Description
.243 WSSM 90 Grain Hornady ELD-X- The .243 Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM) is a modern rifle cartridge developed by Winchester and Browning, introduced in 2003 as part of the Super Short Magnum lineup. Designed for compact, short-action rifles, it delivers magnum-level performance in a smaller package without sacrificing accuracy or velocity.
Built off a shortened and widened Winchester Short Magnum case, the .243 WSSM uses the same 6mm bullet as the classic .243 Winchester but benefits from increased powder capacity.
The .243 WSSM is particularly well-suited for varmint and predator hunting, where high speed and flat shooting are essential. It also performs exceptionally well on medium-sized game, such as whitetail deer, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope, especially in open country where longer shots are common. With our various offerings in bullet selection, it offers clean, ethical kills with minimal recoil.
Although we at Choice Ammunition typically keep this caliber in stock, the overall popularity of the .243 WSSM has declined over the years due to limited availability of rifles and factory-loaded ammunition. However, those familiar with its performance recognize that the .243 WSSM remains a favorite among hunters who appreciate lightweight rifles paired with flat-shooting, hard-hitting ballistics. In the field, this compact and efficient cartridge continues to deliver exceptional results for those who know its capabilities.
The Bullet-
The Heat Shield tip of the Hornady ELD-X bullet defies the effects of aerodynamic heating and retains its shape to provide a perfect meplat (tip) that is always the same shape. A streamlined secant ogive with optimum boattail design, plus the highly concentric AMP bullet jackets, combined with the patent pending Heat Shield tip creates a supremely accurate, high BC match bullet. ELD-Match bullet BCs are measured with Doppler radar and corrected to standard atmospheric conditions. With high velocity, 0-400 yard impact, the bullet continually expands throughout its penetration path. The thick shank of the jacket and high Interlock ring keep the core and jacket together providing 50-60% weight retention. Upon low velocity, 400+ yard impacts, the Heat Shield tip drives backward into the bullet to initiate expansion. Exhibiting conventional expansion with a large mushroom and 85-90% retained weight the bullet provides deep penetration and large wound cavities.
- Velocity 3,165 fps
- 100% Hand Loaded
- G-1 BC 0.409
