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Browning A Bolt WSSM question

StuartJ
I am looking at buying an A Bolt .243 WSSM and was wondering if anyone knew what serial # they started putting chrome lined barrels in? This serial number is like 34371M... Also any thoughts on this particular gun? Thanks
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  • 22hipower
    I think, but don't know for sure, that they were chrome lined from the beginning of production. See: http://www.243wssm.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=69
    I've had good results with my Browning Stainless Stalker in 223 WSSM but it performs best with a very clean barrel (foaming copper remover helps). There is quite a bit of WSSM information and opinion in previous threads on this forum. You should be able to find them with with a search on WSSM.
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  • StuartJ
    Thank you for the info I appreciate it. I would like to work up some loads using the 58 grain V Max bullet. Any thoughts? Heard anything good or bad? I have a 22" barrel with a 1 in 10 twist.
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  • 22hipower
    I don't have any experience with loading the 243 WSSM but I'd say try the V Max; should make a great varmint load. If you're not happy with that you might try the 62 grain Barnes.

    I've had good results with the 223 WSSM with the 53 grain Barnes with Varget and suspect the 62 grain Barnes would be a good load in the 243 WSSM; you might check the Hodgdon data center for specific loads.

    I've used a variety of the heavier bullets (120 grain) in the 25 WSSM in a Model 70 Coyote and all performed adequately. You'll just need to try different combinations until you find one your particular rifle likes.

    The 58 grain V Max will likely be 3700+ fps so you'll need to watch for copper fouling and remember to keep the barrel clean or you're likely to see accuracy deteriorate rapidly. I don't know the contour of your A Bolt barrel but if it is a light one like that on my 223 WSSM it will heat quickly with loads that fast. To get really good accuracy (1/2 MOA) I have to let the barrel cool between shots. May just be this rifle, but after four or five quick shots groups open to 2+ inches with the several loads I've used.

    Good luck and enjoy.
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  • StuartJ
    Many thanks. I think I will try the 58g v max with varget, start with the lightest amt of powder and go up from there.
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  • Hawkshaw
    fyi---IMHO, Just a word of caution. In my experience, the WSM, and the WSSM, are easy to reload, with one caveat. That being that as you work up load, looking for pressure signs as you go, you may find that the pressure signs happen very quickly. Said another way--you may go along increasing powder charges as you normally would, and finding little, or pressure signs, then the next increase will result in split cases, blown primers, and stiff bolt rotation. Just be very cautious on the upper end. HAWKSHAW
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