Introduced in 1968 for the Weatherby Mark V rifle, the .240 Weatherby was yet another addition to Roy Weatherby’s ‘worlds fastest’ family of cartridges. The .240 Weatherby still retains its status as the worlds fastest commercially available 6mm, mostly because it is very difficult to drive 6mm projectiles any faster due to case to bore expansion ratio limitations. In fact, it was because of these limitations that Weatherby chose the .30-06 cartridge case as the parent case design for the .240. No other Weatherby cartridge utilizes such a small case. The .240 is essentially the .30-06 necked down to 6mm (.243”) with a belt added (for a ‘magnum’ appearance) and a double radius improved shoulder. The .240 is very similar (velocity potential) to the .240 Holland and Holland Nitro Express released in 1923 and also the 6mm-06 and 6mm-.284 wildcat cartridges. The .240 has never been a highly popular cartridge for reasons that will be discussed in the performance section ahead. Nevertheless, for 6mm fans, the .240 Weatherby is a real powerhouse.
The .240 Weatherby is a powerful, fast killing medium game cartridge but is not without contradictions. This cartridge produces far too much recoil and noise to be considered ideal for those who are either recoil shy or have sustained shoulder injuries. At the same time, the .240 lacks the ability to utilize heavy projectiles in comparison to wider bores such as the 7mm08 which is able to utilize 140 grain bullets, it produces a relatively flat trajectory and produces a similar level of recoil. The similar powered .25-06 is able to utilize 120 grain bullets,
The .240 puts both premium and conventional projectiles through considerable stress at close ranges. Although close range wounding can be immensely traumatic, bullet blow up is always a risk with all bullet brands apart from the Barnes TSX. For these reasons, the .240 is best viewed as being suitable for the same range of game as the .243 Winchester but with an added X factor.
The .240 excels on light game weighing between 40 and 60kg (90-130lb), is ideal for game weighing between 60 and 80kg (130-180lb) but like all 6mm’s requires careful shot placement as game weights become heavier and heavier. The .240 is a more violent, spectacular killer than other 6mm’s and produces fast killing out to ranges exceeding 300 yards compared to the more usual 200 yards. Nevertheless, these great features are soon lost if the .240 is expected to produce just as dramatic kills on game weighing 150+kg (330lb) with ordinary shot placement. Yes, the .240 can handle heavy game the size of Elk and Sambar but as previously suggested, there are several cartridges which are able to utilize heavier, wider, more effective killing bullets with similar trajectories and recoil.
The development of the 243 Winchester Ammo is partly owed to the famous gun writer Warren Page. It is based on the 7.62x51 military case, which was necked down to .242. The reason behind its creation is that hunters would have access to ammo that would perform well on predator/varmints and deer-sized games. The .243 Winchester Ammo delivered excellently on this expectations.
When you use 90 and 100-grain bullets, it will handle deer and pronghorn antelope easily. However, the lighter bullets work excellently with foxes, woodchucks, and many more like them. In addition, it offers a light recoil, ensuring that shooters can accurately place their shots. This is possible irrespective of their recoil sensitivity. This balance between versatility and light recoil is why it is one of the most famous rifle chamberings in the world.
The .243 Winchester Special is being chambered in the Model 70 and the Model 88 lever action. Both offer accurate shots and ensure varmint hunters enjoy precise shot placements. Additionally, its best virtue is the killing power it provides for medium games. It provides the killing power at a noise and recoil level that helps hunters shoot calmly and accurately. In addition, it has enough power to penetrate a medium-sized deer's shoulder without exiting the broadside.
The .243 Winchester Special is ideal for games weighing 80kg because it cannot ensure sufficient penetration on larger games. Although it will cause free bleeding, the killing will be slow, allowing animals to run considerable distances. The fastest kills are achieved within 200 yards and at impact velocities between 2650 fps and above.
