Opinions on 243 WSSM

gunasauras

gunasauras

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I'm looking hard at buying a bolt action rifle in 243 WSSM. I'm looking for opinions, both positive and/or negative on this cartridge/calibre combination in Winchester/Browning, or WHY rifles.
 
My only comment would be that the WSSMs didn't really seem to catch on like the 270 or 300 WSMs. In the future it might be hard to get brass or factory loaded ammo.
 
"...might be hard to get brass or factory loaded ammo..." Yep. The marketing types will have anything new or newish dropped if it doesn't meet their sales projections. That's why you should always buy as many pieces of brass as you can when buying a firearm in a new cartridge. Even if you don't reload.
The only advantage a .243 WSSM gives is a shorter action. It runs at a bit higher pressure, but you also get more velocity. It's still a varmint/deer cartridge though. What rifle is comes in doesn't matter any more than any other cartridge.
 
They don't generally feed as well as a regular 243 and they aren't THAT much faster. Buy a 6mm and you will have a slick feeding rocket that you can always buy brass and factory loads for. It has the extra 100-125 fps that you gain from a WSSM. The WSSM are a marketing gimmick. Pure and simple. That being said, I'm sure some guys have them and like them but there is no advantage over a 6mm.
 
I already have a heavy barrel, tack driving .243. Just interested in something a little different or off the wall so to speak. Thanks for the input so far fellas. Sure would love to hear from some pers with experience owning/firing this cartridge.....
 
gunasauras said:
I already have a heavy barrel, tack driving .243. Just interested in something a little different or off the wall so to speak. Thanks for the input so far fellas. Sure would love to hear from some pers with experience owning/firing this cartridge.....
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Probably not going to get much from those who owned and fired this cartridge because their numbers are few. Never did catch on. Those who have this cartride are probably not willing to admit that it is only slightly faster than the .243 and not as fast as the 6 mm.
 
It is a great cartridge. I had one in a Model 70 Featherweight and sold it as I thought I would prefer something with a Detachable mag. I then bought another in a A-bolt hunter and used it for awhile but found the detachable mag that has to be snapped into the drop hinge cover a pain so I sold it also and bought a 243 WIN in a tikka t3 thought it would be the real ticket but the longer I had it the less I liked it so I sold it also.

If I was going to buy another 24 cal it would be a 243 WSSM can't explain why just liked it better than the 243 WIN.

Buy 1 and lots of brass and enjoy.
 
If you do some reading on the varmint hunting forums alot of guys really like the 243 wssm for long distance shooting 500 yards plus. I always pay attention to those guys as they demand accuracy out of their guns as much as paper punchers.
You'll always find brass despite what soem of the so called "experts" on cgn claim. Absolute worst case senario is you don't like it and have it reballed or sell it.

Cheers!!
 
scott_r said:
If you do some reading on the varmint hunting forums alot of guys really like the 243 wssm for long distance shooting 500 yards plus. I always pay attention to those guys as they demand accuracy out of their guns as much as paper punchers.
You'll always find brass despite what soem of the so called "experts" on cgn claim. Absolute worst case senario is you don't like it and have it reballed or sell it.

Cheers!!
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That's pretty well the way I've been thinking as well, thanks!
 
I'll just stick with my 6mm Remingtons, thanks. I have a 300 WSM, which is an accurate and decent firearm, but as for those stubby WSSM's, it appears that they are on the way out anyhow. Eagleye.
 
I have one in a browning Varmint A-Bolt stalker. I amazed at the accuracy of that thing and the extra features are nice also like the dura-touch stock and the medium heavy barrel. My only problem with mine and its probably a general problem with all the wssm's is feeding issues with some rounds. I just loaded up some Barnes Varmint Grenades in them which are like a hollow point...I can't use the magazine for them and have to single shot them by dropping them down from the top. I never had a problem with any other the other rounds I have fired but these. I will probably use up this 100 rounds and go back to the V-max heads.
 
Wether one likes, or dislikes the cartridge (I happen to think it's a poor design for any rifle other than a single shot), there are so few out there that you may not be able to find loaded cartridges, or brass in a few years time.
Mike
 
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