.223 WSSM

The .223 WSSM (Winchester Super Short Magnum) is a .224 caliber rifle cartridge created by Winchester and Browning based on a shortened version of the Winchester Short Magnum case.

History
The .223 WSSM was introduced in 2003 by the Browning Arms Company, Winchester Ammunition, and Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It is a shortened .300 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) case necked down to accept a .224 caliber bullet. The .223 designation is a reference to the popular .223 Remington. It is currently the fastest production .22 caliber round in the world with muzzle velocities as high as 4,350 feet per second (1,320 meters per second).

Problems
Even before the cartridge was commercially introduced, many were claiming that it would result in short barrel life (a "barrel burner" in gun parlance). Short barrel life is frequently typical of high-velocity rounds. However, the .223 WSSM can also be loaded with heavier bullets at lower velocities, and so the concerns about barrel life only apply based on which rounds are actually used in the gun. These concerns are no different than for other high-velocity cartridges. It should be noted that Browning has chosen to use chrome-lined barrels on all of their guns chambered for .223 WSSM. Browning has dropped the .223 WSSM cartdidge as a chambering in their A-bolt rifles. The Winchester made Model 70 in .223 WSSM has not been revived in the new Browning made Winchester Model 70s. There is no longer a .223 WSSM chambered rifle being commercially manufactured. [see current Browning and Winchester catalogs, 2008] Winchester continues to manufacture WSSM ammunition.

Advantages
Acccording to Browning, the .223 WSSM offers a 600fps gain, with a 55gr bullet, over the standard .223 Rem. It also offers a 440fps gain over the 22-250, a popular varmint round. This comes out to a 600ft-lb gain over a standard .223 Rem, and a 350ft-lb gain over the 22-250.

Categories
Cartridge:rifles