I have been doing a little research. I am trying to expand my collection on both the big bore and small caliber. I like the new 325WSM, but will be getting a .338 when funds permit.
My search for a small caliber has me a little perplexed. I have a .22LR, .17HMR and a mini 14 in 223. I was looking for another small caliber in the 204, 22-250,220 223 range. A review of ballistics tables seems to indicate that for the limited number of bullets made, the 223WSSM is ballistically superior to a comparably sized bullet in the 22-250, 223 and 220. It carries more down range speed and energy. This is to say that a 50-grain Winchester power point carries better in a 223 WSSM than the others. If this is the case, why are we not seeing more talk about the 223WSSM being the new hot varmint cartridge? Is it the limited number of guns? Limited access to ammo?
I really like the 22-250, but the 223wssm has my interest peaked. I like the #1, CZ Full Stock, Savages.
I would be curious as to what you are finding or thinking.
For avid varmit shooters, it will be hard to displace the 223. This has much to do with cheap and plentiful brass and good performance from a small powder charge. Excellent barrel life is another plus for the 223 Rem. Barrel life is short in the 220 Swift and brass life is limited in the 22-250. The 223 WMS has a lot of ground to cover to ever catch up in popularity. I think for a coyote gun they would be good but the 243 WMS will be better. I really don't see the 223 or 243 WSM catching on big time. Mainly because the 223 and 243 are already firmly in place. Almost anyone who hunts varmits already has one or both of the old standbys. I am a gun nut but really dont have any interest in the new small bore WSM's. None of the WSM's offer enough advantage over the older rounds to get me into them. If I were ever to buy one it would be the 270 WSM. Why? I don't know.
223wssm: Why not more discussion?
