AR15 243 WSSM - 4100 FPS

treillw

WKR
Joined
Mar 31, 2017
Messages
2,058
Location
MT
Came across a pretty awesome sounding AR15 upper from Dtech in 243 WSSM. Supposedly shoots 55 grain bullets at over 4100 fps and can also mag feed bullets up to around 100 grains (depending on shape). From what I've read, velocities are similar to the standard 243 plus about 10%.

Sounds like a great coyote rifle, would be fun with varmints, and could also load up some heavier bullets for antelope and deer.

Anybody have experience with them? What kind of quality lower would you put one on?

The growth of the caliber seems to have been stunted by patent issues at the early stages of its inception. But as I understand it, the patent has expired and the round seems to be gaining more popularity. Hornady is now producing brass for it at a reasonable cost. Hopefully more becomes available for it in the future.

As I understand it, nothing else can touch the WSSM velocity wise in the AR platform.

Thoughts?
 
Joined
Aug 19, 2019
Messages
876
I came across Dtech not long ago and have been itching to get an upper.. my upcoming wedding has put a real damper on too much of my hunting “needs” though.

A 243wssm at 4100fps would definitely make things splat!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Kotaman

WKR
Joined
Oct 12, 2012
Messages
3,117
Location
North Dakota
I have a couple DTECH uppers and they are fantastic. My favorite is a .204 that has killed over 100 coyotes and over a 1000 brown gophers. That .243 wssm sounds intriguing for sure. I just don’t “need” anymore AR’s...😂
 
Joined
Nov 16, 2017
Messages
9,113
Location
Central Oregon
The problem I found when researching 243 wssm was that barrel life was about 500 rounds.
That's barely broke in then is blown out.
Maybe they have come with new metallurgy that this has been extended.
But it's just not enough rounds to be a consistent rifle to me.
 

howl

WKR
Joined
Dec 3, 2016
Messages
463
Location
GA
400 rounds in a chromed barrel?

I have a 25 WSSM bolt action I really like, but that's not what you asked about.
 

chicoredneck

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 2, 2018
Messages
142
Location
Nevada
I have had to 243 WSSMs, both Dtech AR15s. They make great all around hunting rifles for situations where you may need to make a long shot or may be jumping game in brush. My first 243 WSSM had just shy of 1K round through it and it shot just as well as it did when it was new. Barrel life should actually be a little better than the standard 243 due to the brass/neck dimensions.
 
OP
treillw

treillw

WKR
Joined
Mar 31, 2017
Messages
2,058
Location
MT
The problem I found when researching 243 wssm was that barrel life was about 500 rounds.
That's barely broke in then is blown out.
Maybe they have come with new metallurgy that this has been extended.
But it's just not enough rounds to be a consistent rifle to me.

Seriously?
 
OP
treillw

treillw

WKR
Joined
Mar 31, 2017
Messages
2,058
Location
MT
I'm just shocked... not trying to be a jerk.

Where have you seen that data?
 

KClark

WKR
Joined
Jul 15, 2015
Messages
480
Location
Oleta
Dtech uses Shilen barrels. I have found Shilen barrels to be very accurate but have an insanely short life because they are so soft. I haven't used a Shilen in the last 15 years so they may have changed but I doubt it.
 
Joined
Aug 16, 2018
Messages
1,149
Location
Alaska
I had one once. Loved it was a great round just too dang heavy to haul around coyote hunting the way i do. Would like to get another some day. Butnhave to many other wants that come before it on the list.
 
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
473
Buddy of mine has a 243 wssm in a Browning bolt gun and said that it's a hammer just hard to find ammo for since he doesn't reload.
 
Top