.243 Winchester is a versatile, light-recoiling centerfire rifle cartridge popular for varmint hunting and for deer-sized game.

.243 Winchester is based on the .308 case necked down to .24 caliber, producing a flat-shooting cartridge with notably mild recoil for a centerfire rifle. That soft recoil makes it a common choice for newer or recoil-sensitive hunters, varmint and predator control, and deer-sized game. Ammunition is widely available and reasonably priced in bullet weights spanning light varmint to heavier game bullets. It suits hunters who want one easy-shooting cartridge for both varmints and medium game.

General information about this caliber — not a recommendation for this specific firearm.