The
.243 Winchester (
6×52mm) is a popular sporting
rifle cartridge. Initially designed as a varmint round, it may be used for wildlife and game such as
coyote,
blacktail deer,
whitetail deer,
mule deer,
pronghorn, and
wild hogs. It can also be used against larger game such as
black bear or
elk, but is sometimes said to be "too light" for such large game. Rounds heavier than 85 grains are better suited for hunting larger game while rounds less than 85 grains are more suitable for varmints. The .243 is based on a necked down
.308 cartridge case.