Do you all think Winchester is making a mistake by makeing the new .257 a WSSM rather than a WSM?Seems like we got a 25-06 and a .257 Weatherby,I would have liked something a little stronger.

Yes
No

Will this be named the 257 WSSM or 25 WSSM? I haven't heard anything about ballistics on this new cartridge, but it seems the fat case would allow for enough powder charge to make it a hard hitter.

If they can get the short .257 cartridge to shoot similar to the 25-06 ballistically it may work for them.

Guess I should have posted this with it.
The New Winchester 25 WSSM
Continuing with the success of the Winchester® Super Short Magnum (WSSM), Winchester is proud to introduce its new 25 WSSM. This new cartridge delivers the red-hot performance of the 25-06, in a cartridge that is two action sizes smaller.

Like its predecessors, the new 25 WSSM is based on the short fat cartridge geometry, which translates into a highly efficient design that actually requires less propellant than the 25-06, delivering game-stopping magnum performance. In testing, this new round has demonstrated lower perceived recoil and exceptional bench-rest accuracy.

Cartridge Bullet CXP Bullet Wt Muzzle Velocity Muzzle Energy
25 WSSM Ballistic Silvertip® 1 85 gr 3470 2273
25 WSSM Ballistic Silvertip® 2 115 gr 3060 2392
25 WSSM Positive Expanding Point 2 120 gr 2990 2383

The 25-06 has been written about as being as close to a factory .257 magnum as possible. The ballistics noted in the post above for the 120 grain bullet nearly match those of the 25-06 so what real avantages would the new 25 WSSM provide?

The 25-06 is known for it's flat shooting ability, it's moderate recoil, it's high energy levels at long distances, reloading capability and so-forth.
Yes the new short action guns may be somewhat quicker to cycle, but if that's all I would gain, then I'll stay with the 25-06, it's a shooter!

Only my opinion, I like all guns and maybe one day I'll buy a short action magnum.

Velocity (ft/sec)
Cartridge Type Bullet Muzzle 100 200 300 400 500
Remington® Express® 120 PSP CL 2990 2730 2484 2252 2032 1825


Energy (ft-lbs)
Cartridge Type Bullet Muzzle 100 200 300 400 500
Remington® Express® 120 PSP CL 2382 1985 1644 1351 1100 887


Short-Range Trajectory
Cartridge Type Bullet 50 100 150 200 250 300
Remington® Express® 120 PSP CL 0.1 0.6 zero -1.9 -5.2 -10.1

For more information on the 25-06 click on link
below:

http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/2506.html

another reinvention of the wheel?

Sorry to be such a sceptic but i believe the gun manufacturers are on this big wsm and wssm kick to sell more guns and ammo. Im not saying that it is a bad thing. Im all for capitalism. I just cant find any other good reason to buy say, a new .270 wsm when i have a regular .270.

I just can't see where the short action is such a big plus. Having shot bolts for 25+ years, I can work my -06 action quicker than I can accurately shoot. I mean, I am really quick with it and the next round is ready before I have recovered from the recoil and settled the cross hairs back down. I have only needed a second shot like 3 times in my hunting life anyway.

SO...WHY IS THE SHORT ACTION SUCH AN ADVANTAGE???

Or...perceived advantage?

Why?

I remember reading an article on the 25 WSSM shortly after it came out, and in it they explained that they looked at using the WSM case, but it was so overbore that they abandoned that course. Not that there aren't quite a few that fall into that category (7mm RUM, 257 Weatherby Mag - yeah, maybe, some of the Lazzeroni cartridges), but there are rapidly decreasing gains by simply having more powder in some case/bore combos. I think they made the right choice with the WSSM case on this one.

I'll stick with my 25-06, but I wouldn't turn up my nose in disgust if a 25 WSSM fell in my lap! If they sell more rifles and stay in business, great!

I wouldn't turn up my nose at the 25 WSSM either, I've nearly brought one home with me several times...but for one thing. The 25-06 is actually quite overbore in it's standard form, Ackley noted the improved version showed no worthwhile gain with the powders of the time, and I don't think anyone would debate that it, like most magnums, really needs a 24-26" barrel to really shine. All the .25 WSSM's I've considered have a 22" barrel and I don't see where the performance is going to come from with the powder capacity coupled with the small bore and a short barrel...probably won't do anything more than the Bob in a 22" barrel, and I'll bet good money the Bob will still be around when ALL the WSSM's are dead and gone. I'd rather keep a good existing cartridge alive than run off on a tangent with this new cartridge in it's oddball action length that is rumored to have feeding problems. Everyone knows a the x57(6mm, .257 Roberts, 7x57, etc, etc) case feeds slick as snot and the actions are easily had. Of the three current WSSM's, if I HAD to own one, this would be the one, but it would probably have to be something like a M70 Coyote Light.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=535&type_id=967&cat=001C

Looks a little racy for me, but it would probably make a pretty good rifle at 8.5lbs with a scope...walking varminter if you will.

I'm kinda disgusted that the box only holds two rounds. Of, course this .25 WSSM is a miracle cartridge, you never miss and only need one shot.

As far as I'm concerned, work on building the quality rifles that people want to buy and quit selling hype.

Amen Mattsbox99

I'm not impressed with it stick with a 25-06 or 257 WBY you can't go wrong.

Hoeram :D

Sorry to be such a sceptic but i believe the gun manufacturers are on this big wsm and wssm kick to sell more guns and ammo. Im not saying that it is a bad thing. Im all for capitalism. I just cant find any other good reason to buy say, a new .270 wsm when i have a regular .270.


- my sentiments...EXACTLY.

I have had a 257 whby mag. for years, if the rifle mfgrs come up with a 25 thats better, I may concider looking at it. good luck