243 vs 308 Case Dimensions: A Comparison
The .243 Winchester and .308 Winchester are two popular centerfire rifle cartridges used for hunting and target shooting. While they share some similarities, they also have some key differences, particularly when it comes to their case dimensions. In this article, we'll explore the case dimensions of both cartridges and highlight their differences.
Case Dimensions Overview
Before diving into the specifics, let's take a look at the overall case dimensions of each cartridge:
.243 Winchester
- Case length: 2.045 inches (51.9 mm)
- Case diameter: 0.442 inches (11.2 mm)
- Rim diameter: 0.473 inches (12 mm)
- Shoulder angle: 20 degrees
.308 Winchester
- Case length: 2.015 inches (51.2 mm)
- Case diameter: 0.472 inches (12 mm)
- Rim diameter: 0.473 inches (12 mm)
- Shoulder angle: 20 degrees
Comparison of Case Dimensions
Now that we have an overview of the case dimensions for both cartridges, let's compare them:
Case Length
The .243 Winchester has a slightly longer case length than the .308 Winchester, with a difference of 0.03 inches (0.76 mm). This may not seem like a significant difference, but it can affect the overall performance of the cartridge.
Case Diameter
The .308 Winchester has a slightly larger case diameter than the .243 Winchester, with a difference of 0.03 inches (0.76 mm). This can affect the powder capacity and the overall performance of the cartridge.
Rim Diameter
Both cartridges have the same rim diameter, which is 0.473 inches (12 mm). This is important because it means that both cartridges can use the same bolt face and extractor design.
Shoulder Angle
Both cartridges have the same shoulder angle, which is 20 degrees. This means that they both have a similar case shape and can be expected to perform similarly in terms of case life and reloading.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the .243 Winchester and .308 Winchester share some similarities in their case dimensions, they also have some key differences. The .243 Winchester has a slightly longer case length and a slightly smaller case diameter, while the .308 Winchester has a larger case diameter and similar rim diameter and shoulder angle. These differences can affect the overall performance of the cartridge and should be taken into consideration when choosing a cartridge for hunting or target shooting.
