Dual-purpose cartridge. Varmints with light bullets, deer with heavy bullets. Low recoil, flat trajectory. Popular youth/women's rifle.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1955, United States
Parent case: .308 Winchester
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.243" (6.17 mm)
Case length: 2.045" (51.94 mm)
Overall length: 2.71" (68.83 mm)
Max pressure: 60,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:9 to 1:10
Muzzle velocity: 2900–3850 fps
Muzzle energy: 1400–2000 ft-lbs
Effective range: 500 yd
Common bullet weights: 55, 58, 65, 75, 80, 90, 95, 100 gr
Primary use: Varmint, Hunting
Production status: Active
Also known as: .243 Win · 6x52mm
History: Introduced by Winchester in 1955. Instantly popular as combination varmint/deer rifle. Considered the minimum for ethical deer hunting in many states.
Notable firearms: Remington 700, Winchester Model 70, Ruger American, Savage Axis
Similar cartridges: 6mm Creedmoor, .257 Roberts