358WINMAN

I'm thinking of pursuing varmints again. Used to do it way back with a
22-250 which I sold quite a few years ago.
Here's my querry. Is the .223 WSSM a good round? Is it worth buying a varmint rifle in that cal. or to stick with a proven workhorse like a 22-250 or .220 Swift?
Will these super hot SSM's burn out a barrel quicker than a Swift?
Who's got experience with the .223WSSM?
Also, do I buy a bolt gun or go to a single shot?
I'm not a veteran varminter. Ijust messed around with chucks, foxes and coyotes on farms in Jersey.The .22-250 was a bolt. Does it matter? I know single shots lock up tight and usually give up great accuracy which is what I want if I do this. Ok guys, give me your feedback!

haugenna

That and the 243 wssm are the only rifles I could find in the Mod 70 classic ultimate shadows. I am interested to hear what comes from this thread.

jeepkid

Singles are nice, but I like bolts better. Check out Cooper Arms if you want a single shotbolt gun, very very high quality. I haven't had any first hand experiance with the .223 WSSM, but balistics wise, it is the best of the .22cals. I like the .223 Rem a lot, cheap, accurate, enough power for everything you mentioned. Any high velocity rifle is going to be a barrel burner, you'd probably get around 1500 rounds out of it, just a guess though, others guys on here will know more. Depending on what state you are in, I would recommend a Rock River AR-15 Varmint rifle in .223 rem. Or check out Accuracy Systems if you want one in another caliber.

Bullet Hole Bailey

if i was you id go with the 22-250 its the best little gun and it works wonders on anything from squrriels to deer, i mean it, it is awesome

spencer0071

What is a 223 WSM going to do for you that 223 Rem won't. You are setting yourself up for hard times. Several years ago I bought a 300 RUM. No internet retailers had the 300 RUM for sale. I had to drive 3+ hours, spend $40 for 20 rounds, then drive 3+ hours home. None of the guns stores in town would order the ammunition for me because they had to buy it by the case. I buy 223 Rem for $18 for 50 rounds of ballistic tips. I priced 223 WSM on Midway (only three to choose from by the way) the cheapest they have is $17 for 20. Why do you want to pay twice as much to burn out your barrel twice as fast.If a 223 Rem does not cut it for you in performance why not step up to a 243 Win? The 220 Swift and 22-250 are fine for what you are trying to go after. I would chose a 22-250 rather than a 220 Swift though. There is nothing wrong with a single shoot. By design they are very strong, accurate rifles.

If you want something new and hot, try a .17 HMR. The ammo is not as cheap as a 22 LR but offers alot more in performace, and are good out to 200+ yards.

jeepkid

Also, do a search for WSSM Zone, they have information on all the WSSM's.

SwampCollie

I had a Winchester 70 in 243 WSSM.

I was pretty disappointed. The rifle would only feed every other round from the magazine. The bolt acctually went right over the case and failed to catch it. The accuracy was alright, the recoil I thought was a touch less than a standard .243. There weren't as many factory offerings as there were/are for a .243 win. I sold the gun since it really didn't tickle me as pink as I would have hoped. If I had it to do again I would have bought the regular .243.

DANTHEHUNTER

I am one of those guys who has a .220 swift and I love it. I had a guns and ammo that compared the .223wssm to the swift . they are really close to the same proformance when reloaded. But actually the .223 wssm had just alittle advantage on it. He was loading it all the way up to 4500fps and still shooting accurate. (if you are a speed freak) I really cant see that a 22-250,.220 swift or the .223wssm barrels (throat)will burn out faster then each other, they are all about the same I just like the swift it has been around for along time and is still doing what it did back in the 30's smoking some yote.

Roskoe

The folks I know who have these have been disappointed in them. Accuracy has been so-so and there are some feeding issues. Get the .22-250 or .220 Swift.

Duckbutter48

Must be a Winchester problem then, my A-bolt has had zero feeding problems. I used factory and reloads and no probs. As for high velocity bullets--Brownings WSSM's have cromed lined barrels so it shouldnt be as much of an issue. I cant speak for the Winchesters, never had one never will, they just dont have the feel I like.

The 223Wssm and 243Wssm casings are easy to get if you dont mind ordering off the net. Grafs.com has them for 20$ for 100(federal brand)

If you are not a reloader I think I would most likely go with the 22-250 just for the choice of factory loads you can get. If you reload then the xtra capacity the 220swift and Wssm are the way to go. Just my 2cents.