Myk
Tue December 31st,2002, 12:14 AM
What do you think of the new 223 WSSM and 243 WSSM?
I think they will be accurate shooters. But I think the 223RFFB will have problems finding a niche. The initial release (and as we see with the WFB's, even later factory loads) will be too limited. The 22-250 has a strong following that will be hard to overcome and it seems that is what the 223RFFB seems to be after. I don't think people will go with the 64gr being for deer and black bear, they may use it for antelope. And having nothing lighter than 55gr will make it a tough sell over a 22-250 for p-dogs.
Of course there is always reloading to help get it off the ground.
The 243RFFB on the other hand doesn't have much competition in the hunting fields. It's a 6mmBR that will burn up the hunting fields and it's coming out in a range of weights to make it a true all purpose light hunting rifle. The top end doesn't give enough speed to make people want to sell their 243 to get a 243RFFB for deer season. But on the light end, it may make them want to sell their 243 to get the RFFB for those coyotes who've been hanging just out of range.
That's my prediction. The 223WSSM may not make it, caliber loyalty and not enough benefit to make the switch. The 243WSSM looks like a real winner.
(If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go to Winchester.com and look the calibers up under centerfire rifle ammo.)
I think they will be accurate shooters. But I think the 223RFFB will have problems finding a niche. The initial release (and as we see with the WFB's, even later factory loads) will be too limited. The 22-250 has a strong following that will be hard to overcome and it seems that is what the 223RFFB seems to be after. I don't think people will go with the 64gr being for deer and black bear, they may use it for antelope. And having nothing lighter than 55gr will make it a tough sell over a 22-250 for p-dogs.
Of course there is always reloading to help get it off the ground.
The 243RFFB on the other hand doesn't have much competition in the hunting fields. It's a 6mmBR that will burn up the hunting fields and it's coming out in a range of weights to make it a true all purpose light hunting rifle. The top end doesn't give enough speed to make people want to sell their 243 to get a 243RFFB for deer season. But on the light end, it may make them want to sell their 243 to get the RFFB for those coyotes who've been hanging just out of range.
That's my prediction. The 223WSSM may not make it, caliber loyalty and not enough benefit to make the switch. The 243WSSM looks like a real winner.
(If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go to Winchester.com and look the calibers up under centerfire rifle ammo.)