Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Federal Premium 243 Winchester 90 grain ammunition combines precision brass-case construction with Hornady’s extreme-range ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag-eXpanding) projectile for hunters who demand match-accurate terminal performance at unpredictable distances. The 243 Winchester cartridge occupies the sweet spot between recoil sensitivity and downrange energy, and this 90-grain loading exploits that balance. At 3150 fps muzzle velocity and 1983 ft-lbs of energy, the round maintains supersonic stability well beyond 600 yards — a critical threshold when you’re glassing open country and game appears at the edge of ethical range. Federal Premium manufactures this line in the United States under ISO 9001 quality protocols; each lot undergoes pressure testing to SAAMI maximum average pressure specifications.
Performance at a Glance
Federal Premium engineers this load around the Hornady ELD-X bullet, which features a secant ogive profile and a heat-shield polymer tip designed to resist aerodynamic heating that deforms conventional plastic tips during flight. The result: a 0.409 G1 ballistic coefficient and a 0.218 sectional density that together deliver flatter trajectory and higher retained energy than conventional cup-and-core hunting bullets at the same weight class. The concentric copper jacket and robust shank construction ensure controlled expansion across impact velocities ranging from 1600 to 3000 fps — the ELD-X initiates upset at the polymer tip, then peels back in a symmetrical mushroom while the shank retains approximately 70% of original weight for through-and-through penetration on medium game.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 243 Winchester |
| Bullet weight | 90 grains |
| Bullet type | Hornady ELD-X polymer tip |
| Muzzle velocity | 3150 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1983 ft-lbs |
| G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.409 |
| Sectional density | 0.218 |
| Case | Brass, nickel-plated |
| Primer | Boxer, non-corrosive |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Country of origin | United States |
Federal’s nickel-plated brass cases resist corrosion in humid climates and feed reliably in semi-automatic and bolt-action platforms. Boxer primers and reloadable construction allow you to refine handloads for your specific rifle’s chamber dimensions and throat geometry. Explore our full catalog of 243 Winchester ammunition for additional grain weights and projectile profiles.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Follow the four universal rules of safe firearms handling at all times
- This product contains lead, a substance known to the State of California to cause birth defects and reproductive harm — see Prop 65 warnings
- Verify current state and local laws before ordering; some jurisdictions restrict online ammunition purchases or require additional documentation
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