Thompson/Center Arms Venture Compact Black 243 Winchester 20" Barrel 5348

Introduced in 1955, the 243 Winchester is based on the 308 Winchester case necked down. It was the first commercial cartridge added to the "308 family," with a 2.045-inch case designed to fit into Winchester's Model 88 lever action and short bolt actions. Winchester saw it as a combination "varmint and big-game" round, with an 80-grain varmint bullet at 3550 feet per second and a 100-grain deer bullet at 2960. Apparently the public saw it the same way; the 243 Winchester is the world's most popular 6mm cartridge, with current loadings running from a 55-grain varmint load at nearly 4000 fps to 108 grains. 6mm bullets hold up better in wind than smaller calibers, so the 243 remains a favorite for long-range varminting. With heavier bullets it is very effective on deer-sized game. Its attributes are accuracy, light recoil, and deadly effect; it is a standard choice for beginning hunters. Because of its popularity factory loads are legion, and most rifle manufacturers offer it. — Craig Boddington