CAPT BRAD

Does anybody have expierience with the WSSM.
I saw one at walmart today in a model 70 with a simmons 3-9 for $379.
I was RED HOT til I saw the WSSM on the barrel. I just don't know anything about it.
I've shot a 243win all my life and love it. I just don't know anything about the WSSM

Thanks

Brad

James B

Add about 100 fps to your 243 and you have the 243WSSM. I don't know what is available for factory loads but if you reload it should be fine.

jcchartboy

I have been researching the WSSM's most of the day. I am looking at the .25 caliber. If you know you want a .243 I would think you should be overjoyed to find that gun. It is everything the .243 is and then some. First off due to the case design it has almost identical recoil, ( less powder is burned more efficiently). Second it shoots much flatter than a standard .243. ( 95gr bullets with a 100yard zero which are 10in low at 300yrds in standard caliber are only 6in low in the wssm.) Third, the actions for the guns are true super short actions. This means they are almost an inch shorter than standard short actions. That has two big impacts, the total length of the gun will be 1 in shorter than standars short models, but will also be a 1/4 pound lighter!

zrexpilot

Ballistics show the 100gr.wssm to be +1.4 " high at a 100yds to be -6.6 at 300yds (not zero @ 100.) 95 gr. is +1.2 @ 100 and -5.7@300
Using federal 100 gr in the standard .243 it's +1.5 @ 100yds and -6.8@ 300yds.
85gr Federal is +1.1@100 and -5.5@300
Not much difference.
I own a .243 and see no need to change, it's just not really any better, theres also a lot more selection of ammo for the standard .243. 55gr. 70 gr. 75 gr. 80 gr. 85 gr. 90 gr. 95 gr 100gr. 105 and 107 . You can get Hollow points, siera gamekings, ballistic tips, noslers, scirocco bonded,v-max, the list goes on.

James B

Hodgdon data shows only 74 fps difference between the 243 and the 243 WSSM. 3000 fps for the 243 and 3074 for the 243 WSSM. That can't add up to much difference in trajectory.

CAPT BRAD

Hey guys
Thanks for the imput. I can say it was a fine lookin' piece for the money.
I've got a feelin' my wife will have the REDA$$ tomorrow, but I think I'm gonna buy it just to have it if nothing else.

Thanks
brad

jcchartboy

Here is an apples to apples comparison.....

95gr Ballistic Silvertip .243

Rifle Ballistics

Distance (yds) Muzzle 50 100 200 300 400 500
Velocity (fps) 3100 - 2854 2626 2410 2203 2007
Distance (yds) Muzzle 50 100 200 300 400 500
Energy (ft. lbs.) 2021 - 1719 1455 1225 1024 850
Distance (yds) 50 100 150 200 250 300
Short Trajectory (in.) -0.3 0 -0.8 -2.8 -6 -10.6
Distance (yds) 100 150 200 250 300 400 500
Long Trajectory (in.) 1.4 1.3 0 -2.5 -6.4 -18.9 -38.4

95gr Ballistic Silvertip .243WSSM

Rifle Ballistics

Distance (yds) Muzzle 50 100 200 300 400 500
Velocity (fps) 3250 - 3000 2763 2538 2325 2121
Distance (yds) Muzzle 50 100 200 300 400 500
Energy (ft. lbs.) 2258 - 1898 1610 1359 1140 949
Distance (yds) 50 100 150 200 250 300
Short Trajectory (in.) -0.3 0.0 -0.7 -2.4 -5.2 -9.3
Distance (yds) 100 150 200 250 300 400 500
Long Trajectory (in.) 1.2 1.1 0.0 -2.3 -5.7 -16.9 -34.5

jcchartboy

In this head to head example..with identical bullets, there is no debating that the .243 WSSM is ballistically superior.
Zexpilot...I would never tell anyone to trade in their gun for this difference in ballistics, but head to head, same type and grain of bullet the .243 WSSM shoots flatter.
James B...these are actual factory loadings. The reality is, (at least for this cartridge) the .243 WSSM shoots 150fps faster.
Now the real question....is 150fps at the muzzle and 2in +/_ at 400yrds a big deal. I cant answer that for anyone but myself. But I know if I could get a gun with a stronger action, that weighed less, and was shorter, with the the same barrel length, and shot a given bullet flatter, I would take it.

jcchartboy

If you are believer that this cartridge never makes it, then yes you have to be concerned about bullet availabilty. Right now a quick search only shows good availabilty of 55-95-100 gr bullets. But with any cartridge that is only one year old that is to be expected.