I'm not really sure where Winchester could actually go now.
We're yet to see how successful the .325 WSM will be, although I like it, and to be honest it may well be the determining factor for the WSM line of cartridges.
The WSSMs can't really go anywhere else I think.
Why bother with 6.5 or 7mm WSSMs when the 6.5/280 is on offer for all those really interested in something more powerful than the Swede or for that matter when a 7mm-08 or .280 Rem are in the same territory. :|
In fact a .280 WSSM may well have the same powder space intrusion problems the 7-08 has with heavier bullets. :roll:
I reckon the only real dazzler from that line was the .243 WSSM since their are equivalent cartridges(albeit on standard length actions) for both .224 cal and .257 cal.
A .375 WSM would be a real goer but it'd have to prove itself.
I have a magazine article about some Aussie hunters who hunted grizzlies in North Eastern Russia using a .375 WSM wildcat to great effect.
But you have to convince Winchester that people will actually buy the cartridge and rifles chambered for it and with the effectiveness of old faves like the .338 Win Mag and the .375 H&H you'll have a hard time doing it.
Sure, it's cheaper to build rifles for a WSM than either of those cartridges but heritage counts for everything.
Nope, I think the interesting cartridge recently released was the 6.8 SPC.
I'd love to have a single shot or a little bolt gun chambered for that. :wink: