Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in rifle and handgun ammunition. The Hornady Custom 243 Win 87-Grain Rifle Ammunition – 20 Rounds offers consistent performance for varmint and medium game. Its 87-grain V-MAX bullet provides rapid expansion. Available now at $250.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What is Hornady Custom 243 Win 87-Grain Rifle Ammunition?
This Hornady Custom load features the 87-grain V-MAX bullet, designed for rapid fragmentation upon impact. The .243 Winchester cartridge itself is a versatile round, popular among varmint hunters and those pursuing smaller deer. Hornady’s Custom line aims for consistency by using carefully selected components and propellant charges, aiming to deliver accuracy in a factory load. For a .243, an 87-grain bullet sits in a good spot for balancing velocity and terminal performance on smaller game, or for longer-range varminting. It’s not the heaviest bullet for the caliber, which often means a flatter trajectory for those longer shots where wind drift is a concern.
| Product Type | Rifle Ammunition |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .243 Winchester |
| Bullet Type | V-MAX |
| Bullet Weight | 87 Grain |
| Muzzle Velocity (Advertised) | 3200 fps (approximate, varies by barrel length) |
| Muzzle Energy (Advertised) | 1979 ft-lbs (approximate, varies by barrel length) |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Casing Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer, Reloadable |
| Manufacturing | Hornady, Grand Island, NE, USA |
| Condition | New |
| Compatibility | Rifles chambered in .243 Winchester |
| Usage | Hunting (Varmint, Small to Medium Game), Target Shooting |
| SKU | 80461 |
What are the key features of this 243 Win ammunition?
- V-MAX Bullet: The 87-grain V-MAX bullet is Hornady’s polymer-tipped varmint bullet, known for its rapid, violent expansion upon impact. This design helps ensure quick, humane kills on small to medium-sized game and varmints, minimizing ricochets.
- Custom Line Consistency: Hornady’s Custom ammunition is assembled with high-quality components, including carefully matched powders, primers, and brass cases. This attention to detail aims for repeatable performance, shot after shot, which is important for accuracy in the field or at the range.
- Reloadable Brass Cases: The brass cases are factory-fresh and boxer-primed, making them suitable for reloading after firing. For those who handload, this can extend the value of the ammunition by allowing for custom loads once the factory rounds are spent.
- Versatile .243 Winchester Caliber: The .243 Win is a popular cartridge for a reason. It offers a flat trajectory and moderate recoil, making it suitable for a wide range of shooters and applications, from prairie dogs to whitetail deer in Kansas.
- Optimized for Velocity: The 87-grain bullet weight, combined with the .243 cartridge, provides good velocity, contributing to a flatter trajectory over typical hunting distances. This can simplify holdovers for shooters.
Who should consider this Hornady 243 ammunition?
- Buy it if:
- You hunt varmints like coyotes, prairie dogs, or groundhogs and want rapid, destructive bullet expansion.
- You hunt small to medium-sized deer (like whitetail in Kansas) and prefer a lighter, faster bullet with quick energy transfer.
- You own a .243 Winchester rifle and are looking for a factory load known for its accuracy and consistent performance.
- You appreciate reloadable brass cases for future handloading projects.
- You want a flatter shooting round for longer-range engagements on smaller targets.
- Skip it if:
- You primarily hunt larger game (e.g., elk, moose) where a heavier, more controlled-expansion bullet in a larger caliber is generally recommended.
- You are looking for the absolute cheapest .243 ammunition for plinking; the Custom line focuses on performance over rock-bottom cost. (See our bulk ammunition options for range-grade rounds.)
- You need ammunition specifically designed for deep penetration without fragmentation (e.g., for dangerous game, which isn’t a .243’s role anyway).
How does Hornady Custom stack up against other options?
| Feature | Hornady Custom 243 Win 87gr V-MAX | Winchester Super-X 243 Win 80gr PSP | Federal Premium 243 Win 95gr Nosler BT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material (Bullet) | Polymer Tip (V-MAX) | Power-Point Soft Point | Polymer Tip (Nosler Ballistic Tip) |
| Quality (Components) | Premium, hand-selected | Standard hunting-grade | Premium, high-performance |
| Compatibility | Any .243 Win rifle | Any .243 Win rifle | Any .243 Win rifle |
| Shipping | Same-day from Wichita, KS | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Long shelf life if stored properly; reloadable brass | Long shelf life if stored properly; reloadable brass | Long shelf life if stored properly; reloadable brass |
| Terminal Performance | Rapid, violent fragmentation (varmint/light game) | Controlled expansion (general hunting) | Rapid expansion, good penetration (medium game) |
| Price (Approx.) | $250 per 20 rounds | $60-80 per 20 rounds | $250+ per 20 rounds |
Frequently Asked Questions about .243 Winchester Ammunition
What is the effective range of a .243 Winchester?
The effective range of a .243 Winchester depends on the specific load, bullet type, and the shooter’s skill. For varmints, it can be effective out to 300-400 yards or more. For deer, many hunters consider it effective out to 250-300 yards, provided shot placement is good and the bullet is appropriate for the game.
Is the .243 Winchester suitable for deer hunting?
Yes, the .243 Winchester is widely used and considered suitable for deer hunting, especially for smaller deer species like whitetail and mule deer. Bullet choice is crucial; heavier, controlled-expansion bullets (like Hornady’s InterLock or SST, or Nosler Partition/AccuBond) are often preferred over varmint-specific bullets like the V-MAX for deer to ensure adequate penetration.
What is the difference between a V-MAX bullet and a soft point bullet?
A V-MAX bullet typically has a polymer tip and is designed for rapid, often violent, fragmentation upon impact, making it ideal for varmints where quick energy transfer is desired. A soft point bullet has an exposed lead tip and is designed for more controlled expansion and deeper penetration, generally preferred for medium game hunting.
Can I reload these Hornady Custom .243 Win cases?
Yes, the Hornady Custom line uses reloadable brass cases with Boxer primers. Once fired, these cases can be cleaned, resized, and reloaded with new primers, powder, and bullets according to safe reloading practices.
Where can I buy rifle ammunition online?
You can buy rifle ammunition, including this Hornady Custom 243 Win 87-Grain Rifle Ammunition, online from Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We ship directly from Wichita, KS, following all federal and state regulations.
What hunting seasons is .243 Win commonly used for in Kansas?
In Kansas, the .243 Winchester is a popular choice for deer archery and firearm seasons, especially for youth hunters due to its moderate recoil. It’s also a very common cartridge for coyote and other varmint hunting throughout the year.
How does bullet weight affect .243 Winchester performance?
Lighter bullets (like this 87-grain V-MAX) generally have higher muzzle velocities and flatter trajectories, making them suitable for long-range varminting. Heavier bullets (e.g., 95-100 grain) typically offer more kinetic energy and better penetration, often preferred for medium game like deer, though with a slightly more arced trajectory.
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Last updated: April 2026
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