The .243 Winchester cartridge is a popular choice among hunters and target shooters for its versatility, flat trajectory, and relatively mild recoil. Can it still put meat on the table? You bet. This guide provides an overview of the .243 cartridge, its history, and ballistics. We’ll also briefly compare the .223 Remington and .308 Winchester cartridges and touch on considerations for selecting the best .243 ammo.
Best 243 Ammo
From small vermin to medium game .243 Winchester remains one of the most versatile centerfire cartridges. Pair it with a classic model 70 Winchester rifle, and you’ve got a deadly combination. That said, there are a few proven options out there that have found their way into our list of go-to cartridges. Here are our top picks for the best .243 ammo:
Best 243 Ammo For Varmint Control:
Hornady Superformance Varmint 75-Grain V-Max
Superformance Varmint delivers increases in velocity, accuracy, and range, with a flatter trajectory, and devastating terminal results.
The perfect companion for varmint hunting. Load up Hornady’s 75 Grain V-MAX bullet for pinpoint accuracy when you need it. Featuring precision-made brass cases, Boxer primers, and the quality you’ve come to expect from a legendary brand. Plus, they’ll cycle in your AR-10, assuming it’s chambered for .243 Win.
The cartridge has a muzzle energy of 2,134 foot-pounds and a muzzle velocity of 3,580 FPS. There’s also a screaming 58-grain version if speed matters more than stopping power for your varmint-hunting needs.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .243 Win | Poly | 75gr | 3,580 FPS | 2,134 FT LBS | 3,254 FPS/1,764 FT LBS | 2,953 FPS/1,452 FT LBS | 2,672 FPS/1,189 FT LBS |
Federal Power-Shok Varmint 80-Grain SP
Affordable, reliable, and consistent. Federal Power-Shok Varmint 80-Grain SP puts varmints down and keeps them down.
Technically, these rounds are designed for hunting whitetail deer. While the standard version performs well in that application, these lighter grain weight variants are better suited for varmints. That’s because of their great expansion and overall reliability.
The Federal .243 80-grain cartridges have brass casings and jacketed soft-point bullets. They boast 1,970 foot-pounds of muzzle energy and a muzzle velocity of 3,330 FPS. They are also reloadable if you need a hobby.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .243 Win | JSP | 300gr | 3,330 FPS | 1,970 FT LBS | 3,051 FPS/1,654 FT LBS | 2,790 FPS/1,382 FT LBS | 2,543 FPS/1,148 FT LBS |
Best 243 Ammo For Deer Hunting:
Federal Power-Shok 100-Grain SP
Federal Power-Shok 100-Grain SP offers solid accuracy and power at an affordable price.
100-Grains of rapidly expanding jacketed hollow point power. Federal Power-Shok is designed with the whitetail deer hunter in mind. Flat-shooting and fast-moving, this .243 Winchester load is formidable and relatively inexpensive, ideal for taking midsize game such as deer.
The cartridge has a muzzle energy of 1,945 foot-pounds and a muzzle velocity of 2,960 FPS. The brass cartridges are reloadable, and the primers are non-corrosive.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .243 Win | SP | 100gr | 2,960 FPS | 1,945 FT LBS | 2,697 FPS/1,615 FT LBS | 2,448 FPS/1,331 FT LBS | 2,213 FPS/1,087 FT LBS |
Remington Core-Lokt 100-Grain PSP
The Forbidden Mushroom: Remington Core-Lokt has filled more tags on more continents than any other game load.
Classics are classics for a reason. Remington’s Pointed Soft-Point (PSP) bullet was born ready to hunt whitetail deer. Remington Core-Lokt 100-Grain PSP has been getting the job done since many of you were in diapers. What makes it legendary? Expansion, penetration, and reliability.
A muzzle energy of 1,945 foot-pounds and a muzzle velocity of 2,960 FPS. What can you expect? A no frills cartridge that works exactly as advertised.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .243 Win | SP | 100gr | 2,960 FPS | 1,945 FT LBS | 2,697 FPS/1,615 FT LBS | 2,449 FPS/1,332 FT LBS | 2,215 FPS/1,089 FT LBS |
Winchester Super-X 100-Grain PP
Legends are not born, they are made. There’s not a whitetail safe on the hunt when Winchester Super-X is loaded.
Decades of success on whitetail and wild game have made Winchester Super-X ammo a go-to for hunters. The Winchester Super-X 100-Grain PP continues that legacy. Proven dependability, with class-leading expansion, and penetration.
You be busy filling game tags with a muzzle energy of 1,945 foot-pounds and a muzzle velocity of 2,960 FPS.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .243 Win | SP | 100gr | 2,960 FPS | 1,945 FT LBS | 2,697 FPS/1,615 FT LBS | 2,449 FPS/1,332 FT LBS | 2,215 FPS/1,089 FT LBS |
Black Hills Gold 95-Grain SST Polymer Tip
Black Hills Gold 243 Winchester 95gr SST is hand-crafted and inspected before it leaves the facility.
If you want to hunt mid-sized game like whitetail deer or boar, Black Hills Gold cartridges from Black Hills Ammunition are up to the task. They feature polymer-tipped 95-grain bullets and brass casings. The sharp pointed tip is one of our favorite features, as this design element creates a flatter bullet path.
The cartridge has a muzzle energy of 1,836 foot-pounds and a muzzle velocity of 2,950 FPS. The brass cartridges are reloadable, and the primers are non-corrosive.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .243 Win | Poly | 95gr | 2,950 FPS | 1,835 FT LBS | 2,696 FPS/1,533 FT LBS | 2,456 FPS/1,272 FT LBS | 2,226 FPS/1,045 FT LBS |
Nosler Trophy Grade 243 90-Grain AccuBond
High-quality, production-run ammunition, Nosler Trophy Grade is manufactured to strict tolerances.
Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond rounds feature a 90-grain projectile and provide the precision Nosler is known for. These cartridges offer excellent performance and can be used as match-grade ammo or for hunting applications.
From the muzzle, these cartridges deliver an eye-popping 3,100 FPS of velocity and 1,920 foot-pounds of energy. They fly incredibly flat, especially inside of 300 yards.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .243 Win | Poly | 90gr | 3,100 FPS | 1,920 FT LBS | 2,842 FPS/1,614 FT LBS | 2,599 FPS/1,349 FT LBS | 2,368 FPS/1,120 FT LBS |
Cartridge Specs & Overview
The .243 Win can reach velocities up to 4,000 FPS, however, it doesn’t quite match the power of the classic .308 Win cartridge.
The .243 Winchester is known for its flat shooting trajectory and excellent accuracy. With bullet weights ranging from 55 to 115 grains, it can achieve velocities up to 4,000 feet per second (fps) with lighter bullets and maintain effective velocities of 2,800 to 3,000 fps with heavier bullets. This versatility allows shooters to tailor their ammunition choice to the specific game or target.
| Cartridge Specs | .243 Win |
|---|---|
| Parent Casing | .308 Win |
| Bullet Diameter | .243″ |
| Neck Diameter | .276″ |
| Base Diameter | .471″ |
| Case Length | 2.045″ |
| Overall Length | 2.709″ |
| Grain Weight | 58gr-100gr |
| Max Pressure (SAMMI) | 60,000 PSI |
Energy & Recoil
The .243 delivers sufficient energy for ethical kills on medium-sized game at ranges exceeding 300 yards. Heavier bullets offer the best performance for deer-sized animals. Its recoil is also significantly less than that of larger calibers, making it an excellent choice for younger shooters.
Thanks to its light recoil, the .243 is an excellent option for introducing new shooters to firearms. You can give shooters an opportunity to learn the basics of sight picture, sight alignment, and trigger control without beating up their shoulders. The .243 makes long-range days fun for everyone, and the ammo is pretty affordable, too.
The Best .243 Ammo Types
Selecting the best .243 ammunition depends on your intended use. For varmint hunting, lighter bullets offer high velocities and flat trajectories. For deer hunting, heavier bullets provide better penetration and energy transfer. Here are a few considerations:
- Bullet Type: Soft point and polymer-tipped bullets are excellent for hunting, offering a balance of expansion and penetration. For target shooting, match-grade bullets provide superior accuracy.
- Brand Quality: Opt for reputable manufacturers that offer consistent quality and reliability. Some popular choices include Federal, Hornady, and Nosler.
- Price vs. Performance: Yes, premium rounds offer the best performance. Still, consider how the ammo fits your budget and whether the benefits justify the cost for your needs.
Like with most other calibers, there isn’t a single best .243 ammo. You should base your choice of ammo on factors like what you want to do, your budget, and your experience level. Match-grade ammo will be pricier, but it also offers unmatched performance and reliability. Practice ammo is a bit cheaper, but might not provide the performance you need for taking larger game at a distance.
.243 Winchester VS .223 Remington VS .308 Winchester
From left to right: The .223 Remington VS .243 Winchester VS .308 Winchester.
The .243 Winchester sits between the .223 Remington and .308 Winchester regarding bullet diameter, velocity, and energy. The .223 Remington, being a smaller caliber, offers lower recoil and is excellent for varmints, small game hunting, and target shooting. However, it lacks the .243’s versatility for larger game.
The .308 Winchester, on the other hand, is a more powerful cartridge capable of taking larger game at longer distances. It has a heavier recoil and may not suit younger or recoil-sensitive shooters.
The .243 Winchester offers a middle ground, providing enough power for medium game while maintaining a flatter trajectory and lower recoil than the .308. Thus, it is an excellent all-around choice for a wide range of shooting disciplines.
The .243 is also popular among younger and smaller-framed shooters. Many youth rifles are chambered in this cartridge, as it offers an ideal mix of performance and controllability. The cartridge’s versatility and wide availability of ammo are other appealing factors, meaning you’ll easily be able to find bullets that match your intended purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Manageable recoil and good accuracy out to 300 yards make the .243 Winchester cartridge a popular choice.
What is the effective range of the .243 Winchester?
The .243 Winchester’s effective range can exceed 300 yards for hunting. Accurate target shooting is possible at even greater distances, depending on bullet selection and shooting conditions.
However, most .243 cartridges perform optimally at 300 yards or less. Typically, 200 yards is the sweet spot for many applications. You can zero your rifle at 200 yards and enjoy minimal bullet drop out to the 300-yard mark.
Can the .243 Winchester be used for elk hunting?
While the .243 can take down an elk with precise shot placement and the right bullet, it’s generally considered light for elk hunting. Larger calibers are recommended for consistently ethical kills on such large game.
I’d go with something that packs a lot more punch, such as a 7mm Remington magnum, .308, .300 Win mag, or even the 6.5mm Creedmoor.
Is the .243 Winchester suitable for beginners?
Yes, its mild recoil, accuracy, and versatility make the .243 Winchester an excellent choice for new shooters. It offers an effective bridge into hunting and shooting sports without the more punishing recoil of larger calibers.
Besides the .22 LR, the .243 Winchester is among the best cartridges for youth shooters and beginners. Unlike the .22, the .243 has enough power for practical hunting applications. It’s a great introductory gun for adult beginners, too.
I know many experienced shooters who still carry a .243 into the woods with them during most of their hunting trips. I can’t say I blame them. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
How does bullet weight affect .243 performance?
Lighter bullets offer higher velocities and flatter trajectories, ideal for varmint hunting. Heavier bullets provide better penetration and energy transfer, making them more suitable for medium-sized game.
History & Development
Introduced in 1955, the .243 Winchester was initially designed as a varmint round that could also handle medium-sized game like deer and pronghorn. The designers based it on the .308 Winchester case, necked down to accept a .243-inch (6mm) bullet. This design choice gives a cartridge that offers excellent ballistic coefficients and high velocities, ideal for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications.
The .243 quickly gained popularity among hunters and target shooters for its high accuracy and effectiveness on game ranging from deer and pronghorn to smaller varmints. Its versatility was further enhanced by the wide range of bullet weights available, allowing shooters to tailor their ammunition to specific tasks.
As a result, the .243 Winchester became a favorite among hunters seeking a rifle to cover various hunting needs. It’s also great for younger or recoil-sensitive shooters looking for an effective yet comfortable shooting experience. The .243 Winchester has maintained its status as a beloved cartridge among the hunting and shooting community, demonstrating enduring appeal and versatility.
Best .243 Ammo: Final Thoughts
Not just a bolt-action caliber, the .243 Winchester also runs great in MSR platforms like the AR-10.
The .243 Winchester is a versatile and capable cartridge, well-suited for a wide range of hunting and shooting activities. Its balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil make it an excellent choice for novice and experienced shooters alike.
When selecting the best .243 ammo, consider your specific needs—varmint hunting, deer stalking, or target shooting—to find the perfect match for your rifle and shooting style. With its rich history and proven performance, the .243 Winchester continues to be a favorite among shooting enthusiasts worldwide.