.223 WSSM information

[BrutalAttack]

I'm seriously considering one of these in a Browning A-bolt. Anyone have one? What do you think so far? Compared to 22-250?

[James B]

What I would do, is buy a good 22-250 and have it reamed to 22-250 AI. Great case life with ballistics right along with the 220 swift and better case and barrel life than either. This is one cartridge that should be standarized by someone. Its a GEM.

[saladin]

i'd steer clear of the wssm. i suspect it may not have an extended future.

james could be on the right track with the ackley improved. it would be an interesting round to play with. you get the advantage of the 22/250 availability, plus reduced case-stretch and better velocity.

the other one that might be worth looking at, if your main interest is in flat shooting varmint rounds, is the new .204 Ruger. you're limited to 40-grain projectiles, but it shoots about as flat as anything around, and on paper it is slightly superior ballistically to the hot .22's at longer ranges.based on the .222 magnum case, i'd expect very little barrel wear, plus the ability to maintain sight picture whilst firing.it will get cheaper to run, too, as more people start using the round.

[BrutalAttack]

.204 doesn't offer anything ballistically that can't be had by existing cartridges.

Nice suggestion on the 22-250 AI however I'm not a handloader and I'm not interested in fire-forming brass and all that other nonsense.

All I'm hearing are horrorstories about the .223 WSSM. Also, the fact that they requirechrome-lined barrels doesn't speak well ofbarrel lifeand/or accuracy.

If I could find a reliable supply of 22-250 AI factory loads I'd be all for it. I knownext to nothing about the cartridge.

Thanks for the suggestions thus far.