22 Creedmoor vs 243: both are short-action cartridges that fit the same AR10 magazine, but the 22 Creedmoor fires a lighter .224 bullet with a higher ballistic coefficient for its class, while the 243 Winchester fires a heavier .243 bullet. Choose the 22 Creedmoor for long-range coyotes, varmints and steel with very little recoil. Choose the 243 for deer, pronghorn and hogs as well as predators. Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures both on the CM10: the 22 Creedmoor with a 22-inch 1:8 barrel and the 243 with a 20-inch 1:8 or 1:10 barrel.
22 Creedmoor vs 243 Specifications
| Specification | 22 Creedmoor | 243 Winchester |
|---|---|---|
| Parent case | Creedmoor family | 308 Winchester |
| Bullet diameter | .224 inch | .243 inch |
| Case length | 1.920 inches | 2.045 inches |
| Introduced | Wildcat; SAAMI accepted 2024 | 1955 |
| Typical bullets | 75 to 88 gr | 55 to 105 gr |
| CM10 barrel | 22 inch, 416R, 1:8 | 20 inch, 416R 1:8 or CrMV 1:10 |
| CM10 magazine | Same 10-round Magpul PMAG LR/SR | |
Dimensions follow the ANSI/SAAMI centerfire rifle standard.
22 Creedmoor vs 243 Ballistics
Muzzle velocities are Hornady’s published figures from 24-inch barrels. Downrange values are Chattahoochee Munitions calculations at each CM10’s barrel length (200-yard zero, standard atmosphere, 10 mph full-value wind; 30 fps per inch below 24 inches). They are not chronograph data.
| Load (CM10 barrel) | Muzzle | 300 yd | 500 yd | Drop at 500 yd | Wind at 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Creedmoor 88 gr ELD Match (22 in) | 3,240 fps / 2,051 ft-lb | 2,710 fps / 1,435 ft-lb | 2,382 fps / 1,109 ft-lb | -30.8 in | 13.5 in |
| 243 Win 90 gr ELD-X (20 in) | 3,030 fps / 1,835 ft-lb | 2,362 fps / 1,115 ft-lb | 1,967 fps / 773 ft-lb | -40.2 in | 21.1 in |
The 88 gr match bullet has a higher BC than the 90 gr hunting bullet, so the 22 Creedmoor shoots flatter and drifts less. The comparison is about trajectory, not game size: the 243’s 90 gr ELD-X is a hunting bullet that expands on deer, and the 243 is the cartridge Chattahoochee Munitions recommends for deer.
22 Creedmoor vs 243 for Hunting
- Coyotes, foxes, bobcats: both work. The 22 Creedmoor has less recoil and less wind drift at distance; the 243 hits harder up close.
- Prairie dogs and varmints: both, with light varmint bullets. The 22 Creedmoor’s lower recoil lets you spot your own hits.
- Deer and pronghorn: 243 Winchester. Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend the 22 Creedmoor for deer. Read 243 for deer.
- Hogs: 243 for larger hogs; 22 Creedmoor only for small to medium hogs at close range with a controlled-expansion bullet.
- Elk and bear: neither. For elk choose 338 Federal or 375 Raptor; for bear, 458 SOCOM XL or 375 Raptor.
22 Creedmoor vs 243 Recoil
With bullets about the same weight, recoil is close. The 22 Creedmoor burns a little less powder and the CM10s weigh the same 9 lb 8 oz, so both are mild in the CM10. The difference is small enough that ammunition choice matters more than cartridge.
22 Creedmoor vs 243 Ammunition
The 243 Winchester has seven decades of factory loads from many makers and is easy to find in stores. The 22 Creedmoor is newer, with fewer factory loads, mainly heavy match and hunting bullets. Chattahoochee Munitions does not load either.
22 Creedmoor vs 243 in the CM10
Both CM10s share billet 7075-T6 receivers, rifle-length gas, a .750-inch Superlative Arms adjustable gas block, an Odin adjustable buffer, a TriggerTech Duty trigger, a B5 Systems CPS Medium stock and the same 10-round Magpul PMAG LR/SR magazine. The 22 Creedmoor has a 22-inch straight-fluted 416R barrel at 1:8 with 1/2×28 threads; the 243 has a 20-inch barrel at 1:8 (416R) or 1:10 (CrMV) with 5/8×24 threads.
- 22 Creedmoor: semi auto rifle, AR10, AR rifle
- 243 Winchester: semi auto rifle, AR10, AR rifle
Read What is 22 Creedmoor?, What is 243 Winchester? or browse Predator Plains.
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22 Creedmoor vs 243 FAQ
Is 22 Creedmoor flatter than 243?
With the loads compared here, yes: about 31 inches of drop at 500 yards against about 40 for the 243 90 gr ELD-X, both calculated from CM10 barrel lengths.
Is 22 Creedmoor or 243 better for deer?
243 Winchester. Chattahoochee Munitions does not recommend the 22 Creedmoor for deer.
Is 22 Creedmoor or 243 better for coyotes?
Both work. The 22 Creedmoor has less wind drift at distance; the 243 also covers deer and hogs.
Do 22 Creedmoor and 243 use the same magazine?
In the CM10, yes: both use the same 10-round Magpul PMAG LR/SR.
Which has less recoil?
The two are close with similar bullet weights. Both are mild in a 9 lb 8 oz CM10.
Who makes a 22 Creedmoor and 243 AR10?
Chattahoochee Munitions manufactures CM10 AR10 rifles in both 22 Creedmoor and 243 Winchester.