The 243 Winchester

Metric designations for cartridges usually mean that the cartridge of European origin. But in 1895 Winchester broke that mold, with the introduction of the military cartridge the 243 Winchester or 6mm. The 6mm Lee Navy was the cartridge better known as the 243 Winchester, but because of the current technology in smokeless powder, the cartridge failed to maintain any great form of popularity. The smokeless propellant that was available in 1895 would not work well in the small bore barrels, although the 243 Winchester or 6mm would see a revitalization in 1955 as a very popular round for varmint hunters and beginners alike.

Between 1930 and 1950 many wildcat cartridges using the 6mm bullet were popping up. People like Warren Page and Fred Huntington of RCBS experimented with the 6mm wildcats using the 308 Winchester and 257 Roberts cases. This pointed the way for commercial development of cartridges of similar types, specially since these cartridges worked well on both varmint and deer sized game. In 1955 Winchester recreated the 243 by simply necking down the 308 Winchester case, this lead to the revitalizing of the old 1895 cartridge and 6mm cartridges we know today. Even though the 6mm moniker is usually European rest assured the 6mm or 243 Winchester is pure American.

The renewal of the 243 Winchester came from the necking down of the 308 cartridge, not only was the 243 Winchester back in popularity, it has enjoyed being a very versatile cartridge as well. There are so many hunters that are one gun type hunters that 243 Winchester is the best choice for them. With the versatility being able to drop varmint and deer alike the 243 Winchester has the makings of a wonderful cartridge. Factory loads offer the 243 Winchester loaded with the 80 grains for varmints and a 100 grain bullet for deer, although the hand reloader has a much better option available to him. Since its re induction into popular shooting it has become a great success, with its light recoil the 243 Winchester is also usual picked for beginner shooters even though it has enough power to take a deer or antelope. Be this as it may I would not try and take any game such as Elk or Caribou with such a cartridge, if I had a choice, but that may just be me. The 243 Winchester has become so popular that it is now offered from all major manufacturers of firearms and ammunitions as standard.

For any animal on the upper cusp of the cartridges capabilities I would not only recommend the 100 grain bullet but the Speer Grand Slam. With the Grand Slam by Speer penetration is not an issue and the bullet will withstand the terminal impact a lot better, and when taking game bullet integrity is very important. All I all the 243 Winchester or 6mm has once again proven that monikers are not always correct, the 22 caliber can be very effective if not more effective than larger bullets and that even older cartridges of the "old world" can come back around to repeat through new technology, just like history.