Do you guys think that the new 243 wssm will make a good deer cartridge. I plan on buying this or a 270 wsm. The reason i am asking about the 243 is because it would be a little easier on the varmits also. What do you guys think about this new caliber.
ryan

They are due to go into production early March and start showing up on gunstore racks in Late March.It is a unique cartridge in that it is only a hair better than the regular 243 and about the equal to the 6mm Remington.You would have to want it for the slightly shorter length action and overall length and would be limited for now to the Winchester or Browning offerings.A lot of the people in the know think the WSSM are an iffy thing and may not take off like Winchester hopes and some are predicting a crash with it failing to get off the ground at all.On the other hand the 270WSM is selling like wildfire and already in the top 20 reloading die sales charts.It is going to be a winner from all indications and will join the 300WSM as cartridges to survive and have staying power.I'm looking hard at a 270WSM in a Savage 16FSS and happy with my current 243 and 22-250 for varmints.Maybe if I didn't already have them the 243WSSM would be more appealing,but I still wouldn't get interested till Savage or Tikka started building a super short action gun.The twist Winchester has settled on should be good for a 100gr Nosler Parition so it would be just as good as a 6mm or 243 for deer.

woods

GIVE GOD THE GLORY <><

Edited by - woodseye on 02/09/2003 15:21:05

May be fine for the reloader, but factory cartridges will be of limited weights and designs as well as expensive.

for varmits maybe, but I wouldn't want to go any smaller cal than the 270.

http://www.cartogra.com/rs/35D6BABE-...77A760E/screen

It depends on the size of deer in your area. If your larger bucks hardly make 200 lbs, then it should be ok. However if they average 200 or higher, i would opt for the 270WSM. Not only afford some more pop, but it has been out longer so ammo and load data will be more available. If your looking for a varmit rifle then imo there are plenty of great ones already out, but it would seem you want one for both. Maybe a 260 or 270 standard would be an option, ammo is cheaper and load data plentiful...just a thought.

Just an old mans opinion, but I would go with a caliber that has been around for awhile and is fairly common before something that is brand new. If the new one falls flat on it's face you will be stuck with a gun with limited selection of ammo and expensive ammo. There are a lot of guns out there that it is very hard to find ammo for that are excellent deer guns, but is it worht saying I have the only caliber XXX in my state?

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Proud father of a Devil Dog

I guess if you want to say you have the latest thing in a caliber it might serve a purpose but I just don't see it doing all that much more than what has been on the market for years . I can't see what it does that is so different ,and a short action and lighter weight I don't buy into . Kind of makes you wonder what the next fad they will come up with .