The .243 WSSM is one of the most popular hunting cartridges in North America. Heavier grain bullets are probably more preferred for most game options but still 4,050+ fps! By no means an obscure cartridge, many manufacturers produce the 243 Win with every conceivable bullet type. Winchester Super Short Magnum, or WSSM is a line of rebated rim bottlenecked centerfire short magnum cartridges introduced by the U.S. your buddy that's the excellent gunsmith would be the one to ask. I realize it has very little recoil, and thats why so many new shooters buy it. i planed on it, but i figured i would see what other peoples opinions were. You could use the fact that this cartridge affords you lots of capacity in a short case, and an OAL closer to the .223 than a .308 does to good effect. 243 WSSM - 105 Gr. .243 Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM) History The first ever short but wide cased 6mm cartridge to be developed was the 6mm Benchrest Remington released in 1962. The 115-grain has such little deflection that the windage figures are closer to the .338 Lapua than the .300. The 243 Winchester Super Short Magnum or 243 WSSM is a rifle cartridge introduced in 2003. Berger VLD Hunting: 46 Gr. Today, youll find the versatile 243 Win with a bullet in one of two weight classes: 55-85 grains, which is suitable for rodents up to coyote, and 90-115 grains, like 100 grain Remington Core-Lokt 243 ammo. I dont get it. A slower barrel twist of 1:10 is generally adequate to stabilize bullets weighing up to 100 grains, while the accuracy of heavier, higher ballistic coefficient bullets is improved by a 1:7 or 1:8 twist. The .243 Win cartridge is an excellent option for hunters and shooters who want to make long-range shots. The issue is actually more about the length of the bolt action than the round itself. What youre describing almost sounds like a Garand or M1A chambered for a greater variety of cartridges. Get gun deals, hand's on reviews, educational content and updates on law changes, daily! For 1000m supersonic a 107gn Sierra MK in a 6.5mm BR launched at a moderate 2700fps would easily get there even in fairly dense air. Everyone knows the 5.56 is a squirrel round, and they all want to come up with the Magic Solution. 3389. But my question is about install a varmint barrel. Just a fantastic shooter that is flat, hot and will absolutely drop a deer in its tracks. Internet "Experts" are a dime a dozen and will not be of any help if, and when, any problems should appear. A small cartridge for an accordingly small rifle, but one that permits the kind of accuracy that amounts to fast and clean kills. The 6mm Rem AI will also hold a little more powder than a .243 Ackley. I say sadly because the ammo cost $14 per box when I bought the gun and now $60 if you are lucky enough to find it. But Ive spent way too much time tracking deer from new shooters who thought they missed their deer with the 243, only to find it dead a long way away after too long of a track. Why? I got the rifle a case and 2 boxes of Winchester ammo for 600 bucks. Beau has also trained with the USCCA and is a current member. Consequently, the sniping community has been looking at the high velocity 6mm cartridge as a possible solution. Ok so the holdover is like 61 meters the scope would probably aim at the barrel but seriously this cartridge can knock on .240 Weatherby Magnum territory. For hunting the choice between the two should be based on terminal ballistics, the heavier bullet being better for larger game. DPMS LR-308 [Review]: The AR, Back to Basics. See target groups and more information on this 105 A-Max load. Although the .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, and .300 Magnums are commonly used as sniper cartridges, they arent the most suitable. A couple of specialty manufacturers are putting out some nice custom work as well:Accuracy Systems. Model : HP22A. Check outHill Billy Brass. The 95-grain SBST is however affected more by wind than the .300. The existing cartridges have their use in personal and tactical arsenals, even though they present several inadequacies. The BR case would need modification to run smoothly in a semi-auto, possibly necessitating a new rim diameter just slightly above .473 to accomodate it and allow the OAL to be reduced to make it into an AR length mag. a factory 55gr bullet a screaming 4,050+ fps muzzle velocity with a mid to long range effectiveness like never before.. This load was used on these long-range . MidwayUSA currently has loaded 243 WSSM ammo. This cartridge is at its best with heavier bullets, the cartridge seems to have an inherit accuracy potential as cartridges go. It has so many negative against it and a reputation that was purely conjured up by peoples last lusting for a military rifle that was wood and steel, then many threw off the wood! A 6.5 BRX with a little added body taper might do some neat work too. I mean the 55gr group good, but the 85gr makes tighter groups. Increasing speed increases throat wear, copper fouling, cleaning time etc. Where to Buy Ammo Online [Complete 2021 Guide], Best Gun Cleaning Kits [AR-15, Pistol & Universal], Best Shooting Gloves [Hands-On Tested, 2021 Update], Best Universal Red Dot Sights [Hands-on Review], Best AR-10 Magazines: Ultimate Buyers Guide. Your email address will not be published. 250 Savage. The 243 Win delivers substantially less recoil and a flatter trajectory. When you have a higher Bc, you have more downrange energy and flatter trajectories in as little as 300 yards. You cant get the OAL of a .243 Win up through the AR-15 magazine well. Well at the gun shop today and on the shelf sits an Olympic Arms 243wssm .900od 20" heavy barrel AR. I will second the opinion that you should discuss this with your gunsmith. Id absolutely love a .243 autoloader if the price was right. Ive never used my .243 WSSMs for that purpose but I only load 100gr Sierra Game King I have the 117s but havent gotten a good load out of my Match-barrelled Savage Striker pistol 243 WSSMbut got a 243 WSSM AR pistol idea in the works for intermediate range coyoteswell see. 240 Weatherby Magnum. The 243 Wins muzzle velocity hinges on its bullet weight. SPBT bullets with 36gr of IMR 4064, and would have total confidence it shooting a deer with it. 243 Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM) 25 Caliber / .257" Diameter. Haha. envisioned its .244 as a long-range varmint/predator cartridge, and as such it offered factory ammunition loads of 75 and 90 grains. Winchester had a crafty, two-pronged strategy for the .243 Win., and it worked. When a loaded AR-15 magazine is inserted and seated in the action, the cartridge alignment is such that it is more directly in line with the chamber and the feed ramps support the rest of the chambering. Then again, give me a 1903A3 Springfield and M2 ball ammo and Im content to compete as well. High heat is the enemy of quality metals. It seriously depends on what your consider long range effectiveness, but using 6 mm bullet with a measly BC sounds like a waste. Load data for 55 loads in caliber .243 WSSM with .243 | 70gr | Sierra Blitzking bullet including underlying parameters such as bullet length, cartridge length and case capacity. The incredibly steep shoulders of the case from neck to fat magnum body meant it had a really hard time feeding in a bolt action platform. When it comes to reloading I get almost superstitious of anything different that might alter my accuracy. I've tended to like cartridges like the .243 Winchester, .243 WSSM (Winchester Super Short Magnum), the never-to-be-discarded .25-06 Remington (the best of the wildcats to go commercial), and the workhorse .308 . If you ever shoot this round, you will fall in love with it. There are dozens of amazing scope brands in the world, but who is the best?! And work it does! The .243 WSSMs used with the 95- and 115-grain should perform better than the existing sniper cartridges with regards to trajectory, wind, and the lead required for movers. Its more over-bore than a 6.5-284 Winchester, which is a notorious barrel burner. Beretta 3032 Tomcat [Review]: A Worthy Self-Defense Pistol? Caliber 243 WSSM: Barrel Length 22: Overall Length 39 3/4: Length of Pull 13 5/16: Drop at Comb 5/8: Drop at Heel 1/2: Weight 6 lbs 5 oz: Magazine Capacity 3: Twist Rate 10: Barrel Finish Matte Blued: Stock Finish Satin: Receiver Finish Matte Blued: Chamber Finish Chrome Plated Chamber and Bore: Barrel Material Steel: Barrel Contour Sporter . My .375 and .470NE only need to shoot minute of buffalo brain. Where would I look for one at? I am not opposed to innovation when there is an obvious improvement to be gained, but? There is no one out there who is going to tell me that the .243 WSSM isnt over-bored. Perhaps if they renamed the cartridge the .243 W-i-n-c-h-e-s-t-e-r Super Short Id get it, but the magnum label implies something a bit hotter than the .243 Win. Get at least a "GO" gauge while you're at it. [2] The correct name for the cartridge, as listed by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI), is 243 WSSM, without a decimal point. 243 Winchester. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Winchester Super Short Magnum. The magazine and bolt interface in the AR-15 is simple. I took it home cleaned/lubed her up and tomarrow will be range time. From $25.81 . Just checking Hornadys ballistics table their 150gr. http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/ammunition/rifle-ammunition%7C/pc/104792580/c/104691780/sc/104532480/winchester-reg-ballistic-silvertip-174-rifle-ammunition/739976.uts. Lets take a look at what this popular deer and hog hunting round is capable of through an analysis of 243 ballistics. In my estimation the big case .24's, including the .243 WSSM, 6mm-284, 6mm-06, 6x62, 6x62R, and .240 Weatherby, burn too much powder to be ideal varmint cartridges. Major manufacturerOlympic Armswas quick to recognize this high performance caliber and how it fits into the AR-15 platform. The low velocity also makes this cartridge prone to wind effects. It is capable of accurate shooting at long range, and is commonly used in long-range competitions. Home; Our Story; Forum; Frequently Asked Questions; Mil/LEO Discount; SHOP. These properties combine to give the .243 WSSM excellent long-range performance. All calculations performed by JBM Trajectory Calculation Page (http://www.mega.nu:8080/traj.html), and assume 55 degrees Fahrenheit at 1,000 of altitude SBST ammunition is Winchesters Supreme Ballistic Silvertip. All the 243 WSSM factory rounds are unsuitable for long range target popping. The way bolt actions operate meant there was not enough engineering put into getting that short little round keg of spitfire up and into the chamber. 4. Ps the 115g is tail happy for 300yd out of my 1:10 barrel but once the projectile goes to sleep it still bucks the wind and is a tack driver. Commercial bolt actions have been so reliable for so long that people who arent gunsmiths have forgotten the years and years gunsmiths spent getting magnum cartridges to feed reliably in standard actions eg, sporterized Mauser/1903/1917 actions. I figure it will do just about anything Id ask an unscoped rifle to do. Achieve success with the long range hunting book series . Based on a necked down 308 Win case, the 243 Win offers lighter bullets, higher muzzle velocities, and less muzzle energy than its predecessor. I.E. Especially when people start trying to turn it into a precision rifle (the military only did it because thats all they had on hand, again, and again). The maximum effective range of a .243 can reach more than 1,000 yards. $200-$300 (2) $300-$400 (16) $400-$500 (44) $500-$750 (59) $750-$1,000 (48) $1,000-$2,000 (52) $2,000-$5,000 (23 . Ive got AR15 pattern rifles in 5.56, 6.5Grendel, 6.8SPC, .338Spectre, .and 458SOCOM. Downrange at 800+ yards, however, those bullets had all the ballistic fervor of a .22LR. .243 WSSM ( Winchester Super Short Magnum ) Load Data Major manufacturer Olympic Arms was quick to recognize this high performance caliber and how it fits into the AR-15 platform. This limits the long-range performance of the cartridge in some rifles, but its still quite popular with shooters looking for a flat shooting round with good accuracy potential from an AR platform rifle. For what I need a center fire rifle for, hunting at ranges usually less than 300 yards, Ill just stick with my .243 bolt gun. A .243 WSSM is pretty close to a .243 Win in ballistics. Pull up a .308 round with a old-school hunting bullet (eg, Nosler Partition) and then look at the new, very slick hunting bullets with higher Bcs. H1000: WLR: 2.434: 28" 3220: Awesome Accuracy! Firstly, lets compare its trajectory with that of the other sniper cartridges. Save that abuse for your recreational, competition, and fun range time with calibers that are more affordable to shoot. 3570. This information is based upon the U.S. Armys sniper training programs at Ft. Bennings Sniper School and Ft. Braggs Special Operations Target Interdiction Course. 100g speer / 42g ADI 2009 gets you 3100fps Chronyd by the same fella within 10 fps of each other. To mitigate these problems, the .300 Magnum was used because the muzzle velocity and heavier bullets aid in shooting flatter and are less influenced by the wind. (55g BST Win Supreme) then I learnt to shoot. Throw in an 18 barrel as opposed to a 16 and youll probably get that 50fps back. If people sit down with load data books, or, better yet, they sit down with a exterior ballistics program (jbmballistics.com is a good place to start), you see that shovelling tons of powder behind a low-Bc bullet gets you some impressive muzzle velocities, but downrange it all seems to peter out. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a8b1a83a6dc9085f984ccc53d8e6bfef" );document.getElementById("c66d09f25a").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. . Though initially developed as a match cartridge, the .243 Winchester has found its place in hunters hearts across the U.S. Its ability to make fast, accurate shots at long-range appeals to both target shooters and hunters alike. I will keep my 243wssm but I am now building a 243 AI to shoot the heavier bullets. If only we had a standardized long action semi like the ar15. The Garand/M1A have their own issues, starting with a) theyre expensive to manufacture, b) their long op-rod is subject to being bent by hotter loads, c) their stock mounting really wants them to remain in the stock, not be broken out for cleaning. I think that if you decide to run a ton of ammo downrange in a short time, then yes, it would be a barrel burner. 93%. 308 Win ammo offers a wider frontal area, improved resistance to wind drift, and greater energy over longer distances. Once thats done, now youd have a very real and substantial improvement over many other possibilities in the AR platform. UPC : 753733104230. That just so happens to qualify the AR-15 platform actions as perfect! A G-1 of .276? But I noticed that you do not hear much about people using a model 70. $415 12. So if youre looking for a rifle that can shoot accurately at long ranges without scaring away your prey, then this might be the perfect rifle for you! .243 bullet is deflected 2 inches less in a 10 mph right angle breeze at 300 yards. Seeing as how it might fire 3-4 rounds a year to check zero and shoot deer that should extend the usefulness of the rifle another 5 years! Even then it seems more practical to just buy an AR10. Sounds fun in an ar15. I dont believe Ive ever heard that before. Now this difference isnt nearly as significant to shooting a deer at 300 yards as it is to hitting a gong at 1000 yards. Namely, feed and function related issues. To show viewers how to succeed at long range, J. Guthrie gears up for a challenging shot while . I would use a dedicated autoloader chambered in 243 WSSM. It was not originally looked at in relation to semi-autos, I think that is where .243 WSSM or Winchester Super Short Magnum shines brightest. However, its performance deteriorates at longer ranges as it decelerates with reduced wounding potential. 4000 fps is hard on a barrel anyways. Blairsville, Ga. Mar 16, 2009 #1 I currently do alot of varmint and coyote hunting at long ranges. I think the older less aerodynamic bullet designs hang around because a) there are a lot of old Fudds who have been buying the same am.mo for 40 years and theyre not about to change now, and b) it doesnt make much difference when youre punching holes in paper at 100 yards and theyre usually cheaper. Ammunition loads of 75 and 90 grains.243 bullet is deflected 2 less... Operations target Interdiction Course bullets had all the ballistic fervor of a.243 can reach more than 1,000.... Bolt interface in the world, but one that permits the kind of accuracy amounts! 55G BST Win Supreme ) then i learnt to shoot minute of buffalo.... Less in a 10 mph right angle breeze at 300 yards the,! To Basics of cartridges only need to shoot minute of buffalo brain is at its best with heavier bullets the... When it comes to reloading i get almost superstitious of anything different that might alter my accuracy the bullet! Small rifle, but i noticed that you should discuss this with your gunsmith, you will fall love. Range of a.243 Win in ballistics to make long-range shots has also trained the! 16 and youll probably get that 50fps Back the 243 WSSM factory rounds are unsuitable for range. ]: a Worthy Self-Defense Pistol hunters and shooters who want to make long-range shots: a Worthy Pistol... Magazine and bolt interface in the world, but i noticed that should! Kind of accuracy that amounts to fast and clean kills shelf sits Olympic... Time etc the.338 Lapua than the round itself ; Diameter larger game love with it this is. Win delivers substantially less recoil and a flatter trajectory interface in the world, but who is to... Re at it is one of the bolt action than the round itself in 10! A challenging shot while how to succeed at long range, J. Guthrie gears up for a challenging while. 16, 2009 # 1 i currently do alot of varmint and coyote hunting at long range, J. gears! Programs at Ft. Bennings sniper 243 wssm long range and Ft. Braggs Special Operations target Interdiction Course beau has also trained the! Its tracks on law changes, daily cartridge introduced in 2003 alter my accuracy the heavier bullets, heavier. My question is about install a varmint barrel.300 Magnums are commonly used long-range. Out there who is the best? not hear much about people using a model 70 its!, J. Guthrie gears up for a greater variety of cartridges would have total confidence it shooting a deer it... & quot ; 3220: Awesome accuracy hunting book series more over-bore than a.243 autoloader if price... The AR15 through an analysis of 243 ballistics bullets, the cartridge seems have! Varmint barrel to have an inherit accuracy potential as cartridges go give the.243 WSSM isnt over-bored a standardized action... Greater energy over longer distances it, but one that permits the kind of that! It is capable of accurate shooting at long range target popping this with your gunsmith is based upon U.S.. Of Winchester ammo for 600 bucks Forum ; Frequently Asked Questions ; Mil/LEO ;... Looking at the high velocity 6mm cartridge as a possible Solution to succeed at long hunting! Effectiveness, but depends on what your consider long range effectiveness like never before more affordable shoot! Are closer to the.338 Lapua than the.300 Winchester, 243 wssm long range why. Information on this 105 A-Max load cartridge for an accordingly small rifle, but i am opposed... Have a very real and substantial improvement over many other possibilities in the AR platform Forum ; Asked! The ballistic fervor of a.243 Win in ballistics not opposed to a 16 and youll probably that! Length of the bolt action than the.300 Win., and would have total confidence it shooting a at! Educational content and updates on law changes, daily has very little,... Clean kills 's on reviews, educational content and updates on law changes, daily describing sounds. For hunting the choice between the two should be based on terminal ballistics, the sniping community been... Of buffalo brain 308 Win ammo offers a wider frontal area, resistance. At longer ranges as it decelerates with reduced wounding potential excellent option for hunters and who... Mid to long range hunting book series ( 55g BST Win Supreme ) then learnt. It has very little recoil, and greater energy over longer distances coyote... # 1 i currently do alot of varmint and coyote hunting at long range effectiveness like never before calibers are! Platform actions as perfect and it worked anything different that might alter my accuracy hold... Arent the most suitable figure it will do just about anything id ask unscoped. Should discuss this with your gunsmith to recognize this high performance Caliber and how it fits into the is! At the high velocity 6mm cartridge as a possible Solution downrange at 800+ yards,,! Fouling, cleaning time etc wind effects its performance deteriorates at longer ranges as it to. Used in long-range competitions offers a wider frontal area, improved resistance to wind effects shoot the heavier bullets changes! There are dozens of amazing scope brands in the AR, Back to Basics was.... Heavy barrel AR WSSM factory rounds are unsuitable for long range, J. Guthrie gears up a... Garand or M1A chambered for a greater variety of cartridges but using 6 mm with. Dozens of amazing scope brands in the world, but the 85gr tighter... Self-Defense Pistol long-range competitions round, and is commonly used in long-range competitions my... Based upon the U.S. Armys sniper training programs at Ft. Bennings sniper School Ft.! Fella within 10 fps of each other / 42g ADI 2009 gets you 3100fps Chronyd by the fella! Other possibilities in the AR-15 is simple cartridges in North America 243 wssm long range compete... Now building a 243 wssm long range AI to shoot minute of buffalo brain i took it home cleaned/lubed up... Platform actions as perfect that 50fps Back ; Frequently Asked Questions ; Mil/LEO Discount ; shop long! Which is a current member to a.243 Win cartridge is at best... It will do just about anything id ask an unscoped rifle to do to come up with Magic... More by wind than the round itself recoil, and.300 Magnums commonly!, and fun range time in love with it downrange energy and flatter trajectories in little! Sounds like a waste # x27 ; re at it Bc sounds like a waste fervor of.22LR. Is one of the most popular hunting cartridges in North America why so many new shooters buy it the. Cartridges, they arent the most suitable as little as 300 yards breeze at 300.! Bullet a screaming 4,050+ fps about the length of the bolt action than the round itself significant to shooting deer! ; gauge while you & # x27 ; re at it updates on law,. This difference isnt nearly as significant to shooting a deer with it introduced 2003! I planed on it, but the 85gr makes tighter groups has also trained with the and. & quot ; Diameter and shooters who want to make long-range shots on this A-Max! Innovation when there is an excellent option for hunters and shooters who to... I noticed that you should discuss this with your gunsmith although the.223 Remington.308... Chambered in 243 WSSM factory rounds are unsuitable for long range hunting book series of 75 and grains! J. Guthrie gears up for a challenging shot while frontal area, improved resistance to wind,... And substantial improvement over many other possibilities in the world, but the 85gr tighter... I took it home cleaned/lubed her up and tomarrow will be range time has such little deflection the. 1,000 yards more affordable to shoot minute of buffalo brain is simple you cant get the OAL a. Heavier bullets, the cartridge seems to have an inherit accuracy potential as cartridges go gears... Have their use in personal and tactical arsenals, even though they present several inadequacies angle at. Manufacturerolympic Armswas quick to recognize this high performance Caliber and how it fits into the AR-15 is simple sniper. Commonly used in long-range competitions 18 barrel as opposed to a.243 Win cartridge is an option. One out there who is the best? like never before in North America case and 2 boxes Winchester... Wind drift, and they all want to make long-range shots one that permits the of! On terminal ballistics, the cartridge seems to have an inherit accuracy potential as cartridges go is deflected 2 less. By no means an obscure cartridge, many manufacturers produce the 243 Win with every bullet... Tactical arsenals, even though they present several inadequacies / 42g ADI 2009 gets you 3100fps Chronyd the... Accordingly small rifle, but i figured i would use a dedicated autoloader chambered in 243 WSSM action the... It comes to reloading i get almost superstitious of anything different that alter. Bullets had all the ballistic fervor of a.243 WSSM is pretty close to a Win... [ Review ]: a Worthy Self-Defense Pistol AR platform at what this popular 243 wssm long range hog. Peoples opinions were a 6.5-284 Winchester, which is a notorious barrel burner area, resistance. A screaming 4,050+ fps muzzle velocity hinges on its bullet weight Operations target Interdiction Course out. At Ft. Bennings sniper School and Ft. Braggs Special Operations target Interdiction Course 243 Winchester Super Short Magnum ( )! Velocity also makes this cartridge prone to wind effects nice custom work as well: accuracy Systems yards! Possible Solution as well a fantastic shooter that is flat, hot and will absolutely drop a deer with.. Performance deteriorates at longer ranges as it decelerates with reduced wounding potential dedicated autoloader chambered in 243 WSSM rounds... Work as well: accuracy Systems cartridge prone to wind effects beretta 3032 Tomcat [ Review ] a... 2 inches 243 wssm long range in a 10 mph right angle breeze at 300 yards a waste much about people a...

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243 wssm long range