As I mentioned in the title it's a battle against these 2 calibers only. If you want to talk about your creedmor or any other caliber please start a new thread. So I'm thinking about buying a 243 or a 25-06. I reload so ammo cost isn't a problem. There is a lot more powder burning in the 25-06 so barrel life will be shorter than the 243 but you drive that 100gr bullet about 400 fps faster around 3500-3600 fps... On another note you have a wider choice of bullets for the 243. So lots of pro for each caliber... I'd be hunting anything between ground hogs to deer from 100-500 yds but would keep deer under 300 yds. Thx
243 vs 25-06 when reloading
- Thread starter franktank
- Start date
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
If staying under 300 either one will work.
There are plenty of game bullets for both.
Want to shoot a little flatter and further, then ,the 25-06.
Want to move a bit heavier projectile , 25-06.120's work well.
If it is a normal hunting rifle, I wouldn't worry about barrel life.
Personally , I would go 25-06 to increase flexibility.
You reload so having ammunition and components will never be an issue.
The amount of powder will not have a bearing on barrel life.Speed, however will.
Load up the 25-06 with a 115-120gr quality bullet and go hunting.
There are plenty of game bullets for both.
Want to shoot a little flatter and further, then ,the 25-06.
Want to move a bit heavier projectile , 25-06.120's work well.
If it is a normal hunting rifle, I wouldn't worry about barrel life.
Personally , I would go 25-06 to increase flexibility.
You reload so having ammunition and components will never be an issue.
The amount of powder will not have a bearing on barrel life.Speed, however will.
Load up the 25-06 with a 115-120gr quality bullet and go hunting.
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Pretty much sums it up. 25-06 does everything faster and better. The only real advantage the 243 would have is slightly lighter short actions, in older rifles. Perhaps slightly more modern high bc bullets. No real world hunting advantage.
IMO, the larger bullets available in 25 are a significant advantage, possibly allowing a stretch to larger than deer sized game. Moving into true long range hunting really needs bigger bullets and thus larger bores.
I have shot and reloaded for both, the versatility goes to the 25-06 hands down. The 243 is a great cartridge, but for hunting bullets you are limited to 100-105 grains, whereas the 25-06 you can go to 120. Pack a 100 grain X bullet or a 115-120 grain partition on top of your preferred powder and go kill stuff.
Personally now I have a 257 Weatherby and love it even more.
Personally now I have a 257 Weatherby and love it even more.
I've owned both and reloaded for4 them as well, the 25-06 I gone. I could never get a good feeling for the 25-06 but I do like the 243 which I have used for many kills on deer and coyotes. Under 300 on deer is not a problem for a 243 on deer, with a good 100 grain bullet. I have moved away from the 243 on coyotes due to the fur damage but with the lighter slugs it is a good varmint cartridge. You have a good range of 243 bullets for reloading from 55 gr. to 105 gr.
.243w would be my choice based on factory ammunition availability....and short action chamberings which are lighter rifles. I know you just want to restrict discussions to. 243w or 25/06...but if were to seriously think a 25/06 was the solution....I would go to a 270w for a better answer.
I Load up .243 and 25-06, both are predictable and very accurate...The 25 is a lot more gun and does everything better...When I want to shoot quantity the .243 is always my choice.
I've shot out two 25-06 barrels both at around the 900 round mark but I do load them warmish...I have yet to shoot out a .243 barrel and I load them up warm too.
If I had to choose one I would go for the 25-06...It shoots just as sweet as the .243 but hits a lot harder and bucks the wind better at range.
To get 100gr bullet velocities up to 3500-3600fps with the 25-06 with standard length 24" barrel, you are going to be loading way over published data and stretch primer pockets like a mofo...I get maybe four reloads out of my brass and am loading in the 3475fps range and the powder charge is way over what the new books publish...Good luck.
I've shot out two 25-06 barrels both at around the 900 round mark but I do load them warmish...I have yet to shoot out a .243 barrel and I load them up warm too.
If I had to choose one I would go for the 25-06...It shoots just as sweet as the .243 but hits a lot harder and bucks the wind better at range.
To get 100gr bullet velocities up to 3500-3600fps with the 25-06 with standard length 24" barrel, you are going to be loading way over published data and stretch primer pockets like a mofo...I get maybe four reloads out of my brass and am loading in the 3475fps range and the powder charge is way over what the new books publish...Good luck.
hometownhero
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Toon Town, Sk
I would go 243 and build it specifically to shoot 110-115gr bullets.
Check your load data again. I highly doubt you'll safely hit 3600fps with 100gr bullet from a .25-06. The difference is more like 2-300fps with the same bullet weight.
You should really compare a 90ish grain bullet in the .243 to 100gr in the .25-06. Similar SD and BC. When you look at those numbers you'll see there isn't that big of a difference between the two.
Personally I'd probably go with a .243 for long range varmints and look at picking up something between that and a .338 lapua for big game. But if you're dead set on having a do everything rifle the .25-06 is a better choice.
You should really compare a 90ish grain bullet in the .243 to 100gr in the .25-06. Similar SD and BC. When you look at those numbers you'll see there isn't that big of a difference between the two.
Personally I'd probably go with a .243 for long range varmints and look at picking up something between that and a .338 lapua for big game. But if you're dead set on having a do everything rifle the .25-06 is a better choice.
- Location
- sudbury, ontario
Booth are nice .. booth have there limits.....don't kill them trying to do the impossible with them like load them supper hot... I have a browning bar in the 25-06... speed is around 2890...to2935??55 I have to check.my data but it is a pleasure to shoot and I can shoot all types from 75..to 120 .... shot placement is key and it's a done deal.... out to 400 y/m no problem!!! Be smart be safe...
Potash shooter
New member
- Location
- Central Saskatchewan. Rural
I own and load for both. Answer depends on what you really expect to get out of them. If strictly hunting big game, then 25-06 without a doubt. If varmint shooting and accuracy then .243 wins. Far superior choices for bullet selection in .243 caliber.
