When Will 17 WSM Ammo Be Available?
The 17 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) is a relatively new cartridge that has generated significant interest among shooters and hunters. Its unique combination of ballistics and versatility has made it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from varmint hunting to long-range target shooting. However, one question that has been on many shooters’ minds is when 17 WSM ammo will be available for purchase.
Current Availability
As of now, there is no commercial availability of 17 WSM ammunition. Winchester, the parent company of the 17 WSM, has not announced any plans to release the cartridge for commercial sale. In fact, the company has stated that the 17 WSM is primarily intended for internal use and testing purposes.
Why the Delay?
There are several reasons why 17 WSM ammo may not be available for commercial sale in the near future. One major factor is the ongoing development and testing of the cartridge. Winchester is still fine-tuning the 17 WSM’s ballistics and performance to ensure that it meets their high standards.
Another reason for the delay is the competitive landscape of the ammunition market. There are already many established cartridges and manufacturers in the market, and introducing a new cartridge like the 17 WSM would require significant investment and marketing efforts. Winchester may be waiting for the right moment to enter the market, when they can effectively compete with established brands.
Potential Manufacturers
While Winchester has not announced any plans to release 17 WSM ammo, there are other manufacturers that may be interested in producing the cartridge. Several major ammunition manufacturers, such as Remington, Federal, and Hornady, have already expressed interest in the 17 WSM. It’s possible that one of these companies may be working on a 17 WSM cartridge, although no official announcements have been made.
What Does This Mean for Shooters?
The lack of commercial availability of 17 WSM ammo may be frustrating for shooters who are interested in the cartridge. However, there are still ways to access the 17 WSM:
- Private Sales: Some shooters may be able to purchase 17 WSM ammo from private sellers or collectors who have obtained the cartridge through various means. However, be cautious when purchasing from private sellers, as the quality and authenticity of the ammo may be uncertain.
- Handloading: For experienced handloaders, it may be possible to load the 17 WSM cartridge using proprietary reloading data. This can be a cost-effective way to access the cartridge, but requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
- Wait for Official Release: As mentioned earlier, Winchester may still release the 17 WSM for commercial sale in the future. Shooters who are interested in the cartridge may want to wait for an official announcement from the manufacturer.
Table: 17 WSM Ballistics
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 WSM | 20 grains | 3,500 fps | 1,300 ft-lbs |
| 17 WSM | 25 grains | 3,200 fps | 1,500 ft-lbs |
| 17 WSM | 30 grains | 2,900 fps | 1,700 ft-lbs |
Conclusion
While 17 WSM ammo may not be available for commercial sale at this time, there are still ways for shooters to access the cartridge. Keep an eye on manufacturer announcements and developments, as it’s possible that the 17 WSM will be released in the future. In the meantime, consider private sales, handloading, or waiting for an official release from Winchester.
