Can anybody tell me what the difference between the 234 Win and 243 WSSM cal's is? Could a stock Remington Model 788 bolt action rifle in 243 Win calibre be safely modified to shoot 243 wssm rounds? Thanks for any info, cheers, Ken Watts.
243 Win vs 243 WSSM
- Thread starter op-dog
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a .243 Win is a necked down .308 Win. The .243 WSSM is a completely different case. It has a much larger diameter body and rim, which increases case capacity. I do not know if the 788 can be modified to accept the "magnum" dimension WSSM rim. If the bolt face can do it, then you have to consider feeding as well. The WSSM will almost certainly require modifications to the feed ramp, follower, guides etc.
Lastly, and someone who knows beter should jump in if I am wrong, the 788 was not known as the strongest action, and the .243 and .308 versions have been known to suffer from "setback" due to the recoil lugs weakness. I read about this a LONG time ago, so I might not be remembering it correctly. Why don't you just sell the 788 and buy a low end WSSM? It would probably not cost more than the work on your 788.
Lastly, and someone who knows beter should jump in if I am wrong, the 788 was not known as the strongest action, and the .243 and .308 versions have been known to suffer from "setback" due to the recoil lugs weakness. I read about this a LONG time ago, so I might not be remembering it correctly. Why don't you just sell the 788 and buy a low end WSSM? It would probably not cost more than the work on your 788.
Thanks very much for the info, I'm surprised to hear that the 788 action is known for weakness in these calibres as I was under the impression that this particular model was especially tight and durable because of the 9 locking lugs opn the bolt. I guess i was misinformed. Thanks again, cheers, Ken Watts.
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I think the 788 proved it's self as a strong enough action despite locking up on the wrong end - some of those rifles were very accurate. Getting even bearing on all 9 lugs when the action was locked up was another matter. How many factory rifles have come out with only one lug of a two lug bolt contacting? I'll bet many 788 actions locked up with only 3 lugs in full contact. Of coarse three of those lugs would have a large surface area in total. I'd go as far as saying that the 788 was the last economy rifle from Remington that was worth a damn.
Well folks thanks for the replies and good info. I never considered the possibility that all 9 locking lugs on 788 might not make proper contact, makes sense though, I wonder if this could possibly be corrected and at what expense. Anyway, not of concern regarding rechambering 243 to WSSM, best idea was to purchase what you want instead of gambling with a conversion. Unsderstanding the acronym WSSM would have answered my own question in the first place. Thanks again for your time and informative replies, cheers, Ken Watts.
You'd have to change the barrel due to the difference in the case length. Finding a barrel chambered in .243 WSSM for a 788 would likely be difficult and expensive if you did find one.
The biggest difference between the two cartridges is nearly a half inch of case length. The ballistics are the same, as is the bullet. The downside to the WSSM is finding brass or ammo.
The biggest difference between the two cartridges is nearly a half inch of case length. The ballistics are the same, as is the bullet. The downside to the WSSM is finding brass or ammo.
The issue with all nine lugs contacting is an issue I have seen once years ago on a .22-250 788. A friend of mine had 1 lug sheer off completely, thus indicating that it was the only one in full contact. I think that the load was over max though.
I think with proper bolt lug lapping 1 could acheive full contact on all 9 lugs.
I think with proper bolt lug lapping 1 could acheive full contact on all 9 lugs.
