Hornady Custom Lite .243 Winchester 87gr SST Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • SST
Hornady Custom Lite .243 Winchester 87gr SST Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • SST
Trajectory @ 100yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2800 fps | 1514 ft-lb | — |
| 25 yds | 2742 fps | 1452 ft-lb | -0.7" |
| 50 yds | 2685 fps | 1393 ft-lb | -0.1" |
| 75 yds | 2629 fps | 1335 ft-lb | +0.1" |
| 100 yds ⊕ | 2573 fps | 1280 ft-lb | -0.0" |
| 125 yds | 2519 fps | 1226 ft-lb | -0.4" |
| 150 yds | 2465 fps | 1174 ft-lb | -1.2" |
| 175 yds | 2411 fps | 1124 ft-lb | -2.3" |
| 200 yds | 2359 fps | 1075 ft-lb | -3.8" |
| 225 yds | 2306 fps | 1028 ft-lb | -5.6" |
| 250 yds | 2255 fps | 983 ft-lb | -7.9" |
| 275 yds | 2204 fps | 939 ft-lb | -10.6" |
| 300 yds | 2154 fps | 896 ft-lb | -13.8" |
| 325 yds | 2104 fps | 856 ft-lb | -17.4" |
| 350 yds | 2056 fps | 816 ft-lb | -21.5" |
| 375 yds | 2007 fps | 778 ft-lb | -26.2" |
| 400 yds | 1960 fps | 742 ft-lb | -31.3" |
| 425 yds | 1913 fps | 707 ft-lb | -37.1" |
| 450 yds | 1867 fps | 673 ft-lb | -43.4" |
| 475 yds | 1821 fps | 641 ft-lb | -50.4" |
| 500 yds | 1777 fps | 610 ft-lb | -58.0" |
Product Overview
The Hornady Custom Lite .243 Winchester pushes an 87-grain SST bullet at a reduced velocity of 2800 feet per second, generating 1513 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. This isn't standard ammunition—Hornady specifically engineered Custom Lite for reduced recoil. The lower velocity cuts felt recoil significantly while the SST bullet's efficient design still delivers terminal performance on deer-sized game at moderate distances.
The SST bullet makes the most of the reduced velocity. Its polymer tip and secant ogive provide a G1 BC of 0.400—excellent for this weight class. The InterLock ring keeps the jacket and core together during expansion. At 2800 fps, the bullet still impacts with enough velocity for reliable expansion inside 200 yards, where most deer are taken. The reduced report and recoil make follow-up shots faster and more accurate.
This ammunition serves recoil-sensitive shooters and youth hunters. The .243 Winchester already produces mild recoil, but Custom Lite reduces it further—ideal for introducing new hunters to centerfire rifles. Experienced hunters recovering from shoulder surgery or dealing with age-related recoil sensitivity will appreciate a hunting load they can shoot comfortably. The trade-off is reduced range, making this ammunition best suited for stand hunting where shots rarely exceed 150 yards.
- Significantly reduced recoil makes shooting comfortable for youth and recoil-sensitive hunters
- SST bullet's 0.400 BC maximizes performance despite the reduced velocity
- InterLock ring ensures reliable expansion even at the lower impact velocities
- Quieter report is less intimidating for new shooters learning to hunt
- Reduced velocity limits effective range—best inside 150 yards for reliable expansion
- Lower muzzle energy of 1513 ft-lbs provides less margin for error on imperfect shots
- Significantly more trajectory drop than standard loads requires adjusted holdovers
- Not suitable for longer-range hunting where velocity retention matters
All Hornady Custom Lite .243 Winchester 87gr SST Ammo Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Gunner | 20 | $38.00 | $17.68 | $55.68 | $2.78 |