Are you hunting deer inside 400 yards? Want a flat-shooting rifle with low recoil, and don’t mind lighter bullets, go .243 Winchester? But if you need something with more power for larger game, better performance in the wind, or you’re planning to shoot past 400 yards, the .308 Winchester is a versatile workhorse that can handle just about anything.
Muzzle Velocity 2820 fps
Muzzle Energy 2648 ft lbs
Muzzle Velocity 2780 fps
Muzzle Energy 2522 ft lbs
Muzzle Velocity 3240 fps
Muzzle Energy 2028 ft lbs
Fast Facts: .243 Winchester vs .308 Winchester
| .243 Winchester | .308 Winchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Year Introduced | 1955 (necked-down .308 case) | 1952 (civilian), derived from 7.62×51 NATO |
| Common Bullet Weights | 55–107 grains (most common 90–100 gr for deer) | 110–200+ grains (most common 150–180 gr) |
| Typical Uses | Varmints (prairie dog/coyote) to deer/antelope; low-recoil target | Deer, hogs, elk, black bear; target/match; duty/sniper heritage |
| Recoil (typical 7.5–8 lb rifle) | 8–12 ft-lbs (load dependent) | 17–20 ft-lbs (load dependent) |
| Effective Range (practical hunting) | Around 300–400 yards with 95–100 gr big-game bullets | Maintains 1,000+ ft-lbs beyond 500 yards (with 165–180 gr) |
| Barrel Twist (typical factory) | 1:9″–1:10″ (older 1:10″; many modern 1:9–1:9.25″) | 1:10″–1:12″ (1:10″ for heavier >175 gr) |
| Platform Compatibility: | Short-action bolt guns; AR-10 pattern semis; numerous hunting rifles | Short-action bolt guns; AR-10 pattern semis; numerous hunting rifles |
Cartridge Specs: How They Stack Up
Key 243 vs 308 Specs
| Cartridge | Bullet Diameter | Case Length | Overall Length (OAL) | SAAMI Max Avg Pressure | Case Capacity (approx.) | Rim/Base Diameter | Primer | Case Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .243 Winchester | 0.243 in (6.17 mm) | 2.045 in | 2.710 in | 60,000 psi | ~53–54.5 gr H2O | 0.473 in | Large Rifle | Rimless, bottleneck |
| .308 Winchester | 0.308 in (7.82 mm) | 2.015 in | 2.800 in | 62,000 psi | ~56 gr H2O | 0.473 in | Large Rifle | Rimless, bottleneck |
So, what does this table mean?
Both the 243 and 308 are short-action cartridges. This translates to lighter rifles that are easier to handle and cycle faster than long-action setups.
The .243 is basically a .308 case necked down to 6mm. Since the cases are nearly identical in capacity, the key difference comes down to bullet weight and velocity.
The .243 shoots lighter bullets at higher speeds, making it great for flatter trajectories. Whereas, the .308 is built for heavier bullets that hold their velocity better and perform well in the wind.
The .308 is rated by SAAMI for a slightly higher maximum pressure. If you’re into hand loading, it’s important to remember that the .243 can’t be pushed quite as hard. Stick to reliable load data and keep an eye out for pressure signs, especially if you’re trying to squeeze out extra velocity.
Both cartridges share the same 0.473-inch rim diameter, so they’ll run in the same bolt face and magazine setups without any issues.
243 vs 308 Performance Comparison
Let’s compare typical factory loads you’ll actually find on the shelf, or on the web at TargetSportsUSA.com. Velocities are usually quoted from 22–24″ test barrels; many hunting rifles are 22″, so expect a bit less speed (20–30 fps per inch shorter is a reasonable ballpark).
.234 Winchester and .308 Win Comparison & Use-Cases
| Cartridge | Load (Example) | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .243 Win | Federal Power-Shok 243 Winchester 100 Grain Jacketed Soft Point | Cup-and-core SP | 100 gr | 2960 fps | 1945 ft-lbs | Whitetail/antelope, general big game (light recoiling) |
| .243 Win | Hornady Superformance 243 Winchester 95 Grain Super Shock Tip | Controlled-expansion | 95 gr | 3100 fps | 2027 ft-lbs | Deer/pronghorn, flatter trajectory |
| .243 Win | Hornady Superformance Varmint 243 Winchester 75 Grain V-MAX | Thin-jacketed varmint | 58–75 gr | 3400–3750 fps | 1500–1700 ft-lbs | Coyotes/varmints; explosive terminal effect, minimal pelt friendliness |
| .308 Win | Remington Express 308 Winchester 150 Grain Core-Lokt Pointed Soft Point | Cup-and-core SP | 150 gr | 2820 fps | 2648 ft-lbs | Deer/hogs; classic North American hunting load |
| .308 Win | Federal Fusion 308 Winchester 165 Grain Bonded Soft Point | Bonded soft point | 165 gr | 2700 fps | 2670 ft-lbs | Deer/elk/hogs; deeper penetration, controlled expansion |
| .308 Win | Federal Gold Medal 308 Winchester 175 Grain Sierra MatchKing Hollow Point | BTHP/OTM | 175 gr | 2600–2700 fps | 2500–2750 ft-lbs | Precision/match; long-range target |
| .308 Win | Federal Premium Vital-Shok 308 Winchester 180 Grain Nosler Partition | Premium hunting | 180 gr | 2620 fps | 2746 ft-lbs | Elk/black bear; tough bullets, high SD |
Pro tip on barrel length for 243 vs 308:
- .243 Win often sees published speeds from 24″ test barrels. A 20″ hunting rifle can be 100–150 fps slower than the box.
- .308 Win velocities are often quoted from 24″ as well; a 20″ .308 (think compact bolt gun or AR-10) commonly runs 100–150 fps slower.
Trajectory & Bullet Drop
Bullet drop is simply how far gravity pulls the bullet down from your line of aim as it flies. Yes, every bullet drops, but some just drop less. Lighter, faster bullets with good aerodynamics show flatter trajectories, especially inside 400 to 500 yards.
Typical 200-yard zero drops (manufacturer data; environmental conditions and barrel length change things). Let’s take a look at that…
.243 Winchester (100 gr SP at ~2960 fps)
- 100 yards: +1.9″
- 200 yards: 0″ to -5″
- 300 yards: -7.5″ to -8.5″
- 400 yards: -22″ to -24″
.308 Winchester (165 gr soft point at ~2700 fps)
- 100 yards: +1.9″
- 200 yards: 0″ to -6″
- 300 yards: -11″ to -12″
- 400 yards: -31″ to -33″
Takeaway: Inside 400 yards, .243 Win is noticeably flatter. That’s forgiving for hunters without a rangefinder, or anyone shooting across fields where estimating range is tricky.
Past 400, the .308’s heavier bullets (with higher ballistic coefficients) start to catch up in terms of retained velocity and wind resistance. The .308 will drift less in the wind, and it retains more energy downrange.
Stopping Power, Penetration, and Terminal Ballistics
A common rule-of-thumb for ethical one-shot deer kills is 1,000 ft-lbs of energy at impact. Not a hard line, but a useful planning metric.
.243 Win (95–100 gr hunting loads) typically stays above 1,000 ft-lbs to roughly 300–400 yards depending on the specific load and barrel length. .308 Win (150–180 gr hunting loads) often keeps 1,000+ ft-lbs past 500 yards, sometimes beyond 600 yards with 165–180 gr bullets.
Penetration and sectional density (SD):
SD reflects mass relative to cross-sectional area. Higher SD tends to penetrate better (bullet construction matters a lot, too).
- .243 Win, 100 gr: SD ~0.242
- .308 Win, 165 gr: SD ~0.248
- .308 Win, 180 gr: SD ~0.271
That 180 gr .308 bullet is a penetration machine when paired with a tough design (e.g., bonded/partition/mono), which is why .308 is popular for elk/black bear.
Bullet construction matters more than caliber:
Cup-and-core soft points (e.g., PowerShok, Core-Lokt) expand readily and work great on deer with broadside shots.
Bonded bullets (e.g., Fusion, InterBond, AccuBond) and partitioned designs (Nosler Partition) hold together better for deeper penetration on heavier game or steep-angle shots.
Monolithic copper bullets (e.g., Barnes TTSX, GMX/Monoflex) penetrate deeply and retain weight; they like velocity, great in both calibers when matched to appropriate weights.
Realistic gel/barrier insights:
.243 varmint bullets (light, thin-jacketed) can fragment dramatically and are NOT ideal for deer-sized game. .243 95–100 gr controlled-expansion bullets produce adequate wound channels and penetration on deer with good shot placement; quartering shots demand careful bullet choice.
.308 with 165–180 gr bonded/mono bullets handles quartering-to/away shots and larger animals more reliably.
Recoil & Shootability
Felt recoil is a big deal. It affects how well you practice, how much you flinch, and how quickly you can make a second shot.
Typical recoil energy (approx., 7.5–8 lb rifles):
- .243 Win, 100 gr at 2960 fps: about 8–10 ft-lbs
- .308 Win, 165 gr at 2700 fps: about 16–18 ft-lbs
What it feels like:
- .243 Win is mild. New shooters, smaller-framed hunters, or anyone recoil-sensitive can put a lot of rounds downrange without fatigue. That often translates into better fundamentals and real-world accuracy.
- .308 Win is very manageable for most experienced shooters, firm but not punishing. Muzzle brakes and suppressors tame it nicely. In lighter rifles, you’ll feel it more; in a heavier rifle or AR-10, it’s downright comfortable.
Practical Applications: Which Caliber for Which Job?
Let’s get real about use cases. Here’s where each shines:
| Use Case | .243 Winchester | .308 Winchester |
|---|---|---|
| Home Defense | Not ideal due to size, blast, and over-penetration. Not recommended indoors, consider .223/5.56 or a handgun instead. | Also not ideal; if used, opt for soft-expanding or barrier-blind loads in a short-barrel semi-auto. Be extremely cautious with backstops; still, not the smartest choice for home defense. |
| Training / Plinking | Lower recoil; great for beginners learning hunting and wind calls. Ammo can be pricier than .308 surplus. | Widely available ball/match ammo; recoil is heavier but manageable. Great for learning long-range shooting fundamentals. |
| Varmint / Predator | Excellent: 58–75 gr bullets are flat-shooting and wind-resistant. Popular among coyote hunters for its speed and reach. | Overkill for varmints; usable on coyotes, but not fur-friendly. |
| Deer / Antelope | Outstanding inside 400 yards with 95–100 gr bullets; low recoil helps with shot placement. | Better in wind and at longer ranges; offers more margin for error. |
| Hogs | Works well on average hogs with 95–100 gr controlled-expansion bullets. | Better for big boars or tough angles with 150–165 gr bonded bullets. |
| Elk / Black Bear | Not recommended. Some have done it, but it’s not a solid choice for large game. | Solid choice with 165–180 gr premium bullets. |
| Competition / Precision | Can be extremely accurate; good for steel and field matches, but shorter barrel life with hot loads. | Strong match pedigree (168–175 gr OTM/SMK); still relevant, though 6.5/6mm are now more popular. |
| New Shooters / Youth | One of the best beginner hunting rounds, low recoil and flat trajectory. | Recoil may be too much for younger or smaller-framed shooters starting out. |
Brief History of 243 vs 308
Introduced in 1955 by necking down the .308 case to 6mm, the .243 Winchester combined deep penetration and a very flat trajectory with low recoil. It took off with varmint hunters and whitetail hunters alike helped along by media advocates and a timely twist-rate misstep from Remington’s competing .244 (later 6mm Remington) that initially struggled to stabilize 100-grain bullets.
The .308 Winchester was born from U.S. military R&D to modernize .30-cal performance in a shorter package than .30-06. Adopted as 7.62×51 NATO for service rifles (M14) and machine guns. Winchester released the commercial .308 Win in 1952. It quickly became America’s do-it-all big-game cartridge and a precision standard for decades in LE/military sniping and competition.
Accuracy, Ballistic Coefficients, and Wind
- Accuracy:
- Both rounds are accurate in their own right. You’ll find no shortage of match-grade rifles and loads for .308, and the .243 can flat-out shoot like a laser when paired with a good barrel and bullet.
- Recoil plays a big role in real-world accuracy. A lot of folks simply shoot the .243 better, especially off the bench or prone when there’s no brake or suppressor to tame the kick.
- Ballistic Coefficient realities:
- .243 hunting bullets (95–100 gr) often carry G1 BCs around 0.35; match-oriented 6mm bullets (105–110 gr) climb into the 0.5+ range but often need faster twists than some legacy .243 barrels.
- .308 match bullets (168–175 gr) commonly post BCs around 0.45–0.50+. Heavy .308 bullets buck wind well, which is why .308 has staying power in variable conditions.
Reloading Notes (for the tinkerers)
- Powder picks:
- .243 Win: H4350, IMR 4350, RL-17, H4831SC (for heavier 6mm bullets), Varget/H4895 with lighter weights.
- .308 Win: Varget, IMR 4064, RL-15, Power Pro 2000-MR, H4895, TAC. The .308 likes many mid-rate powders and is forgiving to tune.
- Bullet ranges:
- .243 Win: ~55–107 gr; most deer hunters land on 95–100 gr controlled-expansion bullets; varminters love 58–75 gr.
- .308 Win: ~110–200+ gr; 150–180 gr covers 95% of hunting needs.
- Twist caution:
- .243 older rifles with 1:10″ may not stabilize very long, high-BC 6mm bullets >100 gr. Many modern .243s use ~1:9–1:9.25″ which opens up options.
- .308 1:12″ stabilizes 147–168 gr fine; 1:10″ preferred for 175–200+ gr bullets.
Legal Considerations
- Minimum calibers: Some states specify a .24/6mm minimum for deer, .243 qualifies. Others specify energy minimums or ban smaller calibers for elk. Always check local regs!!
- Non-lead zones: In some areas (like parts of California), you’ll need lead-free bullets. Both .243 and .308 have excellent copper/monolithic options.
FAQs
- Is .243 Win “enough” for deer?
- Yes, with the correct bullet (95–100 grain controlled-expansion) and sound shot placement. Keep range reasonable and avoid risky quartering shots if your bullet choice isn’t designed for them.
- Can .243 take elk?
- It has been done, but it’s not a general recommendation. If elk are on the menu, .308 with 165–180 gr premium bullets is a safer, more ethical choice for most hunters.
- Why does .308 seem more versatile?
- Heavier bullets, higher BCs, deeper penetration, and a vast ecosystem of match and hunting loads make it a true do-everything big-game and target cartridge.
- Does .243 have better trajectory?
- Inside 400 yards, yes, the .243 is flatter in most comparable hunting loads. Wind can level the playing field, and beyond 400 yards the .308’s heavier bullets can offer advantages.
- Recoil: how big is the difference, really?
- It’s significant. Expect roughly half the recoil energy with .243 vs .308 in similar-weight rifles. For newer shooters and high-volume practice, that matters a lot.
- Barrel life?
- Generally, .308 barrels last longer than .243 when both are shot hot. The .243’s smaller bore with high-velocity 6mm rounds can be harder on throats, especially with light, fast varmint loads.
- AR-platform options?
- Both run on AR-10 pattern rifles. .308 is more common; .243 AR-10s exist and are fantastic for coyotes/deer with minimal recoil. Use quality mags and tune your gas system for reliability.
Buying Tips & Bulk Ammo Considerations
Availability and Price:
With the .308 Win, you’ll find everything from budget ball to premium bonded hunting loads to world-class match ammo. Bulk buys are common and often cheaper per round than .243.
For the .243 Win, seasonal fluctuations happen around hunting season; varmint loads and 95–100 gr hunting loads are widely available, but bulk pricing isn’t as aggressive.
Barrel length matters:
If you run a shorter barrel (e.g., 20″), don’t be surprised by lower velocities than the box. Some loads are optimized for shorter tubes; try a few to see what your rifle likes.
Bulk-Buy & Deals
Whether you’ve settled on the .243 Winchester or the .308 Winchester, Target Sports USA has the ammunition to feed your fire.
Additionally, for shooters prioritizing cost-effectiveness for high-volume shooting, bulk purchases with the AMMO+ membership offer significant savings. Check out our current deals and enjoy the convenience of ammunition shipped directly to your door.
Disclaimer: Always handle firearms responsibly and adhere to all local, state, and federal laws. The information provided is for educational purposes. Seek professional training from a qualified firearms instructor.
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Madalynn (Maddie) Giglio is a part of the creative team behind the brand marketing moves at Target Sports USA. With several years of experience across blog content, social media, and strategic marketing, she brings a seasoned eye to every campaign worked on, whether it’s collaborating hand in hand with top influencers like Tony Sentmanat (RealWorldTactical) or reppin’ the TSUSA brand at industry events like the Great American Outdoor Show (GAOS).
She has built a strong foundation in the firearms space by obtaining hands-on experience in the field, learning from industry pros, and hitting the range with friends and family. Her mix of first-hand experience and marketing instincts makes her a trusted voice and helps her craft content that speakers to serious shooters and new gun owners alike.
