There are a lot of folks wondering how the Winchester XPert rifles are doing, accuracy wise. Instead of waiting for my full article and video that’s coming soon, let me give some highlights here:
I bought two from Lipsey’s Wholesale Distributors (I am an FFL). One in the 16.5″ (threaded) and one in the 18″ (non-threaded) configurations. At first, they did not shoot well. As most rimfires go, the more rounds through it, the tighter the groups got. One hundred rounds seemed to be the magic number, because they both tightened right up. I purchased a couple of Winchester XPert cheek risers, which helped with my cheek weld and grouping. I’m shooting 0.5″ to 1″ groups, somewhat consistently. I now have about two hundred rounds through each. I took the 16.5″ prairie dog hunting and it performed very well.
When it comes to testing and what ammo I used, I used everything that has ever been available (and one that was never available – 20 grain Power Core), including some 20 grain ammo I just bought from Palmetto State Armory a few weeks ago. Some of the older stuff (6+ years old) didn’t do as well, but that was to be expected (cracked necks are a possibility). The new stuff is what I brought hunting and it grouped very well. I did find some differences in group size, depending on the suppressor used. I’ll include that in a smaller article. I ended up sticking with my Griffin Optimus Micro. I’m waiting for the 25 grain HP to be released. I’d love to shoot that one for smaller predators, rockchucks and jackrabbits.
Pros: Magazine is easy to load, eject from the rifle and insert in the rifle. Lightweight, but does not flex without effort or feel flimsy. Accurate.
Cons: 18″ version is not threaded. Thin barrel heats up quickly, which can affect accuracy when shooting a lot of varmints at one time.
I used every commercially released type of 17WSM ammunition that has ever been available (and one that was never available – 20 grain Power Core), including some 20 grain ammo I just bought from Palmetto State Armory a few weeks ago. Some of the older stuff didn’t do as well, but that was to be expected. The new stuff is what I brought hunting and it grouped very well. I did find some differences in group size, depending on the suppressor used. I’ll include that in a smaller article. I ended up sticking with my Griffin Optimus Micro. I’m waiting for the 25 grain HP to be released. I’d love to shoot that one for smaller predators, rockchucks and jackrabbits.
I’ll have a full review with video up by the end of September, 2025. I’m working on some other projects and will fit this in soon.
- Winchester XPert Rifle in 17WSM – A Summary of an Upcoming Review - September 16, 2025
- Sierra Bullets are Now Selling the .224″ – 69 Grain Blitzking - September 16, 2025
- Yes, 17 WSM Ammunition is Available! - September 5, 2025
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