wsm vs belted mags.

[Lawdog]

Coyote Hunter,

I own way to many belted magnums to disagree with you about the belted magnums EXCEPT for the RUM part.  Seeing that sales for the RUM line are not what Remington would like(they are cutting models that they offer for the RUM(mostly the .338 and the .375) line) that I don't believe the RUM will be around while the WSM line will.  The short/fat theory of accuracy has been proven(not only the WSM/WSSM line but the PPC and BR cartridges of benchrest fame) and that is what I want when I look for a new rifle.  Am I going to sell off all my belted magnums and buy WSM/WSSM?  Of course not but if I am in the market for a new rifle then you bet I am going to look at one of the WSM/WSSM line to see if they fill the need.  Lawdog
 

[Coyote Hunter]

Coyote Hunter,

...(they are cutting models that they offer for the RUM(mostly the .338 and the .375) line)...

Say it isn't so -- those are the two I was most interested in!

[DirtyHarry]

Coyote Hunter,
Lawdog is correct, and as evidence I am finding it not as easy to buy brass as it once was. It could be people stocking up on it for fear of having a rifle and no ammo or maybe stores just not reordering it. IMO, if the ultra mags had been developed by winchester the detractors of the round would be singing a different tune since the winchester name, to some, has a sort of mystique surrounding it.
I am not quite sold on the wsm and wssm's yet myself,even with the exploits of the 1000 yard Championship, because as we all know the sun even shines on a dog's rear end once in a while :wink:
When feats like that become routine perhaps I will be compelled to run out and buy one.

[Coyote Hunter]

Lawdog and Dirty Harry -

I understand the principles behing the WSM and WSSM cases - the most important being that short, fat cases promote more consistent ignition and burning of the powder.

I also understand the success that has been had with the PPC and BR cartridges, and now with the WSM or WSSM.

But...

Just like my .22-250 Ruger VT makes a lousy carry rifle due to its design characteristics, the design characteristics that make for a great target cartridge may make it less than perfect for a hunting cartridge.  In particular I would be concerned about reliable feeding of the short, fat cartridges, something that is of little concern to the bench resters, and something that I have heard grumblings about not only with the WSM and WSSM's but with various 40-degree AI designs as well.  Since I hunt with an empty chamber much of the time, the last thing I want to be concerned with is a cartridge hanging up when I'm chambering a round for a shot.

And, I'm sorry, but the short, fat WSM and shorter, fatter WSSM's just look so, well..... short and fat!   :shock:

[Lawdog]

Coyote Hunter,

In particular I would be concerned about reliable feeding of the short, fat cartridges, something that is of little concern to the bench resters, and something that I have heard grumblings about not only with the WSM and WSSM's but with various 40-degree AI designs as well.

The rumor of feedings problems is just that, R U M O R!  There may have been a few occasions early when the WSM's were first introduced but not now.  My M70 Coyote in .223 WSSM feeds flawlessly.  Also, I have never had a problem feeding any of my Weatherby's or even my .30 Gibbs(40-degree shoulder).  In fact I know a number of hunters/shooters that use AI cartridges and they have never had a problem with feeding either.  I do not understand why the rumors started about feeding problems and being barrel burners.  No feeding problem and any cartridge can burn up a barrel(even a lowly .22 Hornet) if you load max or beyond or rapid them.  Don't believe everything you hear, try them first and see for yourself.  Lawdog