.243 Winchester Ballistics
The .243 Winchester is a versatile AR-10 caliber suitable for varmint hunting with light bullets and deer hunting with heavier projectiles. Low recoil makes it popular for new and recoil-sensitive shooters.
Cartridge Specifications
Common Bullet Weights and Types
Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length
Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length
Bullet Drop Table
Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.
| Load | Zero | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 gr V-MAX | 200 yd | 0.7 | 0 | -4.2 | -13.2 | -28.5 |
| 55 gr V-MAX | 200 yd | 0.7 | 0 | -4.2 | -13.2 | -28.5 |
| 55 gr V-MAX | 200 yd | 0.7 | 0 | -4.2 | -13.2 | -28.5 |
| 95 gr SST | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -6 | -17.5 | -35 |
| 95 gr SST | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -6 | -17.5 | -35 |
| 95 gr SST | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -6 | -17.5 | -35 |
| 100 gr SP | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -6.3 | -18.3 | -37 |
| 100 gr SP | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -6.3 | -18.3 | -37 |
| 100 gr SP | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -6.3 | -18.3 | -37 |
Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind
Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.
| Load | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 gr V-MAX | 5.2 | 10.4 | 15.6 | 20.8 | 26 |
| 55 gr V-MAX | 5.1 | 10.2 | 15.3 | 20.4 | 25.6 |
| 55 gr V-MAX | 5 | 10.1 | 15.1 | 20.2 | 25.2 |
| 95 gr SST | 5 | 9.9 | 14.9 | 19.8 | 24.8 |
| 95 gr SST | 4.9 | 9.8 | 14.6 | 19.5 | 24.4 |
| 95 gr SST | 4.8 | 9.6 | 14.4 | 19.2 | 24 |
| 100 gr SP | 5 | 10 | 14.9 | 19.9 | 24.9 |
| 100 gr SP | 4.9 | 9.8 | 14.7 | 19.6 | 24.5 |
| 100 gr SP | 4.8 | 9.6 | 14.4 | 19.3 | 24.1 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 gr | V-MAX | 20 in | 3,810 | 1,772 | 0.255 | Hornady .243 Win 55gr V-MAX published load data |
| 55 gr | V-MAX | 22 in | 3,870 | 1,829 | 0.255 | Hornady .243 Win 55gr V-MAX published load data |
| 55 gr | V-MAX | 24 in | 3,925 | 1,881 | 0.255 | Hornady .243 Win 55gr V-MAX published load data |
| 95 gr | SST | 20 in | 3,050 | 1,962 | 0.355 | Hornady .243 Win 95gr SST published load data |
| 95 gr | SST | 22 in | 3,100 | 2,027 | 0.355 | Hornady .243 Win 95gr SST published load data |
| 95 gr | SST | 24 in | 3,150 | 2,093 | 0.355 | Hornady .243 Win 95gr SST published load data |
| 100 gr | SP | 20 in | 2,950 | 1,932 | 0.365 | Federal Power-Shok .243 Win 100gr SP published data |
| 100 gr | SP | 22 in | 3,000 | 1,998 | 0.365 | Federal Power-Shok .243 Win 100gr SP published data |
| 100 gr | SP | 24 in | 3,050 | 2,065 | 0.365 | Federal Power-Shok .243 Win 100gr SP published data |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Hornady .243 Win 55gr V-MAX published load data; Hornady .243 Win 95gr SST published load data; Federal Power-Shok .243 Win 100gr SP published data. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.
Pick the right barrel
Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in .243 Winchester.