“wssm”

Philip Massaro reveals just which rifle cartridges are among the most sought after in the industry.

In this, its 150th year in business, the history of Winchester firearms is well known. After all, “The gun that won the west” was a Winchester, the Model 1873. The Winchester Model 70 is known as the “Rifleman’s Rifle” and the Model 1894 is perhaps the most successful sporting rifle in history. The company also shook up the scattergun market with classic shotguns like the Model 1897, Model 21 and Model 12. The raw truth, however, is that none of these guns could have made their mark in history without ammo to shoot out of them. It’s kind of the red-headed stepchild in terms of glory and glamor, but Winchester has been in the ammo business as long as they have been in the gun business.

Charles Newton and A.O. Neider had a great idea when they mated the .25 caliber bullets with an ’06 case. Over a century after its introduction, hunters are still taking the .25-06 Remington afield to fill their freezers and feed their families.

Deer rifles and the cartridges loaded in them have run the gamut the last 50 years, from the Winchester 94 in .30-30 Win. to the Weatherby Mark V in .30-378 Wby. Mag. and the DPMS ARL in 6.5 Creedmoor.

How does the 6mm Creedmoor stack up against the renowned .243 Winchester? Contributor Philip Massaro examines the pros and cons of each.

Although it has been largely forgotten by all but a dedicated faction of hunters, the .17 Mach 2 remains a first-rate option for small-game and varmint hunting.

The .240 Weatherby Magnum is the fastest 6mm on the commercial market, exceeding the muzzle velocity of the .243 Win. and 6mm Rem. by 300 fps. If you’re the hunter who likes obscure cartridges, the .240 Wby. Mag. is a great choice for deer, pronghorn and similar-sized game.

Phil Massaro dissects a short-action favorite: the .300 Winchester Short Magnum.

Here are five reasons why it’s worthwhile to start acquiring the knowledge and tools needed to reload your ammunition.