I was talking to some other gun buddies the other day about all the new cartridges that have come out recently. By recently, I mean in the last 10-15 years. Whats your opinions on the most and least useful of the newbies? I know it will depend on what and where you hunt. To me The least useful would have to be the 243 WSSM. Given the available bullets in 6MM, I just don't see where this one will develop much of a niche.

To Me the most useful well may be the 338 Federal. While there are a few other calibers that may do the job, I like the idea of a heavier bullet for brush rifles for Black Bear and moose. One with some whop but not unbearable recoil.

Of the bigger guns, I think the 300 RUM ans 300 and 270 WSM's have found favor although I have no use for the RUM's African hunters will favor them. The 375 Ruger in my mind will come on strong if they can meet the demand. For NA this one is a grizzly stomper.
FIRE AWAY

The .338 Federal has a lot going for it. However, since the .338/'06 A-Square has become a factory round, I think it may be a little better.

That could be true. Some will perfer the shorter action although its not a deal maker or breaker for me.

I also like the idea of heavy bullets for heavy cover and had considered the 338 Federal but being that I have the dies for the 350 Rem. Mag, I decided to go that route instead. I for one like short actions and would be very interested to see what kind of recoil the 338 would be in comparison to the 350 Rem. Mag..... The 35 caliber is not as common as the 338 but for my application , it’ll do just fine.

Personally I don’t think the WSSM will last except for maybe the 25 WSSM. When members on this board post about the WSSM , they normally don’t get much response. Just an observation on my part and maybe I’m wrong. Now as for the 270 & 300 WSM, that’s another story and they should be around for some time...

I agree that the WSSMs are probably not a needed gun judging by demand and lack thereof. I do personally like the ballistics of the 25WSSM.

Probably one of the bettercartridges to come out in the last few years would be the 270WSM.

I think the .40S&W is a worthy newcomer, but I can't think of many others. I am a little old fashioned with firearms, though. There have been so many innovations in cartridge and bullet designs over the past century that it's hard to improve on the lot we already have.

I'm STILL bawlin'.....haven't got my hands on my "ordered" 17 Rem Fireball in SPS Varmint yet... another "new" cartridge that seems to fill no needed gap, but one I wanna try anyhow. Like some of the others mentioned and yet unmentioned, to me it's just something to play with and see how well I can get it to shoot. I really see no earthly need for it. Lots of other cartridges will fill that niche nicely...........But I still wanna try it............

Most: 6.8 spc
Least: any new 30 cal

I looked at the 338 Federal for an Encore pistol. I went with the 358 Winchester instead. I just liked the 358 a bit better. For one reason I like to cast bullets, and I like big for caliber bullets, the 35 will let me go a bit larger(meplat area, and bore). I think the 358 has been passed over unfairly, it seems to be a great cartridge-but to be truthful it is my first 35, so we will see. I also like that 350 Remington Magnum , but I never could get one in a left handed rifle. Tom.

Aught Six. That is certainly true about the new improved bullets. Todays bullets kind of equalize a lot of popular rounds. Makes the choice easier. OR Harder.