Part of the reason for the development .17 WSM were regulations in some Eastern states, where centerfire cartridges aren't legal for hunting outside of deer season. Coyotes are becoming far more numerous in the East, and there was a perceived need for a more powerful, longer-ranged rimfire than the .22 Magnum.
Yep. Down here in the south it's similar regs on public land so a higher powered rimfire is appealing.
Thinking about getting a 12" 17 wsm barrel for a Contender sometime soon.
