition, which contains lead.
- Competition from Alternative Calibers: The rise of alternative calibers, such as the.17 HMR, may have diverted some shooters away from the.17 WSM.
What Are the Implications for Shooters?
The scarcity of.17 WSM ammunition has significant implications for shooters:
- Higher Prices: Due to reduced supply and increased demand, prices for.17 WSM ammunition may increase.
- Limited Options: Shooters may struggle to find the specific type or brand of.17 WSM ammunition they prefer.
- Alternative Calibers: Shooters may need to consider alternative calibers, such as the.17 HMR or.22 WMR, which may not provide the same performance as the.17 WSM.
- Potential for Discontinuation: If Winchester Ammunition does not re-evaluate its production levels or see a resurgence in demand, there is a risk that.17 WSM ammunition may eventually be discontinued.
Conclusion
While.17 WSM ammunition has not been officially discontinued, its availability is limited, and several factors contribute to its scarcity. Shooters should expect higher prices, limited options, and potential alternatives to fill the gap. As the situation evolves, Winchester Ammunition and its retailers should consider addressing the availability issue to satisfy the demand of.17 WSM enthusiasts.
