243 or 25-06

StevieK

StevieK

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I know, I know these "help me choose a cartridge" threads are mundane and have been posted a million times. But I don't care since it's winter and I have nothing better to do.

I've been flip flopping back and forth between getting a 243 or a 25-06. originally I wanted a 243 because of the short action, low recoil and fairly high velocity. Then I started thinking that I might prefer the 25-06 for the little bit of extra muzzle velocity and heavier bullets.

I've shot the 243 and I didn't even notice any recoil, haven't shot a 25-06. Is the recoil noticeably more?

It seems as though every time I go over the loading manuals and ballistics charts to compare the 2 cartridges I change my mind every time. One day I will compare and think that the 243 has almost identical velocities with bullets 20 grns less, and the energy difference is minimal. The next day I will look at the same charts and think that the 25-06 has the advantage because it is about 300fps faster with the same bullet weights and the extra energy will be useful.

So tell me, do you think there is a significant difference between the 2? or does the little 243 just get the same job done more efficiently?

My biggest dilemma is that I have fallen in love with the new style winchester model 70's. I can get a featherweight in 243 right now. If I want a 25-06 I have to wait an indefinite amount of time for one to get shipped in. I prefer the stock design on the model 70 sporter, but it is not available in 243, only 25-06. I hate to let gun availability make my decision for me
 
There's definitely more recoil with a .25-06 but I've never found it to be objectionable. You really need a longer barrel (ie 26") to bring out the best in a .25-06. If you want a short, light rifle I'd say go for the .243. You might want to look at the .257 Roberts too.
 
I think it might have been you that gave me similar advice when I was contemplating a 700 BDL in 300 RSaum. Which was sold when I called btw. Buy the 243 now and if you don't like it sell it and get the 25-06 when it becomes available.

I think the 243 is a great cartridge but my next one will have 1/8 twist.
 
I'd take the .243. Not only because it is truly one of the most versatile cartridges available, but those new Win 70 featherweights are so beautiful. I almost bought one in 325 WSM, wish I had.
 
The .25-06 does have more recoil, but it has more smack on the business end, too. The .243 kills deer just fine, but the .25-06 is a better bet for long ranges or larger animals. If you want a coyote/deer rifle that is short, light, and handy, then get that .243. If you want more of an all-around rifle (mine does 3300fps with a 100gr bullet from a 22" tube, BTW), then the .25-06 is the way to roll. I've owned both. I still have the .25-06 and .22-250, which kind of eliminate the need for the .243.

If you're serious about long-range work, then go .243AI w/ 1:8" twist, and shoot 105gr to 115gr bullets designed for LR (A-Max, VLD, etc). The .25-06 is quite limited in good LR bullets, but the 115gr VLD ain't no slouch...
 
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The .243 is overbore enough already and is hard on barrels. The 6mm-06 is even more so. So .243 would be my choice of the two cartridges.
 
Once you own and hunt with a 25.06 you'll never go back!

Don't know why it is for sure, but I've had waaay more DRT kills...some quite spectacular...on deer with my 25.06 than my 30.06 or .300 WM. Near as I can figure, just the perfect combination of bullet and speed for deer size game. I've flattened both muleys and whitetails out to 250 yds right where they stand, like they were hit by lightning! Just does not get any better for deer!

The recoil ain't worth mentioning, IMHO.
 
I have a Stevens in .25-06 and a Savage package rifle in .243. I thought I would sell one of them, but still can't make up my mind. I took a nice Buck a year ago with the 25 at about 150 yards and it was dead before it hit the ground, a coyote running at about 200 and hardly lead it all. This past season I got a Buck at 75-100 yards with the .243 and it also was drt. One thing I dislike about the .25-06 is the muzzle blast, but it definatly hits harded than the .243. The .243 is just so pleasant to shoot.It will likely come down to someone wanting one of them for a decent price, that will make my mind up.
 
My Savage 99 in .243 is my go to gun for deer. I guess it depends upon what and where you plan to hunt. When I want to reach out and touch someone (in this case deer) from a set up, I go .270 for the extra range and down range omph. For closer range, walking around and handiness; I prefer the .243.
 
I guess I should have mentioned that I already have a 7mm-08 that is my go to deer gun. It's a browning a-bolt medallion, so it is ridiculously light and handy. So the 243 may be used for deer but would mostly just see use on coyote, with the occasional deer. I was thinking that if I got a 25-06 I may see how much I like it and just get rid of the 7mm-08 since the 25-06 would cover all the bases. But who really wants an excuse to get rid of a gun.
I also thought the 25-06 would be nice in case I ever got the chance to hunt antelope or sheep and goats in a more open area where longer shots would be required. I have no experience with mountain hunting for sheep and goats so I'm not sure what a typical shot range would be. Would a 243 sending a 100 gr bullet at 3000 fps be adequate? I think my 7mm-08 sending a 120gr at 3000 would be fine?
For the really long stuff I would use my 300 win mag, but it is not a light gun so I would not want to hike it up a mountain.
 
StevieK said:
I guess I should have mentioned that I already have a 7mm-08 that is my go to deer gun. It's a browning a-bolt medallion, so it is ridiculously light and handy. So the 243 may be used for deer but would mostly just see use on coyote, with the occasional deer. I was thinking that if I got a 25-06 I may see how much I like it and just get rid of the 7mm-08 since the 25-06 would cover all the bases. But who really wants an excuse to get rid of a gun.
I also thought the 25-06 would be nice in case I ever got the chance to hunt antelope or sheep and goats in a more open area where longer shots would be required. I have no experience with mountain hunting for sheep and goats so I'm not sure what a typical shot range would be. Would a 243 sending a 100 gr bullet at 3000 fps be adequate? I think my 7mm-08 sending a 120gr at 3000 would be fine?
For the really long stuff I would use my 300 win mag, but it is not a light gun so I would not want to hike it up a mountain.
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I hunt the mountains and own a .243 and I've never once taken it out. The reason for this is that shots can be very long in the mountains. Most people tend to kid themselves about how far they will actually be shooting at game, but in the open mountains longs shots are often the case. The .243 just dosn't have the downrange energy for a longer shot. I use my .280.
 
^^ that's what I was figuring. Since I live in southern ontario, mountain hunting is not a main concern. It may never happen at all so I can't base my decision very heavily on that. I figure that 90% of the time that a 243 is inadequate, a 25-06 will also be inadequate. And I may never be in that other 10% situation where it isn't.
Basically the 243 compliments the ability of the 7mm-08 best, less stepping on toes. But the 25-06 gives a little more range and the possibility of reducing down from 2 guns to one.
 
StevieK said:
^^ that's what I was figuring. Since I live in southern ontario, mountain hunting is not a main concern. It may never happen at all so I can't base my decision very heavily on that. I figure that 90% of the time that a 243 is inadequate, a 25-06 will also be inadequate. And I may never be in that other 10% situation where it isn't.
Basically the 243 compliments the ability of the 7mm-08 best, less stepping on toes. But the 25-06 gives a little more range and the possibility of reducing down from 2 guns to one.
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The .243 is my go to gun for coyotes. Girlfriend also uses it for deer, but she has yet to shoot one yet.
 
StevieK said:
I guess I should have mentioned that I already have a 7mm-08 that is my go to deer gun. It's a browning a-bolt medallion, so it is ridiculously light and handy. So the 243 may be used for deer but would mostly just see use on coyote, with the occasional deer. I was thinking that if I got a 25-06 I may see how much I like it and just get rid of the 7mm-08 since the 25-06 would cover all the bases. But who really wants an excuse to get rid of a gun.
I also thought the 25-06 would be nice in case I ever got the chance to hunt antelope or sheep and goats in a more open area where longer shots would be required. I have no experience with mountain hunting for sheep and goats so I'm not sure what a typical shot range would be. Would a 243 sending a 100 gr bullet at 3000 fps be adequate? I think my 7mm-08 sending a 120gr at 3000 would be fine?
For the really long stuff I would use my 300 win mag, but it is not a light gun so I would not want to hike it up a mountain.
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243 is a great cartridge, but if you're thinking 25-06, I would step up to a 257 Wby, that's what I did, especially if you're going after the above animals. :)
 
If you only have one rifle, the .25/06 would be a better choice. If you have a stable full of rifles choose the rifle you like better between the two, irrespective of the cartridge. If you have a deer rifle already, choose the .243.
 
bearkilr said:
243 is a great cartridge, but if you're thinking 25-06, I would step up to a 257 Wby, that's what I did, especially if you're going after the above animals. :)
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I was thinking about that a few weeks ago. But after handling a weatherby vanguard I changed my mind. I have no doubt that the guns shoot well. But it left something to be desired. It just felt clunky and I didn't like the feel of the forend of the stock.
In my opinion, the craftsmanship and quality of the CRF winchester has set it apart from the rest in the same price range. I have passed on a few good used deals because I would like to have the new winchester.
For years, remington has been resting on it's laurels because everyone had this stigma against "post-64 winchesters". Now winchester has stepped up their game to cater to the desires of the buyers, and people are now realizing that the 700 was never that great. I am interested to see what remington does to answer the call.
 
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