Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For whitetail and hog hunters running bolt-action rifles, the Nosler BT 243 Winchester 90 grain Ballistic Tip delivers match-grade accuracy with decisive terminal performance. This 243 Winchester 90 grain load exits the muzzle at 3000 feet per second, carrying 1798 foot-pounds of energy downrange. The Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet — a polymer-tipped spitzer with a tapered jacket — expands reliably on medium game from 50 to 300 yards while holding together through shoulder bone. Nosler manufactures this ammunition in the United States using their own brass, which meets the same dimensional tolerances as their competition projectiles. Each round undergoes visual inspection before packaging.
Built for the Box
Nosler loads the 90-grain Ballistic Tip in new brass cases with non-corrosive Boxer primers. The polycarbonate tip resists deformation in tubular magazines and under recoil, maintaining a consistent ballistic coefficient of 0.365 G1 across the entire box. At impact velocities above 2400 fps, the tip drives rearward into the lead core, initiating controlled expansion that typically doubles frontal diameter. The jacket’s mid-section and heavy base prevent fragmentation on heavy bone, a common failure mode in thin-jacketed varmint bullets. Sectional density of 0.218 provides adequate penetration on broadside shots through both lungs.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 243 Winchester |
| Bullet weight | 90 grains |
| Bullet type | Nosler Ballistic Tip (polymer tip) |
| Muzzle velocity | 3000 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1798 ft-lbs |
| G1 BC | 0.365 |
| Sectional density | 0.218 |
| Rounds/box | 20 |
| Case | Brass (reloadable) |
| Primer | Boxer, non-corrosive |
| Intended use | Hunting (deer, hogs, antelope) |
| Manufacturer | Nosler (United States) |
This load sits between Nosler’s lighter 55-grain varmint offerings and their heavier 95/100-grain deer loads, balancing flat trajectory with adequate penetration on medium game. Shooters running 1:10 or faster twist barrels will stabilize the 90-grain Ballistic Tip across all ambient temperatures. For additional 243 ammo options, compare other grain weights and bullet designs in our catalog.
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.
- Observe the four rules of firearms safety: treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you are not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that your state and local jurisdiction permit the purchase and possession of this ammunition. Some states restrict polymer-tipped or expanding ammunition for certain uses.
- This ammunition contains lead projectiles. California Proposition 65 requires notice that lead exposure may cause reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling ammunition and firearms. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
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