Bad typing on my part...I was typing faster than I was thinking and left out the part on the bullet weight.

Boy, I've got this one all fired up.....the wording of the regulation specifies "cartridge case longer than that of a .22 rim fire long rifle cartridge case and projectile of which is heavier than 20 grains". I was typing faster than I was thinking and left the important part out.

The .17HMR would be prohibited IF the projectile is heavier than 20 grains. I think where the confusion comes in is the way the regulation is worded. The way I read it the word AND, as in "cartridge case longer than that of a .22 rim fire long rifle cartridge AND projectile of which is heavier than 20 grains" means that if the case is longer than a .22LR AND the bullet weighs more than 20 grains then it's prohibited. When first asked about the .17WSM I looked at Winchester's site and they are showing a 25 grain bullet. That would be prohibited as the case is longer than a .22LR AND the projectile weights more than 20 grains. If they sell one with a 20 grain or less bullet weight then the way I understand the regulation it would be legal. I'll double check everything with Hartford, but my understanding of the regulation was that as long as the bullet weight was 20 grains or less it wasn't an issue. If I'm wrong and the .17HMR is prohibited (I don't think it is) I'll get back to everyone. AND, I don't think the .17WSM would be prohibited if it has a bullet that weighs less than 20 grains as it is still a .17 rimfire.


Here's the regulation:

26-66-1. Behavior and actions of hunters (q) Rifles and handguns using centerfire ammunition or rim fire ammunition having a cartridge case longer than that of a.22 rim fire long rifle cartridge case and projectile of which is heavier than 20 grains and shotgun ammunition of loads larger or heavier than number two shot shall not be possessed and pistols or revolvers using ammunition larger or heavier than .22 rim fire long rifle cartridge shall not be used for the purposes of hunting as defined in section 26-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes on any private land during the private land shotgun/rifle deer season as specified in section 26-86a-6(d) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. This provision relating to rifle and shotgun ammunition shall not apply to persons holding valid private land shotgun and/or rifle deer permits. Waterfowlers hunting from a boat, blind or stationary position may only use the ammunition specified in section 26-66-4(t) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.


26-66-2. State-owned, state-leased and permit-required hunting areas; weapons
(a) Any rifle or handgun using centerfire ammunition may not be used to hunt on state-owned land. Any rifle or handgun that uses rim fire ammuntion having a cartridge case longer than that of a .22 long rifle catridge case and the projectile of which is heavier than 20 grains, muzzleloading rifles larger than .36 caliber or using any projectile other than round ball, crossbows and shotgun ammunition of loads larger or heavier than number two shot shall not be possessed or used for the purposes of hunting as defined in section 26-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes on any state-owned land, including state forests. This provision shall not apply to rifles possessed by persons transporting legally killed and properly tagged deer taken on private lands to check stations located on state-owned properties, approved rifle range areas or deer hunting with shotgun or muzzleloader during the open season on such land. Waterfowlers hunting from a boat, blind or stationary position may only use the ammunition specified section 26-66-4(t) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.