The question of whether .17 Winchester Super Magnum (.17 WSM) ammo is discontinued is a complex one, with the answer being: not officially, but practically yes in many areas. While Winchester hasn't issued a formal discontinuation announcement, finding this caliber in stock consistently is a significant challenge. This situation stems from a confluence of factors impacting its availability and future.
Why is .17 WSM Ammo Hard to Find?
Several interconnected factors contribute to the scarcity of .17 WSM ammunition:
1. Reduced Demand:
The .17 WSM, while initially popular for its long-range accuracy and varmint hunting capabilities, faced competition from newer, more versatile cartridges. Shooters increasingly gravitated towards calibers offering a broader range of applications, leaving the .17 WSM somewhat niche. This reduced demand impacts manufacturers' production priorities.
2. Manufacturing Costs and Profitability:
Producing ammunition is expensive. With lower demand for the .17 WSM, maintaining dedicated production lines becomes less financially viable for manufacturers. The costs associated with tooling, raw materials, and labor may outweigh the potential profits, leading to reduced or ceased production.
3. Supply Chain Issues:
The broader ammunition market has experienced significant supply chain disruptions in recent years. These issues, ranging from raw material shortages to labor constraints, exacerbate the challenges faced by smaller-volume calibers like the .17 WSM.
4. Market Consolidation:
The firearms and ammunition industry has seen increased consolidation in recent years. Larger companies acquire smaller manufacturers, leading to portfolio rationalization. This can involve discontinuing less profitable or niche calibers to streamline operations and focus on high-demand products.
Where to Find .17 WSM Ammo (If You're Lucky)
While finding .17 WSM ammo can be challenging, it's not impossible. Here are a few places you might have some luck:
- Online Retailers: Check major online retailers specializing in ammunition. Be prepared for frequent stock fluctuations and potentially higher prices due to scarcity. Remember to compare prices and shipping costs before committing to a purchase.
- Gun Shops: Visit local gun shops, particularly those specializing in hunting or long-range shooting. They might have sporadic stock, especially if they've managed to secure older stock. Calling ahead to check availability is highly recommended.
- Specialty Ammunition Dealers: Some dealers focus on less common or discontinued calibers. These can be a good bet if you're willing to pay a premium for the ammo.
- Forums and Online Communities: Online communities dedicated to shooting and hunting often have threads discussing ammunition availability. You may find leads on specific retailers carrying the caliber, or even individuals willing to sell their stock.
Alternatives to .17 WSM
If you're struggling to find .17 WSM ammunition, consider exploring alternative calibers that offer similar performance characteristics. These might include:
- .22-250 Remington: A popular choice for varmint hunting, offering good accuracy and long-range capability.
- .204 Ruger: A lighter-recoiling option with similar performance to the .17 WSM in many respects.
- .17 Hornet: A less powerful but readily available option for shorter-range applications.
Conclusion
While Winchester hasn't formally declared the .17 WSM discontinued, its widespread unavailability strongly suggests it's effectively discontinued for all practical purposes. The combination of decreased demand, manufacturing challenges, and market changes has made this caliber increasingly difficult to find. If you're looking for this ammo, be prepared for a significant search effort and potential high costs. Exploring alternative calibers is a realistic approach for most shooters.
