Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Winchester Varmint High Energy 17 Winchester Super Magnum ammo represents the fastest rimfire cartridge commercially available, launching a 25-grain Hornady V-Max polymer tip projectile at 2600 feet per second. That velocity—historically the domain of centerfire cartridges—delivers 375 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle and a trajectory flat enough to hold prairie-dog-sized vitals past 150 yards with minimal holdover. Winchester developed this load on the 17 WSM platform, itself built from a 27-caliber powder-actuated fastener blank scaled for sporting rifles. The result: centerfire ballistics without centerfire cost.
Load Profile
Hornady’s V-Max bullet uses a polymer tip to initiate expansion on impact and raise the ballistic coefficient during flight. The tip acts as a wedge, driving into the lead core and peeling the copper jacket outward from the nose. Swaging forms the core concentrically around the tip, so energy transfer begins the instant the bullet meets hide. The flat base stabilizes in flight but sacrifices some BC compared to boat-tail designs—acceptable in a varmint round fired inside 250 yards. Supersonic velocity ensures audible crack and visible splash on near-misses, aiding wind calls and follow-up shots.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 17 Winchester Super Magnum |
| Bullet weight | 25 grains |
| Bullet type | Polymer tip (Hornady V-Max) |
| Muzzle velocity | 2600 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 375 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 50 |
| Case | Rimfire brass (derived from 27-cal blank) |
| Intended use | Hunting (varmints, predators) |
| Manufacturer | Winchester (USA) |
Chambered in bolt-action rifles like the Savage B-Mag and Ruger 77/17, the 17 WSM cartridge requires firearms purpose-built for its larger case head and higher pressures compared to 17 HMR. This 17 WSM ammo functions in magazines designed for the platform and feeds reliably when rifles are cycled with authority—short-stroking can cause failures to extract in rimfire actions under the spring tension of a full magazine.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Observe the four universal firearms safety rules at all times: treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you are not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that your state and local laws permit purchase and possession of rimfire ammunition in the quantities you order; some jurisdictions impose background-check or permit requirements even for rimfire cartridges.
- This ammunition contains lead components. Wash hands after handling, and follow California Proposition 65 guidelines if you reside in or ship to California. Pregnant individuals and children should avoid exposure to lead residue.
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