Hornady CUSTOMLite .243 Win. Ammunition

by
posted on March 21, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Hornady CUSTOMlite ammunition box cartridges brass rounds ammo hunting rifle

Few shooters and hunters decry the felt recoil associated with a .243 Win.-chambered rifle. That being said, for the youngest and eldest among them-whose statures and physiques are unlike that of an average adult-even standard .243 Win. loads could prove to be unpleasant to shoot. The problem will be compounded if the rifle doesn’t “fit,” which is oftentimes the case with youth who are using parents’ rifles with stocks that are dimensionally configured for adults. Then again, who doesn’t enjoy time at the range without the unnecessary punishment associated with full-power loads. Regardless of the reason, Hornady has .243 Win. ammunition that offers a 35 percent reduction in recoil, yet provides impressive external ballistics. Amongst the CUSTOMLite offerings, the load propels a controlled-expansion 87-gr. Super Shock Tip (SST) bullet 2800 f.p.s., which results in 1,514 ft-lbs. of energy. Because of the projectile’s .400 ballistic coefficient, even at 300 yds. it is still travelling 2155 f.p.s. and produces 897 ft.-lbs. of energy. Just as impressive, when the rifle is zeroed at 200 yds. with CUSTOMLite, the bullet drops only 8.80” at 300 yds. Cabela’s sells 20-count boxes of Hornady CUSTOMLite .243 Win. ammunition for $28-a small price to pay to introduce youth to the shooting sports and retain those older individuals who are already among us. What's your experience with reduced-recoil ammunition?

Latest

jammed cartridge in chamber
jammed cartridge in chamber

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Heir Apparent: The CZ 600+ Carbine

CZ's 527 action was long a popular option scaled around compact cartridges like the .223 Remington and the 7.62x39 mm. Now, the new CZ 600+ Carbine brings that same concept to the company's new CZ 600 series.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design Holster

In our latest "I Carry" setup, we're featuring the Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard in an ANR Design holster, and we've got a Streamlight EDC flashlight to round out our kit.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.