.223 WSSM

Infobox Firearm Cartridge
name= .223 WSSM


caption= .223 WSSM with 75 gr Hornady AMax bullet
origin= USA
type= Rifle
service=
used_by=
wars=
designer= Browning, Winchester
design_date= 2002
manufacturer= Winchester
production_date= 2003-Present
number=
variants=
is_SI_specs=
parent= .300 WSM
case type= Rimless, bottleneck
bullet= .224
neck= .272
shoulder= .544
base= .555
rim_dia= .535
rim_thick= .054
case_length= 1.670
length= 2.36
rifling= 1-7" to 1-9"
primer= Large rifle
is_SI_ballistics=
bw1=40
btype1=BT
vel1=4352
en1=1683
bw2=60
btype2=JSP
vel2=3733
en2=1857
bw3=75
btype3=BT
vel3=3378
en3=1901
bw4=
btype4=
vel4=
en4=
bw5=
btype5=
vel5=
en5=
test_barrel_length=24"
balsrc= Hodgdon [http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp .223 WSSM data at Hodgdon Online] ]

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). [ [http://www.gunsandammomag.com/gun_columns/notes/0412/ Barrel Burners] ] 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 cartridge 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.

Advantages

According 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.

ee also

* Winchester Short Magnum
* Winchester Super Short Magnum
* .220 Swift
* List of rifle cartridges
* 5 mm/35 SMc
* 5 mm caliber
* .223 Remington

References

* [http://www.browning.com/products/features/detail.asp?id=79 Browning Press Release]
* [http://www.chuckhawks.com/223wssm.htm Chuckhawks .223 WSSM page]
* [http://www.gunsandammomag.com/reloads/223wssm/ Reloading info from Guns and Ammo Magazine]
* [http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammunition/super_short_mag/ Super Short Magnums - The Rest of the Story]
* [http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ammunition/super_duper_shortie/ Super Duper Shortie]

External links

* [http://wssmzone.com/main/default.aspx?c=wssm223&n=cartridges The .223 WSSM at WSSM Zone]