.244 Rem. Load Data

The .244 Remington, introduced in 1955, represents an interesting chapter in American rifle caliber development. Designed primarily as a high-velocity, small-caliber cartridge, it was Remington’s answer to the growing popularity of the .243 Winchester released by Winchester in the same time period. Developed for the Remington Model 722 bolt-action rifle, the .244 Rem. case originated from the .257 Roberts, itself a modification from the 7x57mm Mauser, necked down to accept a .24 caliber bullet (.243 inch diameter). Its introduction aimed at catering to varmint hunters and shooters looking for flat trajectory and high-speed performance, but marketing choices—especially Remington’s initial promotion of lighter, 90-grain bullets with a slow 1:12 twist rate—resulted in less-than-ideal performance with heavier bullets, leading to a lukewarm early reception.

In terms of applications, the .244 Remington excels in varmint and small game hunting due to its impressive velocity and flat-shooting characteristics. Its intended purpose was for long-range shooting at small targets, including groundhogs, coyotes, and similar-sized species, where precision and minimal bullet drop were necessary. As the cartridge matured, shooters recognized its suitability for medium game, such as whitetail deer and antelope, especially when paired with heavier 100-grain bullets. However, the initial twist rate issue limited its popularity for these applications, since it would not reliably stabilize heavier projectiles. Remington later remedied this by renaming the cartridge as the 6mm Remington and changing the barrel’s twist to 1:9, allowing the use of a wider range of bullet weights and improving its versatility.

For the reloader and hunter, the .244 Rem. offers effective performance for target species ranging from varmints like prairie dogs and groundhogs to slightly larger game like coyotes, foxes, and even deer with proper bullet selection and shot placement. Its high muzzle velocity ensures minimal lead is needed on moving targets and enhances accuracy at extended distances. Those using handloads appreciate the .244 Rem. for its efficiency and effectiveness in the field, although it may not offer the sheer variety of modern factory loads available to more popular cartridges. For deer-sized game, the use of heavier, controlled-expansion bullets—possible in rifles with the appropriate twist rate—makes the .244 Rem. a reliable option where legal for such pursuits.

Typical bullet weights for the .244 Remington generally range from 75 grains up to 100 grains. Lighter projectiles around 75–87 grains are ideal for varmint shooting, delivering blazing velocities and explosive terminal effects on small game. Heavier 90–100 grain bullets provide deeper penetration and controlled expansion, suitable for larger game when twist rates of 1:9 or faster are present. The cartridge is known for relatively mild recoil, notably less than most .25-06 or .270 cartridges, and delivers flat trajectories out to 300 yards or more. Its efficient case design and moderate powder charges appeal to reloaders interested in maximizing case life and accuracy. Brass is most often resized from .244 Remington or 6mm Remington variants, and the .243” bullet diameter allows for a broad selection of projectiles from all major manufacturers, furthering its appeal among handloaders seeking precision and versatility.