The 243 Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM) represents a fascinating chapter in the history of cartridge development. While not as ubiquitous as some of its contemporaries, it offers a compelling blend of performance and practicality that deserves a closer look. This article will delve into the details of the 243 WSSM, exploring its ballistics, applications, advantages, and disadvantages. We'll also compare it to similar cartridges to help you determine if it's the right choice for your needs.
Understanding the 243 WSSM: Ballistics and Performance
The 243 WSSM was designed by Winchester as part of their Super Short Magnum (SSM) line. The key innovation behind the SSM line was the use of a shorter, fatter case, allowing for higher velocities while maintaining manageable recoil. This translates to impressive performance in the 243 WSSM.
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High Velocity: The shorter case allows for higher chamber pressures, resulting in significantly higher velocities compared to the standard .243 Winchester. Expect velocities around 3,400 fps with a 70-grain bullet. This increased velocity translates to flatter trajectories and increased energy downrange.
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Flatter Trajectory: The higher velocity directly contributes to a flatter trajectory, making long-range shots easier to predict and execute. This is crucial for hunters and long-range shooters alike.
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Increased Energy: The higher velocity and flatter trajectory combine to deliver greater energy on target, even at extended ranges. This is a significant advantage for hunting applications, particularly larger game at longer distances.
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Recoil: Despite the higher velocity, the 243 WSSM's design minimizes felt recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot than some other high-velocity cartridges of similar power. This makes it more suitable for extended shooting sessions.
243 WSSM Ballistic Table (Approximate Values)
| Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Range (yards) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 3400 | 1900 | 400+ |
| 80 | 3200 | 2100 | 400+ |
| 90 | 3000 | 2300 | 350+ |
(Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on ammunition manufacturer, barrel length, and other factors.)
Applications of the 243 WSSM
The 243 WSSM's characteristics make it suitable for a variety of applications:
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Hunting: It's an excellent choice for hunting medium-sized game like deer, antelope, and coyotes. Its high velocity and energy ensure clean, ethical kills. It's less ideal for very large game or exceptionally tough-skinned animals.
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Long-Range Shooting: The flat trajectory and consistent ballistics make it a viable option for long-range shooting competitions and precision shooting.
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Varmint Hunting: While capable of taking larger game, its high velocity and accuracy also make it deadly effective for varmint hunting.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the 243 WSSM
Like any cartridge, the 243 WSSM has its strengths and weaknesses:
Advantages:
- High Velocity and Energy: Significantly higher than standard .243 Winchester.
- Flat Trajectory: Improved accuracy at longer ranges.
- Moderate Recoil: More comfortable to shoot than some comparable cartridges.
- Versatile: Suitable for hunting medium game and long-range shooting.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Availability: Ammunition and rifles chambered in 243 WSSM are not as widely available as other popular cartridges.
- Case Capacity: The case design, while contributing to higher velocity, may lead to some limitations in bullet selection compared to longer cases.
- Brass Availability: Finding brass for reloading can sometimes be challenging.
Comparing the 243 WSSM to Other Cartridges
The 243 WSSM often gets compared to the standard .243 Winchester, the 6.5 Creedmoor, and the .260 Remington. Here's a quick comparison:
| Cartridge | Muzzle Velocity (70-grain bullet) | Recoil | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| .243 Winchester | ~3000 fps | Low | Very High |
| 243 WSSM | ~3400 fps | Moderate | Moderate |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | ~2800 fps | Moderate | High |
| .260 Remington | ~2800 fps | Low | High |
The 243 WSSM offers a significant velocity advantage over the .243 Winchester and similar performance to the 6.5 Creedmoor, but with slightly higher recoil.
Conclusion: Is the 243 WSSM Right for You?
The 243 WSSM is a capable cartridge, particularly for those prioritizing high velocity and flat trajectory. However, its limited availability of ammunition and rifles should be considered. If you prioritize wider ammunition availability and ease of finding components for reloading, cartridges like the .243 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor might be more suitable. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Careful consideration of your intended use and access to ammunition will help you determine if the 243 WSSM is the right fit for your shooting and hunting endeavors.