Back in the roaring 1920s, the .300 Savage jumped onto the scene, with unparalleled velocity and energy.
Fast forward to 1955, and Winchester introduced its brainchild, the .243 Winchester. A reduced recoil, flatter trajectory and laser-like accuracy, .243 Win had it all. It quickly became the darling of wildlife hunters.
Even today, the two of them hold their ground like experienced veterans. However, in this read, we will let the true winner be finally known.
Size/ Dimensions
Here is a tabulated comparison of their dimensions:
| Dimensions | .300 Savage | .243 Savage |
| Cast Type | Rimless, Bottleneck | Bottlenecked |
| Bullet Diameter | .308 in (7.8 mm) | .243 in (6.2 mm) |
| Neck Diameter | .339 in (8.6 mm) | .276 in (7.0 mm) |
| Shoulder Diameter | .446 in (11.3 mm) | .454 in (11.5 mm) |
| Base Diameter | .471 in (12.0 mm) | .471 in (12.0 mm) |
| Rim Diameter | .473 in (12.0 mm) | .473 in (12.0 mm) |
| Case Length | 1.871 in (47.5 mm) | 2.045 in (51.9 mm) |
| Overall Length | 2.60 in (66 mm) | 2.7098 in (68.83 mm) |
| Maximum Pressure | 52,939 psi (365.00 MPa) | 60,000 psi (SAAMI) |
The .300 Savage cartridge appears larger and bulkier compared to the slimmer .243 cartridge. The former has a gentler shoulder angle (making it suitable for semi-automatic rifles), whereas the latter a sharper one.
The .243 Win also functions at higher pressures comparatively (which then also require corresponding firearms that are durable enough to handle the force).
This is also where we get the increased velocity and a nicer, flatter trajectory from. Consequently, it is especially useful in long-range shooting.
The .243 Win often uses lighter bullets, making it suitable for varmint hunting as it delivers rapid expansion upon impact.
Material
.300 Savage is a typical tough guy, with its brass casing providing strength and corrosion resistance, and can always take a beating with high pressures. The .243 Win is made of similar material as well though.
So it isn’t the material that makes the big difference but the size and dimensions of the two cartridges. The brass casing, copper alloy with a bit of zinc, acts like a durable metal fortress. However, the core is typically of lead in the bullets.
Impact on Target
The .300 Savage can ensure a clean decapitation of targets of medium to large sizes such as deers. It transfers a significant amount of its kinetic energy to the target at the point of contact. As a result, a clean penetration is observed.
The .243 on the other hand, although is lighter, has a greater velocity which enables smooth decapitation of the target upon hitting. The greater kinetic energy with the heavier .300 gets through animals with thick skins too, but we can’t say that .243 works as well for thick-skinned game.
Penetrative and Destructive Potential
Let’s get this out first: .300 is a classic. We know it, and we love it. But, if it’s raw destruction and penetrative ability we are talking about, we have to hand the award over to .243 Winchester.
A product of innovation, the higher velocity and flatter trajectory of it packs a punch, always. However, .300 Savage has its own charm akin of that trusty, rugged truck that your grandpa still drives around.
Now onto the sectional density (which is basically the ability of the projectile to penetrate its target). Numerically, it relates the size to the diameter of the bullet.
Since we know the .300 Savage to be the larger fellow, it has a slightly larger value than the value of 0.024 for the .243 Win.
Muzzle Energy
The energy the bullet possesses as it leaves the muzzle is the muzzle energy. And .300 Savage has plenty of it, thanks to its larger size and heavier build. It produces energy between 2,500 to 2,800 ft-lbs. And with that crazy value comes formidable stopping power.
.243 Win produces around 700 to 2,000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. At 100, 200, 300 and 400 yards, the muzzle energy is 1579, 1257, 994, 779. It may not be as good as the .300 but it surely compensates for it with its accuracy and versatility in extended-range shooting and precise shot placement.
Gun Compatibility
300 Savage and .243 cartridges both are legends in their own rights. Back in the day, when they were released, bolt-action rifles and lever action armaments reigned, and these two were designed for similar purposes.
The .300 Savage, being the big guy here proved to be the Mr. Perfect for bolt-action rifles. It is also better for longer action rifles. The .243 cartridge is more adaptable and versatile in this regard, owing to its smaller size.
It can accommodate bolt-action rifles, some semi-automatic rifles and single-shot rifles. Consequently, it is a better fit for the shorter action rifles.
Uses and Gunner Preference
It is said, “the .243 Win can be used by anyone who can hold a gun”. And I couldn’t agree more. The .243 excels in accuracy, ease of use, and extended-range shooting.
Lighter bullets plus the lower recoil has also made it an item of affection for the animal hunters and precise shooters. It may also be nice for small to medium game hunting.
But for shooters who have a love for power, and are looking to hunt medium to large game prefer our heavyweight champion, .300 Savage. So basically it all boils down to what your intentions are with the cartridges.
Conclusion
Have you been eyeing the sexy old boy aka .300 Savage but at the same time, you can’t take your eyes off of the elegant .243 Winchester? Honestly, I understand. Therefore, you should choose based on your needs.
If you’re planning on hunting small nearby game, go for the .300 Savage. But if you find your target 400 yards (or more) away, .243 Win is your guy. Plus, the .300 can be loaded with pointed bullets, adding to its effectiveness.
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