Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For hunters working lead-restricted public land or seeking cleaner terminal ballistics, the Sig Sauer Elite Hunting Copper 243 Winchester 80-grain load brings monolithic copper construction and precision-matched powder blends. The 243 Winchester cartridge — a necked-down 308 case — pairs flat trajectory with moderate recoil, making it a first-choice medium-game round for whitetail, pronghorn, and hogs inside 300 yards. This load pushes an 80-grain solid hollow point at 3425 feet per second, delivering 2083 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle and a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.32 for predictable drop compensation.
Built for the Box
Sig Sauer engineers the Elite Hunting Copper line around monolithic projectiles — one-piece machined copper bullets with a hollow point cavity engineered for 1.8x diameter expansion on soft tissue. The optimized nose geometry feeds reliably in bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles without hang-ups, while premium nickel-plated brass cases resist corrosion in humid field conditions. Boxer primers matched to proprietary powder blends ensure consistent ignition across temperature extremes, and the non-corrosive formulation allows extended storage without chamber fouling. Each case is reloadable, though availability of nickel-plated brass may vary by production run.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 243 Winchester |
| Bullet weight | 80 grains |
| Bullet type | Solid Hollow Point (monolithic copper) |
| Muzzle velocity | 3425 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2083 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel-plated brass (subject to availability) |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Lead-free | Yes |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.32 |
| Intended use | Medium game hunting |
| Manufacturer | Sig Sauer |
At 3425 fps, this load remains supersonic well past typical hunting distances, minimizing wind drift and drop. The 0.32 G1 coefficient sits in line with other polymer-tipped and monolithic bullets in the 80-grain class. For hunters running 243 ammo in states with lead-ban regulations or on condor-recovery zones, the monolithic copper construction eliminates lead fragments in the wound channel while preserving kinetic energy transfer through controlled expansion.
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.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire; never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy; be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current state and local ammunition regulations before ordering — some jurisdictions restrict lead-free loads or require specific licensing for possession.
- This ammunition contains copper and may generate trace lead residue during ignition; wash hands after handling, and avoid dry-sweeping ranges without ventilation.
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