.243 Winchester vs .300 Blackout
Reviewing the .243 Winchester vs .300 Blackout comparison reveals two cartridges with fundamentally different design philosophies and performance characteristics. The .243 Winchester (95gr Extreme Point at 3100 fps) delivers substantially higher energy, maintaining 1855 ft-lbs at 50 yards compared to the .300 Blackout's (150gr Extreme Point at 1900 fps) 1088 ft-lbs. Both cartridges demonstrate deep penetration characteristics suited for hunting applications, with the .243 Winchester reaching 41.9-42.3 inches and the .300 Blackout achieving 27.8-28.2 inches, both well beyond defensive requirements. The recoil comparison favors the .300 Blackout, generating 7.04 ft-lbs of recoil energy versus the .243's 13.19 ft-lbs. The .243's high-velocity approach provides nearly double the energy retention, making it more suitable for longer-range hunting where the .300 Blackout's shorter effective range becomes limiting. Remember that performance varies considerably with different ammunition selections and firearm platforms, so these figures represent typical hunting loadings rather than definitive performance benchmarks.
Ammunition Parameters
.243 Winchester Parameters (Self-Defense Load)
.300 Blackout Parameters (Self-Defense Load)
.243 Winchester vs .300 Blackout Ballistics Chart
Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between .243 Winchester and .300 Blackout.
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.243 Winchester vs .300 Blackout Energy Comparison
Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between .243 Winchester and .300 Blackout.
.243 Winchester vs .300 Blackout Bullet Penetration
Comparison of estimated penetration depth in 10% ballistic gel between .243 Winchester and .300 Blackout at self-defense distances.
Self-Defense Ammunition Penetration
Notes:
- FBI standard for optimal penetration is 12-18 inches in 10% ballistics gel
- Our penetration data is calculated using mathematical models based on sectional density, velocity, and expansion factors. While not actual gel tests, our calculations have been validated against manufacturer test data and provide reliable estimates for comparison purposes.
- Actual results may vary depending on clothing barriers and other factors
.243 Winchester vs .300 Blackout Recoil
Comparing recoil energy and impulse between .243 Winchester and .300 Blackout.
.243 Winchester Recoil (Self-Defense Load)
.300 Blackout Recoil (Self-Defense Load)
Notes:
- Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
- Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
- Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
- Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design
.243 Winchester vs .300 Blackout Velocity
Velocity decay from muzzle to 500 yards for .243 Winchester and .300 Blackout.
.243 Winchester vs .300 Blackout Average Cost
Comparing cost per round and training affordability between .243 Winchester and .300 Blackout.