I was able to pick up the new Savage B Mag 17WSM (Winchester Super Magnum rimfire) and 500 rounds of 25 grain ballistic tip ammo. After running 200 rounds of the 25 grain ammo down the pipe all I can say is wow! It is one flat shooting long range rimfire cartridge and even though it is inexpensive the B Mag is an accurate 6 pound rifle. Maybe 7 pounds with the Mueller 4.5-14x40 scope mounted.
The whole rig is an inexpensive light weight accurate and reliable predator rifle that is good out to 250-300 yards. The 25 grain round travels at 2600fps while their 20 grain ballistic tip travels at 3000fps. The ballistics are comparable to the .22 hornet, only the drop is less with the 17WSM. The WSM gives up some energy out at 250 yards to the .22 Hornet, but still shoots flatter.
While I still rely on my AR15 in 6.8SPCII as my primary coyote killer I will be taking raccoon and coyote with the WSM. Whereas a box of 50 17WSM runs $16.99, or about .33 cents a shot my trusty 6.8 is a buck a round. If you're a varmint, or predator hunter and a fan of rimfire rifles, but have been limited to the 17HMR (which I still own and really enjoy) for distance shooting, the 17WSM is going to blow you away and anything that's unfortunate enough to get caught in your crosshairs.
If you have the chance to shoot the Savage in 17WSM do it. Being a fan of rimfire rifles and the 17 caliber cartridge it was a natural fit for my gun safe and hunting plans. On windless days my 17HMR is still a fun gun to shoot and the CZ452 with a Timney trigger is a nail driver, but the heavier 17WSM is less affected by the wind and has a much greater range and energy level. All in all Winchester has a hit on it's hands with the 17WSM. Now to find some time to take it hunting... and soon.
The whole rig is an inexpensive light weight accurate and reliable predator rifle that is good out to 250-300 yards. The 25 grain round travels at 2600fps while their 20 grain ballistic tip travels at 3000fps. The ballistics are comparable to the .22 hornet, only the drop is less with the 17WSM. The WSM gives up some energy out at 250 yards to the .22 Hornet, but still shoots flatter.
While I still rely on my AR15 in 6.8SPCII as my primary coyote killer I will be taking raccoon and coyote with the WSM. Whereas a box of 50 17WSM runs $16.99, or about .33 cents a shot my trusty 6.8 is a buck a round. If you're a varmint, or predator hunter and a fan of rimfire rifles, but have been limited to the 17HMR (which I still own and really enjoy) for distance shooting, the 17WSM is going to blow you away and anything that's unfortunate enough to get caught in your crosshairs.
If you have the chance to shoot the Savage in 17WSM do it. Being a fan of rimfire rifles and the 17 caliber cartridge it was a natural fit for my gun safe and hunting plans. On windless days my 17HMR is still a fun gun to shoot and the CZ452 with a Timney trigger is a nail driver, but the heavier 17WSM is less affected by the wind and has a much greater range and energy level. All in all Winchester has a hit on it's hands with the 17WSM. Now to find some time to take it hunting... and soon.