RE: 223, 243 & 25 WSSM cartridges
I have an A-bolt in 270WSm and 243WSSmand really like both of them. I already had a 243 and 6mm and a 270win before I made these purchases. I have had nothing but good experiences with both guns they both shoot under 1" at 100yrds and havent jammed.
The only difference Ive seen with the Wssm is that the gun likes the cases to be full length re-sized before reloading. The gun shot the factory ammo (Win 100grn power pts and the 95 grn BT) under an inch also. I like the shorter lighter guns and enjoy the shorter actions over long actions in general.
Popularity of a caliber has nothing to do with how good it is (most times) if that were the case the 280s and 6mm's instead of 270's and 243 its got alot to do with marketing. IMO there never a niche that doesnt need filled. How could the 300wsm get so popular we didnt need another 300mag its huge now though.