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.243 WSSM, any value ?

jackbauercz75
I have a Browning A-Bolt Stalker .243 WSSM , with a 3X9 Nikon scope, and a Browning sling. It's only been shot enough to season the barrel and site it in. It shoots very good with 95 grain bullets. I wanted to trade it for an AR in .223 but my dealer wouldn't take it as he said there is a question of longevity with this caliber. I won the gun at a MDHA banquet so I'm not really out anything but it doesn't leave me with the ability to buy an AR right now. If I keep the gun for varmints and deer I probably wouldn't shoot 2 boxes of shells in 10 years. I've never shot prairie dogs. I just recently retired so that may change.[?] I don't reload. I'd like a .223 because of the ammo prices and just to own an AR. Anyway sorry for rambling but what do you think this gun is really worth ? Thank you.
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • 22hipower
    I think your dealer may be correct about the longevity of this caliber. If you keep it, getting in to reloading is probably a good idea. Either way, if you keep it you probably should stock up on ammo (or brass) while you can get it. I don't have the 243 WSSM but do have the 223 WSSM (in a stainless stalker) and a 25 WSSM in Coyote version of the Model 70. Had some accuracy issues with the 223 until Nononsense squared me away on the cleaning and powder selection issues. Bottom line, both are good guns and shoot well and I'm going to keep both. My son took a nice 8 point last weekend with the 25 and the 223 shot a 100 yard group that a dime could cover with Barnes TSX bullets the last time I took it to the range. If you sell it, value should be in the $600+ range with the scope. Not sure that it would make a great prairie dog gun; at least not where you're shooting a lot. If the barrel is the light contour as in my 223 Stalker it heats up pretty fast and accuracy fades as the heat increases. Great for coyotes and deer though.
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  • stevecrea
    Jack,

    You may want to check around more, rather than just relying on that one dealer. I believe that your rifle is probably somewhat uncommon, so if you can find someone who specifically wants that cartridge, it may be worth more than you would expect. I would think that $600 for everything including the scope may be a little low.

    It does not appear that Browning is now offering the A-bolt Stalker in .243 WSSM. Further, the MSRP on the Stainless Stalker is now almost $1,200. While I would agree that there may be issues with the .243 WSSM, for the right buyer, he may not care.
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  • Mobuck
    This is just my opinion but I just can't see the WSSM in any bore size being more than a blip on the radar. None of them do anything another more popular cartridge will do cheaper. Function is a sometimes problem and the cases are totally oddball. With that said, there should be a market for your Browning with some Browning fanatic. The other alternative is to buy as much ammo as you think you'll need to hunt with. This combo would not be a first choice for prairie dogs in most places.
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  • jackbauercz75
    Thank you all for your input. Much appreciated !![:)]
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  • Hawkshaw
    jackbauercz75
    You have e-mail. HAWKSHAW
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  • kms1961
    my wife has a a-bolt micro stalker in 243 wssm very acurrate round and gun wouldn't trade it for anything.but might be wise to get some brass. 100 would keep you in reloads for a long time
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  • nononsense
    jackbauercz75,

    Find another dealer who will work with you or sell the rifle outright and then go get your AR15.

    "None of them do anything another more popular cartridge will do cheaper."

    We hear this same statement about newer cartridges all the time. There are dozens of 'popular' cartridges that overlap in the area of performance yet they all flourish and prosper in the hands of the shooting public.

    Function and feeding are a matter of individual adjustments in the rifle from the factory. I've worked on factory rifles chambered in .308 Win. that had bobbles in feeding. Go figure.

    These cartridges are not 'totally oddball' since they were derived from the WSM and RSAUM style cases, which in turn were shortened RUM cases, which were in turn derive from the .404 Jeffery.

    This line of cartridges has a place with the shooting public, the public just doesn't know it because of some stupid moves (or lack of moves) by the manufacturers. The whole WSSM program was screwed up by Winchester through mismanagement just as the RSAUM program was botched by Remington. I have worked with these cartridges and some others made by necking the basic .25 WSSM case up to accept 6.5mm and 7mm bullets with great success, especially at long range for accuracy. I continue to buy cases as they become available at reasonable prices, knowing that I will never run out for as long as I'll need to shoot them.

    Best.
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  • stevecrea
    Jack,
    If it shoots well with one or more loads, put it on target paper and include that information for potential buyers. This kind of information is persuasive to me if I believe that it is authentic.
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  • sandwarrior
    jackbauercz75,

    Shame you wanna get rid of it. I wasn't all about the .223 and .243 WSSM's when they came out as I felt they were barrel burners. But in the last couple years a few of the proprietary powders, and powders like them, have come out and really make these cartridges shine. I have always liked the .25 WSSM and had two rifles in that, now down to one.

    As far as value, it's a Browning. Normally, that's a plus. In this case it makes a high dollar rifle less desirable because it's not in a super-common caliber. The cartridge isn't being supported by the manufacturer...much. That's a minus. The round itself is pretty hot and can do more than the .243/6mm. A true plus.

    I've been seeing basic Win 70's and up a grade or two selling from $400-$500. I've seen a couple .223 WSSM's (same situation) sell locally for just over $500, both Browning A-Bolt. What I also see is a whole bunch of new-in-box rifles of very nice grade priced just above that sitting. So, in mint condition I would say the best you'll get for it is $550 sold outright.

    Personally, I'd save my bucks for a couple months, and then look for an AR. Keep looking at auctions too, because prices are coming down on them. I hope you keep this rifle and maybe get to reload for it. FWIW, I've reversed my original opinion of these and I hope people come to appreciate them.

    For prices
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  • jackbauercz75
    I still have mixed emotions about getting rid of it. The little bit I've shot it it seems to be a tack driver. I also have a 700 Rem in reg
    .243 that shoots extremely well. That's part of the reason I might part with it. I think I'd probably shoot an AR more just because of ammo prices. Thanks for everyones input !
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