.243 Winchester
Also called: .243 Win, two-forty-three, 6mm
A flat-shooting, light-recoil rifle that does double duty on coyotes and deer, and a popular first deer rifle for young and new hunters.
- Type
- Centerfire Rifle
- Bullet diameter
- .243 in
- Case length
- 2.045 in
- Overall length
- 2.71 in
- Typical bullet weights
- 55 to 105 grains (most deer loads are 80 to 100)
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 2,950 to 4,000 fps, depending on bullet weight
- Recoil
- Light recoil
- Quarry
- Varmints & predators, Deer, hogs & pronghorn
- Typical range
- Varmints to 400 yards; deer to about 300 yards
- Availability
- Very common
What it is good for
- Deer, pronghorn, and coyotes with one rifle.
- Young hunters and anyone sensitive to recoil.
- Hunters who want a flat trajectory and mild report.
Where it falls short
- It is on the light side for elk and moose, and not a good choice for them.
- Lighter bullets can break up on heavy bone, so shot placement and bullet choice matter.
- Wind drift affects the lighter varmint bullets more than heavier cartridges do.
Easily confused with
- 6.5 Creedmoor: a similar deer-class cartridge with a slightly wider, heavier bullet.
- .308 Winchester: the case the .243 is necked down from, with a much wider bullet.
Field notes
Introduced in 1955 by necking down the .308 Winchester case, the .243 became a go-to for hunters who wanted one rifle for deer and varmints. Its mild recoil makes it easy to shoot well.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.