6.16x51mm (.243 Win.)

The .243 falls right in-between the .223 and the .308. The .243 has less recoil than the .308, and yet it sends bullets down range at near .223 speeds, with twice the bullet weight. This flat shooting cartridge doesn't suffer from some of the over penetration problems of the .308 and it doesn't suffer from some of the under penetration problems of the .223. In reality, this round is very suitable for the Law Enforcement arena but may be a little but underpowered for selective assassination. While there is no match grade ammo for the .243, there are quite a few premium quality loads out there. The .243 has never been used in any military rifle, but it would lend itself well to the 500-meter sniping role.

Recommendation:

The .243 would be a suitable selective assassination caliber. It provides good energy and good trajectory with some mid weight bullets. Whenever there is no over penetration concerns the .243 is eclipsed by the .308. Anything the .243 can do, the .308 can also do, and at greater ranges.

Ballistics:

Federal Premium - .243 100gr Sierra Gameking BTSP, at 2960fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

100y 91m | 200y 183m | 300y 275m | 400y 366m | 500y 458m
+3.8 | +4.5 | Zero | -10.7 | -28.6

Energy (Muzzle - 1950 Ft-Lbs.)

1690 | 1460 | 1260 | 1080 | 925

Wind Drift (Inches) 10mph Crosswind

0.6 | 2.6 | 6.1 | 11.3 | 18.4

Federal Premium - .243 70gr Nosler Ballistic Tip, at 3400fps

Bullet Drop (Inches)

50y 46m | 100y 91m | 200y 183m | 300y 275m
-0.2 | Zero | -3.1 | -11.4

Energy (Muzzle - 1795 Ft-Lbs.)

N/A | 1465 | 1185 | 950

Wind Drift (Inches) 10 mph Crosswind

N/A | 0.8 | 3.4 | 8.1

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