Bullet availability???? 243 wssm vs 6.8spc

Tyler Burgin

Tyler Burgin

New member
Ive been debating my first build for months now and am close to starting and have really decided I want to build 2 this year. I dont reload yet so I was going to build one in 243 wssm for a long range gun and a 6.8 spc for a lightweight long hike gun. I had planned to start with whichever had better ammo availability in my area shoot for awhile while collecting reloading supplies and learning all I can. That way when I jumped into my second build it could be with both feet reloading an building. Well after searching 3 local wal marts 2 dicks sporting goods and a small bass pro outlet I havent found a single box of either. I wouldnt mind having to drive the 45 mins to a big bass pro or the hour and a half to cabelas to stock up on bullets but dont have the time right now. So I was hoping you experts could tell me which has better availability or which would be easier to learn to reload on. 6.8spc or 243 wssm. Or feel free to throw in a similar round I havent looked at. THANKS
 
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I'm also a big fan of ordering online. Especially if the store (like Cabelas) will let you order off the website and then have it shipped to the store for free.

This way, you don't have to drive all the way there only to find out there isn't any left. Lets you plan your trip accordingly in case you're going that way anyway.
 
6.8SPC is being carried in many Academy Sporting good stores now (Mostly Remington FMJ 115gr and some OTM loads)... however, word is they might start carrying their new UMC loads, as well as the core-lokt... hornady as well.

Hornady can be had and shipped to you for as much as the above as well. Good vendors all over the web have it in stock. I order from Grafs, Midsouth, Natchez, and Cabelas. Sportsmans Guide and SSA as well. I've never had any issue getting ammo.

.243wssm I wouldn't be able to help you on. If you need some assistance, let me know. I'll be glad to help out.
 
Thanks guys never knew you could get ammo delivered to your door but guess there isnt much you cant order nowdays. Any word on which is easier to reload or is it the same principle in a different package?
 
While I've never loaded for the 6.8...I would have a hard time believing it would be harder than the .243WSSM.

The WSSM is an accurate cartridge for sure...just takes some patience to get it that way.
 
I've always found 6.8 SPC ammo at the larger gunshows. There are a few dealers within 30 minutes of where I live that also stock it. Even the Big R store has Hornady 110's in stock. It can be ordered anytime online, and it's at your door within days.
I reload for my 6.8, and it's no more difficult than any other rifle cartridge.
I don't reload for 243 WSSM but I understand it takes a bit of patience. The brass is thick and may a bit more difficult to work with.
 
I reload for 243 wssm. I dont think reloading 243 wssm is any harder to reload. Ive seen this being said all over the net before i bought mine. I bought one anyway. Ive got mine dialed in shooting 70 gr NBT or sierra 70 gr Bliztking. I have a factory stealth II. Someday I want to have a custom built 243 wssm. This is my favorite caliber to shoot at this point.
 
Since I started my loading hobby with the .243WSSM and am now also loading for the 6mm, .243, 270 and 7mm ... I don't think the PROCESS is any more difficult at all, (as long as you remember to cam over that press when you resize for the WSSM)

The only part that really takes patience with the WSSM is finding that perfect load that really makes your "gun go off" so to speak.
My best load so far was found in the first series of ladder tests with a 75gr Vmax and Varget. Not a bullet I wanted to use...but its shoot the best so far.
I've spent quite a bit of $$ trying to achieve those same results with larger bullets. I've come close, and hopefully this summer I can tune my reloading skills and achieve bullet, powder, shooter harmony.
 
6.8 is very simple to reload for. If you Intend to reload, then when you order ammo make sure you get small primer ammo. Thats why I suggested SSA ammo as their brass is the best that can be had.

The WSSM cartridges are a little harder to reload for, mainly because the brass is hit or miss on quality and many find it necessary to anneal their brass to keep it from splitting necks.

But either way, reloading is a non issue when determining which of these 2 calibers to buy.
 
I've still never split a WSSM neck, not saying it doesn't happen...just hasn't happened to me yet.
Some cases have seen the press 5-7 times. I stopped keeping track.
 
Thanks for the info guys maybe Ill flip a coin to decide which to build first. So with the wssm is there a certain brass you all prefer or just save whatever I shoot from factory loads? I remember reloading shotgun shells and each hull had a different quality and many cheap loads shouldnt of been reloaded
 
Cbass id almost give money to know what load you found with them 75gr vmax. I have been shooting 87grVLD getting ready for a big hunt but just got the vmax hoping to find a load for yotes
 
Tyler, you'll be lucky if you ever see Federal WSSM brass, 90% of it is going to be Winchester. Those are the only two that I know of that have ever made brass for the WSSM.

yotehunter243...I loaded 75Vmax with 35gr of Varget seated down to 2.165 OAL. It was a sub 1/2 MOA at 400yds load, but really slow for the WSSM.
Gave me groups like this at 400m

400mTarget.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: cbass16yotehunter243...I loaded 75Vmax with 35gr of Varget seated down to 2.165 OAL. It was a sub 1/2 MOA at 400yds load, but really slow for the WSSM

wow, I'm suprised that light load even cycled your bolt fully!
My 25Wizzer load with a 75grainer was almost 12 grains MORE Varget, for perspective. For two cases with very similar capacity, that's obviously quite a difference...
 
Cbass....ever read about anyone necking up .223wssm brass for the .243wssm? I thought i did somewhere and saw that Grafs had .223wssm brass for $30 per 100???
 
Originally Posted By: dzlfarmboyCbass....ever read about anyone necking up .223wssm brass for the .243wssm? I thought i did somewhere and saw that Grafs had .223wssm brass for $30 per 100???

Yes it's done quite frequently with all the WSSMs. I have 100 243 WSSM brass necked up to 25 WSSM because I couldn't find any >25 brass. Sizing was no harder than just running them into the sizer Die.
 
So I will be recieving my first .243wssm within in a month or so, should I buy the Federal .223wssm brass? It'd be nice cause it's 1/2 the price My shooting partner has all the loading equipment. Will I just need an expander mandrel?
 
They are not just different calibers, they are different cases.

The .223WSSM has a 25 Deg shoulder and a 1.4139" body.

The .243 WSSM has a 28 Deg shoulder and a 1.428" body

With that 14 thousandths difference in body length, I suspect you would have trouble just "necking up" the .223 WSSM. At a minimum, it would have to be fire formed and probably annealed as well.

Probably easier to bite the bullet and get .243 WSSM brass.
 
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