Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For deer-sized game at extended ranges, the Sig Sauer Marksman Hunter 243 Winchester 85-grain load puts Sierra GameKing engineering into a precision-loaded hunting round. The 243 Winchester — a necked-down 308 case — delivers flat trajectory and moderate recoil, making it a practical choice for varmint hunters stepping up to whitetail or pronghorn. This load exits a 24-inch barrel at 3200 feet per second, carrying 1932 foot-pounds at the muzzle. The Sierra GameKing jacketed hollow point brings a boat tail base for reduced drag and a skived nose designed to initiate expansion on medium game at velocities above 1800 fps.
Performance at a Glance
Sig Sauer loads this round with a thick jacket that resists fragmentation on shoulder shots, retaining mass through hide and rib. The 85-grain weight sits at the lighter end of the 243 Winchester spectrum — faster than traditional 95- or 100-grain deer loads, trading some downrange energy for a flatter arc inside 350 yards. The boat tail profile — a tapered rear section — cuts base drag by roughly 10% compared to flat-base projectiles, reducing wind drift and drop at 200-plus yards. G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.311 means you’ll hold 6 inches less wind drift at 300 yards in a 10 mph crosswind compared to a round-nose design at the same velocity.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 243 Winchester |
| Bullet weight | 85 grains |
| Bullet type | Jacketed Hollow Point (Sierra GameKing) |
| Muzzle velocity | 3200 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1932 ft-lbs |
| G1 BC | 0.311 |
| Test barrel | 24 inches |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Hunting (medium game) |
| Manufacturer | Sig Sauer |
Brass cases are Boxer-primed and reloadable — save your brass if you handload. For more 243 Winchester hunting and target loads, browse our full 243 ammo inventory.
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.
- Always follow the four rules of firearm safety — treat every firearm as if it is loaded, never point at anything you are not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and be certain of your target and what is beyond it.
- Verify that your state and local jurisdiction allow possession and use of this ammunition before ordering. Some states regulate hollow point ammunition for hunting; confirm compliance with game laws in your area.
- This ammunition contains lead, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling ammunition.
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