The .243 Winchester is the classic Australian all-rounder. Released by Winchester in 1955 as the .308 case necked down to 6 mm, it does two jobs from one rifle: light 55 to 75 grain projectiles at 3,400 to 3,900 fps for foxes and pests, and 90 to 105 grain projectiles at 2,900 to 3,100 fps for deer, goats and pigs. Recoil is mild, trajectory is flat and it feeds from any short action.
For hunters it is the cartridge most often recommended as a first centrefire, and the one many landholders keep in the ute for everything on the property. With a well-constructed 95 to 100 grain projectile it is a dependable fallow, chital and hog deer cartridge, and takes red deer and goats cleanly with sensible shot placement. It is on the light side for sambar, and some states set it as the minimum for deer, so check the regulations where you hunt.
For pest controllers it is the step between .223 and .308, with more reach on foxes and dogs in wind than the .223 and enough weight for pigs. On the range it is a capable club and hunting-class cartridge, though most dedicated 6 mm precision shooters now run the 6mm Creedmoor or 6 BR family. Factory twist rates are typically 1:10, which limits the heaviest match projectiles; check twist before buying 105 grain and up.
Do not confuse it with 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm Remington or .244 Remington. All use the same .243 projectile but none interchange with .243 Winchester. Check the barrel marking or bring the rifle in if unsure.
We stock .243 Winchester rifles from Tikka, Sako and other leading brands, hold varmint and deer ammunition in depth, and carry dies, brass and projectiles for reloaders. Firearms are shipped Australia-wide to your nominated dealer.
