It's "classic" because it was the first cartridge to break the 3000 fps in 1915. It was done with with an 87gr bullet, however Newton could not get the 100 gr bullet to 3000 fps.

As stated the .243 wins the numbers game but what does that mean? Did a ballistics model comparison.

I did not use equal BC bullets because, as stated, the selection is better for the .243. However I kept the Model 14 at 2800 fps because several gun magazines have done it with factory 100 grain ammo. Also I kept the barrel at 22" for the Savage and 24" for the .243....the Savage could close the gap a bit if went to a longer barrel?

I don't think these rifles were designed for real long distances in their current configurations, but they both do very well at 300 yards....

Let's look at the different ballistics in .243 Win Kimber Moutain, an a 250 Savage Model 14 (.257)

Using G1 model, 59 deg, 78% hum, 10mph 90deg wind

.243 100 grain Berger Target BC .475 MV 2900 fps

300 yards -12 inches -1.2" drift Vel 2300fps Energy 1200 ft lbs

500 yards -50 inches -6.25" drift Vel 2000fps Energy 880 ft lbs

.257 100 grain Barnes XLC BC .420 MV 2800fps

300 yards -13 inches -1.5" drift Vel 2190fps Energy 1100 ft lbs

500 yards -56 inches -7" drift Vel 1825fps Energy 750 ft lbs