The 223 Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM) cartridge, while not as ubiquitous as its larger siblings or the more common 223 Remington, offers a compelling blend of performance and compactness. This ballistic chart deep dive explores its capabilities, examining its suitability for various applications and comparing its performance to similar cartridges. We'll delve into factors impacting ballistics, such as bullet weight, velocity, and energy, ultimately providing a comprehensive understanding of this often-overlooked round.
Understanding the 223 WSSM: A Unique Cartridge
The 223 WSSM distinguishes itself through its smaller, necked-down case compared to the 22-250 Remington or the 223 Remington. This design contributes to its higher velocity and flatter trajectory, particularly beneficial for longer-range shooting. However, its smaller case capacity also means it generally carries less powder, impacting overall recoil and felt impulse.
This makes it a compelling choice for shooters prioritizing precision and long-range accuracy in a lighter, more manageable package. It's not ideal for applications demanding maximum stopping power at extremely close ranges.
223 WSSM Ballistics Chart: Key Factors and Comparisons
A truly comprehensive 223 WSSM ballistics chart needs to account for several crucial variables. These include:
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Bullet Weight: Heavier bullets generally have lower velocities but higher energy at longer ranges. Lighter bullets offer higher velocities but may experience more wind drift.
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Muzzle Velocity: This is the speed of the bullet as it leaves the barrel and is crucial for determining the overall trajectory and energy downrange.
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Muzzle Energy: The kinetic energy possessed by the bullet at the muzzle, directly influencing its potential stopping power.
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Trajectory: The flight path of the bullet, accounting for the effects of gravity. Flatter trajectories are preferred for longer-range accuracy.
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Ballistic Coefficient (BC): This measures how well a bullet overcomes air resistance, affecting its accuracy and range. Higher BC generally implies better long-range performance.
Note: Precise ballistic data can vary significantly depending on the specific firearm, ammunition manufacturer, barrel length, and environmental conditions (temperature, altitude, humidity, etc.). The data below should be treated as a general guideline and not an absolute representation. Consult your ammunition manufacturer's data sheets for the most accurate information on specific loads.
Typical 223 WSSM Ballistic Performance (Illustrative Example)
The following represents a generalized example of ballistic performance. Specific numbers will vary considerably based on the factors mentioned above.
| Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 100-yard Velocity (fps) | 200-yard Velocity (fps) | 300-yard Velocity (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 3500 | 1250 | 3000 | 2500 | 2000 |
| 50 | 3300 | 1500 | 2800 | 2300 | 1800 |
| 55 | 3200 | 1600 | 2700 | 2200 | 1700 |
(These values are illustrative and should not be considered definitive. Always consult manufacturer data for accuracy.)
Applications and Suitability of the 223 WSSM
The 223 WSSM shines in specific scenarios:
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Long-range varmint hunting: Its flat trajectory and high velocity make it an excellent choice for long-range shots at prairie dogs, coyotes, and other varmints.
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Precision shooting: The cartridge's accuracy potential makes it attractive to competitive shooters and those seeking exceptional accuracy at longer ranges.
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Lightweight hunting rifles: Its smaller size lends itself well to compact and lightweight hunting rifles, advantageous for hunters covering significant distances.
Conclusion: A Niche Cartridge with Specific Advantages
The 223 WSSM is not a universally popular cartridge, but for those seeking a high-performance, relatively flat-shooting round in a compact package, it holds its own. Understanding its limitations and focusing on applications where its strengths shine are key to effectively using this unique cartridge. Always prioritize safety and consult reliable ballistic data sources before embarking on any shooting activity.
