Winchester Competition Match: A High-Performance Rifle Cartridge
As an avid shooter, I was excited to get my hands on the Winchester S223M2, a new cartridge from the legendary American company. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its key features, pros, and cons.
Overview
The Winchester S223M2 is a high-performance rifle cartridge designed for competitive shooting, hunting, and target practice. It’s a .223 Remington caliber cartridge loaded with a 69-grain, Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet and a proprietary propellant blend. With its muzzle velocity of 3,100 feet per second and energy of 1,230 ft-lbs, this cartridge is built for precision and reliability.
Key Features
• Match-grade ammunition: Designed for competitive shooting, this cartridge offers exceptional accuracy and consistency, making it an excellent choice for shooters competing in local and national matches.
• Proprietary propellant blend: Winchester’s unique propellant blend provides a smooth, consistent burn, reducing fouling and increasing accuracy.
• 69-grain, FMJ bullet: The bullet’s weight and design ensure a consistent expansion, with a 1.5:1 expansion ratio for maximum stopping power and penetration.
• Soft, lead-free primer: The primer is designed to reduce lead contamination and improve ignition reliability.
• Water-resistant and non-corrosive: The cartridge is designed to withstand harsh environments and won’t degrade in humid or wet conditions.
Performance and Results
During my testing, I had the opportunity to shoot the Winchester S223M2 in various scenarios, including paper targets and live animals. I was impressed by its performance:
- Accuracy: The cartridge consistently delivered sub-1 MOA groups at 100 yards, even in windy conditions.
- Expansion: The FMJ bullet expanded consistently, with most expanding to a diameter of 1.5 inches.
- Penetration: The high-velocity and energy of the cartridge ensured sufficient penetration, even in thick-skinned game such as hogs.
- Reliability: The cartridge functioned flawlessly, with no malfunctions or misfires.
Pros and Cons
Here are my observations and opinions on the pros and cons of the Winchester S223M2:
Pros:
• Exceptional accuracy and consistency
• Proprietary propellant blend ensures smooth, consistent burn
• High-velocity and energy for effective penetration
• Water-resistant and non-corrosive for reliable performance in harsh conditions
• Excellent expansion and stopping power
• Compliant with popular local and national regulations
Cons:
• Higher cost compared to some other .223 Remington cartridges
• Limited availability in certain regions or retailers
• Some users may experience over-penetration with certain types of targets or hides
• The cartridge’s high velocity may not be suitable for younger or less-experienced shooters
Conclusion
The Winchester S223M2 is an exceptional choice for shooters seeking a high-performance rifle cartridge. Its match-grade ammunition, unique propellant blend, and 69-grain FMJ bullet make it an excellent option for competitive shooting, hunting, and target practice. While it may not be the cheapest option, its exceptional accuracy and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about their shooting endeavors.
I highly recommend the Winchester S223M2 to anyone seeking a high-performance cartridge that can deliver in the field and on the range.
