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Best 243 Ammo

What is 243 Ammo? 📡

It is a type of ammunition specifically designed for small to medium-game hunting. It is a centerfire rifle cartridge and is a popular choice among hunters due to its small size and light recoil.

Best 243 Ammo

Features ⚡

💎 It is good for hunting medium-sized games.

💎 It offers an excellent combination of accuracy, power, and flat trajectory that makes it suitable for long-range shooting.

💎 It is also offered as both factory-loaded ammunition as well as hand loads made by reloaders using their own components.

💎 Common bullet weights range from 55 grains to 100 grains with a muzzle velocity from 2,580 fps to 3,200 fps respectively.

💎Its flat trajectory helps shooters make more accurate shots at further distances than other cartridges that experience significant drops over time when fired at longer ranges.

Watch this video to find more information 💻

Types 🔊

🎯 Soft point bullets are designed to expand upon impact and cause more damage to the target than a full metal jacket round. This makes them ideal for hunting purposes, as they provide greater stopping power and accuracy than some other rounds.

🎯 Hollow points, which are designed to open up on impact and create a larger wound channel for maximum tissue damage. These are often used for self-defence scenarios where an attacker’s intent is to do serious bodily harm.

🎯 Full metal jacket rounds that offer less penetration and expansion but significantly more accuracy when fired at long-range targets.

🎯 Speciality rounds such as frangible bullets disintegrate upon impact instead of penetrating deeply into a target. These can be useful in areas with a high risk of ricochets due to their low penetration capabilities.

Our Top Pick
243 – 100 Grain PSP – Remington Coke-Lokt
The Core-Lokt provides more accuracy and power in a hunting bullet than ever before. Its spitzer profile makes it aerodynamic, while the higher 0.356 ballistic coefficient ensures superior precision to give you the best chance of success on your hunts. It's no wonder this is one of the most sought after bullets today!
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Best 💣 243 Ammo Reviews

1# 243 – 95 Grain SST Polymer Tip – Black Hills Gold

243 - 95 Grain SST Polymer Tip - Black Hills Gold

20 Rounds

Whether you are an experienced hunter or just getting started, you can’t go wrong with Black Hills Gold 243 Winchester ammunition. These rounds are perfect for taking down deer and boar, thanks to the SST polymer tip projectile. Weighing in at 95 grains, the SST bullet provides controlled expansion and excellent accuracy. The Black Hills has been making top-quality ammunition since 1981, so you can trust their products to perform when it matters most. Pick up a few boxes of this 243 Winchester ammo today and be ready for your next hunting trip!

Pros:
  • Excellent accuracy
  • Controlled expansion
  • Perfect for hunting deer and boar
  • Made by a trusted company
Cons:
  • May not be ideal for all types of hunting
  • Not as widely available as some other calibres

 

2# 243 – 85 Grain Barnes TSX HP – Black Hills Gold

243 - 85 Grain Barnes TSX HP - Black Hills Gold

20 Rounds

Do you need a versatile and powerful round for hunting? If so, look no further than the 243 Winchester from Black Hills Gold. This round originally designed for varmints has the power to take down deer, boar, and coyotes with the proper ammunition. The Black Hills is a great choice for ammo thanks to its reputation for producing premium products. The US Military even buys their match-grade ammo for their long-range competitions. BHA loads these rounds with the legendary Barnes TSX hollow point bullets. With Barnes TSX projectiles, you have the incredible terminal performance and accuracy you need to bring down deer and boar. These 85-grain rounds come loaded in premium brass casings that are boxer primed and re-loadable. Don’t miss your chance to get your hands on this top-of-the-line ammunition. Order now!

Pros:
  • High power for hunting varmints
  • High accuracy
  • Excellent terminal characteristics
  • Boxing inoculation and reload capability
Cons:
  • May be too powerful for some types of hunting
  • Sometimes not as reliable as other cartridges
  • Works intermittently in cold weather

 

3# 243 – 100 Grain SP-BT – Federal Premium Sierra GameKing

243 - 100 Grain SP-BT - Federal Premium Sierra GameKing

20 Rounds

Federal Premium’s Vital-Shok line of ammunition loaded with Sierra GameKing projectiles is the perfect choice for your next big hunt! The 243 – 100 Grain SP-BT – Federal Premium Sierra GameKing cartridge is ideally suited for hunting games at longer distances, where a premium bullet is required to get the job done. This load features Sierra’s GameKing bullet, which is designed with a boat tail contour at its base, resulting in less wind drift than conventional flat base bullets. This improved accuracy yields quicker, more humane kills. The match-grade accurate bullet features a soft point at the tip of the bullet that is designed to mushroom on impact, creating a larger wound cavity to quickly bring down the game. With its deadly accuracy and superior ballistics, the 243 – 100 Grain SP-BT – Federal Premium Sierra GameKing is the perfect choice for your next hunt!

Pros:
  • Deadly accuracy
  • Sierra GameKing projectile
  • Boat tail contour at its base resulting in less wind drift
  • The soft point at the tip of the bullet is designed to mushroom on impact
  • Non-corrosive and reloadable
Cons:
  • May not be well-suited for hunting smaller game
  • Not compatible with all types of rifles

 

4# 243 – 58 Grain V-Max Polymer Tip – Hornady Superformance Varmint

243 - 58 Grain V-Max Polymer Tip - Hornady Superformance Varmint

20 Rounds

Looking for the perfect varmint hunting round? Look no further than the 243 – 58 Grain V-Max Polymer Tip – Hornady Superformance Varmint. Based on the .308, this necked-down version was originally designed specifically for varmint hunting. With its accurate, high-velocity cartridge, you have everything you need to take care of those pesky varmints quickly and efficiently. Founded after the end of the Second World War, Hornady has become one of the most innovative manufacturers of premium ammunition in the world. Their commitment to quality and performance has made them a favorite among serious shooters and hunters alike. These Hornady Superformance Varmint rounds feature 58-grain V-Max projectiles that provide explosive expansion, high accuracy, and consistent performance. So whether you’re looking to take out some target practice or finally rid your property of those pesky varmints, make sure you’re doing it with Hornady Superformance Varmint ammunition.

Pros:
  • Accurate
  • High velocity
  • Explosive expansion
  • Consistent performance
Cons:
  • This may result in more recoil
  • May not be effective in a larger game

 

5# 243 – 100 Grain SPBT InterLock – PMC Precision

243 - 100 Grain SPBT InterLock - PMC Precision

20 Rounds

The 243 – 100 Grain SPBT InterLock – PMC Precision is the perfect hunting cartridge for those who want the best of Nebraska and South Korea. This round is socketed with a 100-grain InterLock projectile, making it perfect for taking down games of all sizes. The InterLock bullet is designed to penetrate to the depth where expansion is most effective, and its one-piece core retains exceptional mass and energy. With its cannelure and signature InterLock ring, the bullet won’t splinter apart on impact, ensuring that your shot is clean and efficient.

Pros:
  • Terminal ballistics
  • Accuracy
  • Reliability
  • Penetration
  • Expansion
  • Weight retention
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • May not be legal in all states to hunting

 

6# 243 – 100 Grain PSP – Remington Coke-Lokt

243 - 100 Grain PSP - Remington Coke-Lokt

200 Rounds

When you’re ready to take your hunting to the next level, reach for Remington’s 243 – 100 Grain PSP – Remington Coke-Lokt. This top-of-the-line hunting bullet has been around for more than 80 years, and for good reason – it simply gets the job done. The Core-Lokt is a pointed soft point bullet with a spitzer profile, meaning it’s more aerodynamic than a round nose bullet. It also has a higher 0.356 ballistic coefficient, making it one of the most accurate and powerful hunting bullets on the market today. With nearly 1,100 ft-lbs of energy at 300 yards, this bullet has enough power to take down even the biggest game humanely. But it’s not all about brute force – the Core-Lokt is designed to expand quickly upon impact, ensuring that your target is taken down quickly and humanely. When you’re ready to up your hunting game, reach for Remington’s 243 – 100 Grain PSP – Remington Coke-Lokt.

Video review

Pros:
  • Excellent quality and superior performance
  • Has been around for over 80 years
  • Higher ballistic coefficient of 0.356
  • Transmits nearly 1,100 pound-feet of energy at 300 yards
Cons:
  • Could be more powerful
  • May not be as accurate as some other bullets

 

7# 243 – 80 Grain PSP – Remington Rifle

243 - 80 Grain PSP - Remington Rifle

20 Rounds

The Remington Arms Company is a legendary name in the firearms industry, and their 243 – 80 Grain PSP – Remington Rifle is a perfect example of their commitment to quality. This brand new brass-cased, boxer-primed, non-corrosive, and reloadable ammunition is perfect for hunting or target practice. It’s reliable, accurate, and powerful, making it a great choice for any shooter.

Pros:
  • Boxer-primed
  • Non-corrosive
  • Reloadable
  • Accurate
  • Suitable for hunting and target shooting
Cons:
  • May not be as powerful as other 243 ammo
  • May not be reliable in certain guns
  • The brass casing may not be as durable as some other types of casing

 

8# 243 – 75 Grain AccuTip – Remington Premier

243 Win - 75 gr AccuTip - Remington Premier

20 Rounds

Looking for an accurate and reliable round for big game hunting? Look no further than Remington’s Premier 243 – 75 Grain AccuTip. This round is equipped with a polymer tip for improved flight dynamics and more accurate, repeatable grouping. Manufactured by the legendary Remington Arms Company, this product is brand new, brass-cased, boxer-primed, non-corrosive, and reloadable. It is a staple range and varmint hunting ammunition used by many law enforcement agencies and avid shooters. So when you need a trusted round that will perform in any situation, reach for Remington’s Premier 243 – 75 Grain AccuTip.

Video review

Pros:
  • Tip for improved flight dynamics
  • More accurate, repeatable grouping
  • Brass-cased and boxer primed
  • Non-corrosive
  • Reloadable
Cons:
  • May not be ideal in all hunting situations
  • Could be more powerful

 

Reloading 🔌

📌 The first step is preparing the brass casing by cleaning off any residue or dirt, resizing if needed, and trimming it back to the proper length.

  • This is followed by loading the primer, powder, and bullet into the case using a press or other reloading tools.
  • It is important to refer to reloading manuals for correct measurements when preparing your cases for reloads.

📌 Ensure you have all the necessary components handy – these include bullets, primers, and powder.

  • The type of bullet used in 243 ammo reloads depends on what type of shooting you plan on doing; soft-point bullets are typically best for hunting while hollow points are ideal for self-defence applications.
  • When choosing primers, look for those with resistance to misfires and a higher sensitivity rating for reliable ignition every time.
  • Select an appropriate powder that is safe yet powerful enough for your needs; ball powders work great with small cartridges such as those fired from 243 rifles or handguns.

📌 The next step is to prime each individual casing using a primer tool set to put even pressure on each primer.

📌 Then fill each casing with powder using an adjustable powder measurer set to your specific load size before dropping a wad inside followed by your desired shot weight.

📌 Now place a wad column over top of your loaded shells before crimping them tightly closed using a crimp tool specially designed for your chosen shells.

📌 Finally, inspect your now fully reloaded 243 rounds before loading them into your firearm.

We believe this video can be helpful for you 📺

FAQ 🕵️‍♀️

How far can a .243 shoot accurately?

It is flat-shooting and relatively lightweight round, making it ideal for medium to long-range shooting. It has the power to take down larger games, while still being suitable for smaller varmints such as coyotes.

🔋 When using good quality ammo, the .243 can easily reach out beyond 300 yards with accuracy.

🔋 In fact, some expert shooters claim they are able to put 5 shots into groups of 1 inch or less at 400 yards or more with a precision rifle and good optics.

The .243 also has minimal recoil which allows for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy even when used by novice shooters.

What is 243 ammo good for?

It is popular for a variety of applications, such as hunting, target shooting, competition shooting and law enforcement.

🔰 It’s great for taking down small to medium game animals like white-tailed deer, coyotes and smaller predators at close to medium distances.

🔰 243 ammo is also becoming increasingly popular in 3-gun competitions due to its low recoil and flat trajectory.

🔰 Additionally, it has the ability to penetrate vehicles or hard targets at long range with accuracy due to its high ballistic coefficient.

What is the difference between 243 vs 270 Ammo?

🟡 The main difference between 243 vs 270 Ammo is that 243 Ammo is a lighter round, typically used for medium game hunting, such as deer and pronghorn.

🟡 It has less recoil than the 270 round and produces slightly less energy upon impact.

🟡 On the other hand, the 270 round is a heavier bullet and is commonly used for large game hunting, capable of higher velocities and producing greater energy at longer ranges. The heavier bullet also has more felt recoil when fired.

Please watch this video to learn more information 📺

What is the best bullet weight for 243 Winchester?

It depends on the intended use.

🧷 For hunting, a 100-grain projectile is the most popular choice due to its ability to maintain accuracy, expand upon impact, and retain energy at longer ranges.

🧷 For target shooting and plinking, a light 80-grain projectile is often preferred for its flat trajectory and faster muzzle velocity.

🧷 A heavier 115-grain bullet might be the better choice if you need more knockdown power at short range or need better penetration capabilities in a dense habitat such as a thick brush.

Can You Hunt Big Game With A 243?
Yes, 243 ammo can be used to hunt big games. While it is not the most powerful round available, it is still more than capable of taking down most North American game animals. It can also be used for self-defence and is a popular choice for home security application

Conclusion 🤠

243 ammo is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable round that delivers good performance. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are now many different types available on the market. In this article, we have reviewed some of the best ammo options currently available and shared some tips on how to select the right type of ammo for your needs. We hope you found this information useful! ❤️‍ 🔥

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Orlando
Orlando
10 months ago

I personally own rifles chambered in 230 and 270 calibres, and I’ve had no trouble taking down deer and hogs with both of them. For my.270, I shoot 130-grain bullets, while for my.243, I use 100-grain bullets. I believe that both of these guns are excellent choices and will do the job well.

Hllaryn
Hllaryn
10 months ago

I recall shooting this wonderful cartridge many years ago as a 14-year-old boy. I hope it continues to remain popular for a long time to come.

Beelyun
Beelyun
10 months ago

I am interested if 243 can take down an elk?

Zack Buck
Editor
Reply to  Beelyun
10 months ago

243 ammo can be used to take down an elk, but it is not the best choice for this purpose.
⭕ A 243 is better suited for smaller games, such as deer. Larger animals, like elk, are better hunted with a larger calibre round, such as a 308.

Fazachinh
Fazachinh
Reply to  Beelyun
10 months ago

Eelks are not invincible to bullets. Understanding the capabilities of your gear and your own abilities is crucial, and you should only take a shot when you’re confident about the outcome. If you’re using a .243 with a 100gr controlled expansion bullet at a distance of 100 yards, I’m confident that the bullet will penetrate deeply enough to reach the vital organs. However, using regular cup-and-core bullets at 300 yards may not be sufficient to take down the animal, so I would advise against taking that shot. Even at 200 yards, hitting bone could cause the bullet to lose its momentum and not achieve a goal.

Sack
Sack
10 months ago

And what about black bears?

Zack Buck
Editor
Reply to  Sack
10 months ago

243 ammo is a popular choice for hunting black bears, as it is powerful and accurate.
🟢 Bear hunters using 243 ammo often take down their targets with one shot.

Zachery
Zachery
Reply to  Sack
10 months ago

I can personally attest to the effectiveness of the .243 caliber, having successfully taken down two animals when I was younger. In addition, it proved to be a suitable choice for hunting caribou as well.

Civinad
Civinad
Reply to  Sack
10 months ago

While it is possible to hunt with a .243 caliber, opting for a larger caliber would provide a smaller margin for error and potentially increase the chances of a successful hunt.

Markus
Markus
Reply to  Sack
10 months ago

Assuming you’re a skilled marksman and able to make an accurate shot, a .243 calibre should suffice for taking down a bear. However, if you happen to miss or not make a precise shot, the bear may escape.

Prime-minister
Prime-minister
10 months ago

Great! I like the post as well as the discussion))) So, elks and black bears are hunted))) The next is moose. Is 243 ammo good?

Zack Buck
Editor
Reply to  Prime-minister
10 months ago

243 is a great choice for hunting moose.
🔴 It has a large, powerful bullet that can take down even the biggest game.

Kris
Kris
Reply to  Prime-minister
10 months ago

The first moose I shot with a .243 caliber ran for miles before finally succumbing to its wounds. Although it’s possible that the shot hit its lungs, the distance it traveled seemed somewhat unrealistic.

Oliver Lipton
Oliver Lipton
Reply to  Prime-minister
10 months ago

It took a distance of 8.3 miles to successfully hunt down a nice bull, and I personally prefer using the 270 caliber for this game. In my experience, aiming for the thoracic spine has been the most effective approach. Although the game lacks a certain level of realism, it remains an enjoyable activity.

HuriccaneTim
HuriccaneTim
Reply to  Prime-minister
10 months ago

On one occasion, I fired over 30 shots at a moose and lost count, yet the animal did not succumb to its injuries. Instead, it continued to run around in circles despite being shot in the head multiple times. Eventually, I had to wait for it to bleed out before continuing to shoot until it finally died.

Dicka
Dicka
10 months ago

I’m not sure why some people think that the .243 caliber is inadequate for hunting. In our experience living in RSA, it has been a popular and reliable choice for taking down various types of game, including impala, kudu, blue wildebeest, warthogs, blesbuck, fallow deer, and springbuck.

Sawalin
Sawalin
10 months ago

In Canada, finding a .243 caliber rifle may prove to be quite difficult, as it is almost as rare as a 300 WSM.((((((((((((((((