What Makes Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super Stand Out?
The Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super is designed to address a specific need: providing reduced recoil in the popular .243 caliber. This ammunition from Hornady promises to make shooting more enjoyable for a wider range of users, including youth, women, and those sensitive to recoil. It combines lighter bullets with modified propellants to achieve this goal without sacrificing accuracy and terminal performance.
I’ve been a hunting guide for years, and I’ve consistently encountered new or smaller-framed shooters intimidated by the typical .243 Winchester recoil. They needed a reliable round that allowed them to learn and practice effectively without developing a flinch. My search led me to investigate reduced-recoil options, specifically the Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super.
Unboxing the ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the components. The cartridges were clean, consistent, and the Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip) bullets looked precisely seated. This attention to detail instilled confidence right away; I knew I was starting with a premium product, even if it was designed for reduced recoil.
Compared to standard .243 Winchester loads from other manufacturers, like Federal Power-Shok or Remington Core-Lokt, the Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super promised significantly less kick. Other reduced recoil loads exist, but I chose the Hornady offering because of their reputation for accuracy and the proven performance of the SST bullet. This combination of factors made the Hornady ammunition a more attractive option.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The concept of reduced recoil in a caliber like .243 Winchester is exciting, especially for introducing new shooters. The real test would be how well it performed in the field and on the range, but I was definitely intrigued.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super at my local shooting range. I brought along a young shooter, a family friend who was new to hunting and rifle shooting. The range offered a safe and controlled environment to evaluate the ammunition’s performance, particularly recoil reduction.
The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. This presented ideal conditions for sighting in a rifle and assessing accuracy. More importantly, it allowed the young shooter to focus on their technique without being distracted by harsh recoil.
The most immediate difference was the reduced recoil; the young shooter immediately commented on how much milder it was compared to standard .243 rounds. This allowed them to focus on proper breathing, trigger control, and sight alignment without anticipating a painful kick. The ease of use and reduced flinching were immediately apparent.
After the first few shots, there were no malfunctions or issues. The ammunition cycled smoothly through the rifle, and the primers showed consistent strikes. This initial success boosted the shooter’s confidence and made the overall experience much more positive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super, I’m confident in its reliability and effectiveness. I’ve taken it on several small game hunts and used it extensively for training new shooters. It continues to perform consistently.
The ammunition has held up remarkably well; there have been no signs of degradation or performance issues even after being stored in a range bag for extended periods. The brass casings remain in excellent condition, showing no signs of corrosion or damage. This durability is a testament to Hornady’s quality control.
Maintaining the rifle after using this ammunition is no different than with any other centerfire cartridge. Standard cleaning procedures are sufficient, and there’s no excessive fouling or residue to contend with. The consistent burn rate of the modified propellant contributes to a cleaner shooting experience.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard .243 Winchester loads, the Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super significantly reduces felt recoil while maintaining acceptable accuracy for hunting situations within reasonable ranges (200-250 yards). It outperforms other reduced recoil options I’ve tried in terms of both accuracy and terminal ballistics on small game.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super
Specifications
The Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super features an 87-grain SST (Super Shock Tip) bullet. This projectile is designed for rapid expansion and deep penetration, ensuring humane kills on medium-sized game. The ammunition is chambered in .243 Winchester, a popular caliber known for its versatility and manageable recoil in standard loads.
The modified propellant is specifically formulated to reduce recoil while maintaining consistent velocities. The cases are made from high-quality brass, and the primers are carefully selected for reliable ignition and consistent performance. These features work together to deliver a predictable and effective shooting experience.
The significance of these specifications lies in their ability to provide a user-friendly shooting experience without sacrificing performance. Reducing recoil is crucial for new or recoil-sensitive shooters, enabling them to develop proper shooting techniques and build confidence. The 87-grain SST bullet offers a good balance of weight and velocity, ensuring adequate energy transfer on the target.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super performs its job admirably, delivering consistent accuracy and reduced recoil. At 100 yards, I consistently achieved groupings of around 1.5 inches, which is more than adequate for most hunting scenarios. The reduced recoil makes it easier to stay on target and follow through with each shot.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its manageable recoil, reliable ignition, and consistent accuracy. The SST bullet expands rapidly upon impact, creating a significant wound channel. Its weaknesses are primarily related to its reduced velocity, which limits its effective range compared to standard .243 loads.
The ammunition meets my expectations for a reduced recoil load. It effectively mitigates recoil without significantly compromising accuracy or terminal performance on small to medium game. It’s a fantastic option for youth hunters and anyone sensitive to recoil.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super is built with quality components and attention to detail. The brass casings are well-formed, and the bullets are seated precisely. The overall weight and dimensions are standard for .243 Winchester ammunition, making it compatible with a wide range of rifles.
The design prioritizes function over aesthetics; there are no unnecessary frills or embellishments. The focus is on delivering reliable and consistent performance. There is no real learning curve, especially for experienced shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super is designed to last if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The brass casings are resistant to corrosion, and the bullets are well-protected. The ammunition is easy to maintain; no special cleaning procedures are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super does not require any specific accessories, as it is designed to be used with standard .243 Winchester rifles. However, optimizing your rifle with a quality scope and a well-padded recoil pad can further enhance the shooting experience.
The ammunition is compatible with a wide range of .243 Winchester rifles from various brands, including Remington, Savage, and Winchester. There are no specific customization options available for the ammunition itself.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super
Pros
- Significantly reduced recoil makes it ideal for youth, women, and recoil-sensitive shooters.
- Consistent accuracy suitable for hunting within reasonable ranges (200-250 yards).
- Reliable ignition and consistent velocities.
- Hornady SST bullet provides rapid expansion and effective terminal performance on small to medium game.
- High-quality components ensure durability and longevity.
Cons
- Reduced velocity compared to standard .243 loads limits effective range.
- The price point is slightly higher than standard .243 ammunition.
Who Should Buy Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super?
The Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super is perfect for youth hunters, women hunters, and any shooter who is sensitive to recoil. It’s also a great choice for new shooters who are learning the fundamentals of rifle shooting. This is also great for anyone who primarily hunts small game that doesn’t require longer ranges.
Those who primarily hunt large game at longer ranges (beyond 250 yards) or require maximum stopping power should probably skip this product. They would be better served by standard .243 Winchester loads or larger calibers. A quality scope and a well-padded recoil pad are must-have accessories to enhance the shooting experience.
Conclusion on Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super
The Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super is a well-designed and effective reduced recoil load that delivers on its promises. It significantly reduces felt recoil while maintaining acceptable accuracy and terminal performance. The price is justified by the quality of the components and the peace of mind that comes with using Hornady ammunition.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a milder shooting experience in the .243 Winchester caliber. Whether you’re introducing a new shooter to the sport or simply want to reduce recoil for more comfortable shooting, the Hornady Custom .243 Winchester 87 grain Super is an excellent choice. Don’t let recoil keep you or your loved ones from enjoying the shooting sports – give this ammunition a try and experience the difference!