When it comes to selecting a rifle cartridge for hunting, there are many options to choose from. Two popular choices are the 7mm Mauser and the 243 Winchester. Both cartridges have their own strengths and weaknesses, and understanding these can help you make the best choice for your needs.
Here is the short answer:
The 7mm Mauser and the 243 Winchester are both popular hunting cartridges, but they have some differences in terms of power and range. The 7mm Mauser is a more powerful cartridge with a longer range, while the 243 Winchester is a lighter and faster cartridge with less recoil.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how the two cartridges compare in-depth.
An In-Depth Look at the 7mm Mauser
The 7mm Mauser, also known as the 7x57mm Mauser, was developed by Peter Paul Mauser in the late 19th century. It has been used for hunting big game around the world, including Africa and North America. The cartridge is based on the 8x57mm Mauser case, but with a smaller bullet diameter of 7mm.
The 7mm Mauser is a versatile cartridge that can be used for hunting a variety of game, including deer, elk, and bear. It has a moderate recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for most hunters. The bullet weight for this cartridge ranges from 139 to 175 grains, with a muzzle velocity of around 2,500 to 2,900 feet per second. The 7mm Mauser has a maximum effective range of around 400 to 500 yards, making it suitable for long-range shooting.
here is a ballistics chart of the 7mm Mauser with a 175-grain jacketed soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2390 | 2219 |
| 50 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 2237 | 1945 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.6 | 2090 | 1697 |
| 150 | -2.1 | 3.6 | 1948 | 1475 |
| 200 | -6.5 | 6.5 | 1812 | 1276 |
| 250 | -13.6 | 10.7 | 1685 | 1103 |
| 300 | -23.7 | 16 | 1564 | 950 |
| 350 | -37.3 | 22.3 | 1450 | 817 |
| 400 | -55.3 | 30.2 | 1348 | 706 |
| 450 | -78 | 39.5 | 1256 | 613 |
| 500 | -106.5 | 50.2 | 1177 | 538 |
An In-Depth Look at the 243 Winchester
The 243 Winchester, was developed in 1955 and quickly became a popular cartridge for hunting small to medium-sized game. It is based on the 308 Winchester case, but with a smaller bullet diameter of 6mm.
The 243 Winchester is a fast and flat-shooting cartridge that is popular for hunting varmints, predators, and deer. It has a low recoil, making it an ideal choice for younger or smaller shooters. The bullet weight for this cartridge ranges from 55 to 105 grains, with a muzzle velocity of around 2,800 to 3,500 feet per second. The 243 Winchester has a maximum effective range of around 300 to 400 yards, making it suitable for shooting at medium distances.
Here is ballistics chart of the 243 Winchester with a 100-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2960 | 1945 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2826 | 1774 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2697 | 1615 |
| 150 | -1 | 2 | 2571 | 1467 |
| 200 | -3.3 | 3.6 | 2448 | 1331 |
| 250 | -7 | 5.7 | 2329 | 1204 |
| 300 | -12.4 | 8.4 | 2213 | 1087 |
| 350 | -19.6 | 11.8 | 2101 | 980 |
| 400 | -28.7 | 15.8 | 1991 | 880 |
| 450 | -39.8 | 20.3 | 1885 | 789 |
| 500 | -53.6 | 25.9 | 1783 | 706 |
An In-Depth Comparison
When comparing the 7mm Mauser to the 243 Winchester, there are several factors to consider. The 7mm Mauser is a more powerful cartridge with a longer range, while the 243 Winchester is a lighter and faster cartridge with less recoil. The 7mm Mauser is a better choice for hunting larger game at longer distances, while the 243 Winchester is better for hunting smaller game at medium ranges.
In terms of bullet weight, the 7mm Mauser can use heavier bullets than the 243 Winchester, which allows for better penetration and stopping power on larger game. The 243 Winchester, on the other hand, is better suited for shooting lighter bullets at higher velocities, which results in flatter trajectories and less bullet drop at longer ranges.
Another factor to consider is the availability of ammunition. While both cartridges are widely available, the 243 Winchester is more popular and easier to find in most sporting goods stores.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 7mm Mauser and the 243 Winchester are both effective hunting cartridges, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The 7mm Mauser is a more powerful cartridge with a longer range, making it better for hunting larger game at longer distances. The 243 Winchester is a lighter and faster cartridge with less recoil, making it better for hunting smaller game at medium ranges.