Understanding the Basics of These Cartridges
Both the .17 Winchester Super Magnum (.17 WSM) and the .223 Remington are centerfire rifle cartridges, but that’s where much of their similarity ends. They are designed for different purposes, and understanding their fundamental differences is vital to making an informed choice.
A Closer Look at the .17 WSM
The .17 Winchester Super Magnum, or .17 WSM, is a relatively new cartridge, arriving on the scene in the early 2010s. Developed by Winchester Ammunition, this cartridge represents a significant step forward in rimfire performance, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible from a small-bore round. The primary goal of the .17 WSM was to provide exceptional velocity and a flat trajectory, particularly for varmint hunting. The cartridge achieves this by using a bottlenecked case designed specifically to handle the high pressures required to propel a small, lightweight bullet at incredible speeds. It typically uses a .17-caliber bullet, which is smaller in diameter than a .22 caliber bullet, giving it an extremely fast velocity when fired. The result is a cartridge that offers a significant performance upgrade over traditional rimfire options. It excels at longer distances and is ideal for small varmint hunting.
The design philosophy of the .17 WSM centered on speed and efficiency. This means less recoil and a very flat trajectory.
Delving into the World of the .223 Remington
The .223 Remington, in contrast, has a much longer history. Originally developed by Remington Arms, the .223 Remington was designed to be a lighter, more efficient cartridge for military use, eventually finding its way into the civilian market. The .223 Remington is also often associated with its military counterpart, the 5.56x45mm NATO, which shares nearly identical dimensions and chambering characteristics. The .223 Remington typically uses a .224-inch diameter bullet, hence the designation.
The .223 Remington’s widespread popularity stems from its versatility. It’s used for everything from target shooting and varmint hunting to self-defense, and has even been used for hunting some deer in certain jurisdictions (always consult local regulations). Its relatively light recoil, moderate power, and availability of various ammunition types contribute to its widespread adoption. The cartridge is available in a variety of bullet weights and designs.
A Direct Comparison: Key Specifications
To truly understand the differences between the .17 WSM and .223 Remington, a side-by-side comparison of their key specifications is critical:
| Feature | .17 WSM | .223 Remington |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | .172 inch | .224 inch |
| Typical Bullet Weight | 20-25 grains | 40-77 grains |
| Muzzle Velocity | 3,000 – 3,300 fps | 2,700 – 3,600 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 400 – 600 ft-lbs | 700 – 1,300 ft-lbs |
| Effective Range | 150-300 yards | 300-500+ yards |
| Common Applications | Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting | Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting, Self-Defense, Hunting |
Performance: What to Expect on the Range and in the Field
Beyond the technical specifications, it’s essential to compare the actual performance of the .17 WSM versus .223 Remington to get a real-world understanding of what each cartridge offers.
Ballistic Characteristics: Trajectory, Wind Drift, and Energy
The trajectory of a bullet – its path of flight – is a critical factor in long-range shooting. The .17 WSM, due to its high muzzle velocity and relatively light bullet weight, boasts an exceptionally flat trajectory over short to medium distances. This means minimal bullet drop, making it easier to hit targets accurately at a variety of ranges without making significant adjustments to your point of aim. The .223 Remington, with its heavier bullets, might experience slightly more drop at longer distances.
However, both cartridges are susceptible to wind drift. Wind can push a bullet off course, especially at longer ranges. The .17 WSM, with its lighter bullet, will be more affected by wind than the heavier .223 Remington projectiles.
Energy on target is another key consideration. The .223 Remington, carrying more weight and typically traveling at moderate velocities, has greater energy, translating to a more significant impact on target. The .17 WSM delivers its energy in a high-speed, focused manner, perfect for small, fast moving targets like prairie dogs or ground squirrels.
Range and Accuracy: Hitting the Mark
The effective range of a cartridge is how far it can accurately and reliably hit a target. The .17 WSM excels at shorter to medium ranges, generally out to about 200 yards for practical hunting applications. The .223 Remington, with its heavier bullets and greater energy, offers a significantly extended range, often reaching out to 400 yards and even further in the hands of a skilled shooter and a suitable rifle. The accuracy of both cartridges can be exceptional, assuming quality ammunition and a well-maintained rifle. The shooter’s skill is also a crucial factor.
Recoil: The Comfort Factor
Recoil is the rearward push a shooter experiences when firing a gun. The .17 WSM, due to its lighter bullet and smaller case, typically produces very little recoil, making it comfortable and easy to shoot for extended periods. This can be a major benefit, especially for new shooters or those who want to enjoy a relaxed shooting experience. The .223 Remington has more recoil, but it’s still considered a manageable cartridge.
Hunting Specifics: Putting Each Cartridge to Work
The primary difference between the .17 WSM and the .223 Remington is in their hunting capabilities. Both are well-suited for varmint hunting, but their performance on larger game differs significantly.
.17 WSM: Focused on Varmints
The .17 WSM shines as a varmint hunting round. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it ideal for hitting small, fast-moving targets at moderate ranges. The .17 WSM’s smaller bullet diameter also creates less damage on the hide, which can be beneficial if you are harvesting for fur. Because the .17 WSM is a light bullet, you must be more careful to only use it on targets that do not move very far away or are very close.
.223 Remington: Versatile Hunting and More
The .223 Remington offers a more versatile hunting experience. It can be used effectively on various varmint species, but its broader range of bullet weights and higher energy levels allow it to be used on larger targets, such as coyotes and other medium-sized predators. With proper bullet selection and following local regulations, the .223 Remington is a popular choice for deer hunting in some states, although it is rarely a first choice.
Ammunition and Firearm Availability: What’s on the Market?
The availability of ammunition and firearms is an important consideration when choosing a cartridge.
Ammunition Options
The .223 Remington has the advantage in this area. It’s extremely popular, so a wide variety of bullet weights, types, and brands are available in nearly any store. The .17 WSM has a more limited selection of ammunition, as the cartridge is newer to the market. However, its popularity is growing, and more options are becoming available.
Rifle Platforms
Both the .17 WSM and .223 Remington are typically available in bolt-action rifles. Both cartridges are also available in semi-automatic platforms. The .223 Remington is extremely popular in the AR-15 platform, giving shooters a wide range of options.
Cost Considerations: The Budget Factor
The overall cost of owning a firearm includes the cost of the rifle, ammunition, and any necessary accessories.
Rifle Costs
Rifle prices vary depending on the manufacturer, features, and overall quality. Generally, rifles chambered in .223 Remington are more common and potentially more affordable. Rifles chambered in .17 WSM are more limited.
Ammunition Costs
Ammunition costs are another factor to consider. .223 Remington ammunition is generally less expensive and more widely available, making it more economical for frequent shooting. .17 WSM ammunition is often more expensive. If you plan to shoot a lot, the ammunition cost will add up quickly.
Reloading
Reloading provides a great opportunity to lower ammo costs, though it involves extra time and equipment. Both cartridges can be reloaded. .223 components are more common and available, providing a wider range of bullets, powders, and other supplies.
Wrapping Up: Pros and Cons Recap
Let’s summarize the key pros and cons of each cartridge to help further distinguish them.
.17 WSM – Pros
- Incredibly flat trajectory at short and medium ranges.
- Very low recoil for comfortable shooting.
- Excels at varmint hunting with minimal meat damage.
- Relatively quiet report compared to larger cartridges.
.17 WSM – Cons
- Limited effective range.
- More susceptible to wind drift.
- Not suitable for larger game.
- Ammunition can be pricier and less available.
223 Remington – Pros
- Wide versatility across many applications.
- More range and energy.
- Extensive ammunition and rifle choices.
- Cost of ammunition and rifles is a strong point.
223 Remington – Cons
- More recoil than the .17 WSM.
- Greater potential for meat damage at close range.
Which Cartridge Is the Right Choice for You? Making the Final Decision
Choosing between the .17 WSM and .223 Remington depends heavily on your intended use.
If your primary focus is varmint hunting at moderate ranges, and you prioritize flat trajectories and low recoil, then the .17 WSM is an excellent choice. It’s a superb cartridge for plinking or target shooting.
If you need more range, plan to hunt larger varmints or even small game, value versatility, or want to shoot a cartridge that can be used in multiple disciplines, the .223 Remington is the superior option.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
The choice between the .17 WSM and .223 Remington ultimately boils down to your personal needs and preferences. Each cartridge offers unique advantages. Carefully consider your primary uses, expected ranges, and desired target species before making your decision. The .17 WSM excels at short to medium range precision and low recoil, while the .223 Remington provides versatility, range, and energy.
Remember to prioritize firearm safety at all times and to familiarize yourself with the regulations in your area.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always practice safe firearm handling and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.
