Losing out to magnums?

sealhunter

sealhunter

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I have been looking at getting another rifle. I very much would like a 243, 25-06, 6mm, or similar that will serve dual purpose.

The other options are of course the 25 wssm, 243 wssm, ...

How much practical speed and trajectory for hunting applications and I'm gaining or losing with the magnums. Is it enough to be truly significant to the average hunter?

What is your pick out of the bunch? I am not a reloader, and this rifle will not be a range gun that sees hundreds of rounds quickly, so the ammo $$$$ is not a deciding factor It will be hunting rifle.

If there is a better calibre you can think of, please tell me,
 
the 25WSSM gives zero advantage over a 25-06. They basically mirror each other downrange. WSSM offers only four factory loads to chose from, all from Winchester. Also you're stuck with Abolts in the WSSM.

243 WSSM gives you 150 fps gain over the 243 Winchester, with 95 & 100 grain bullets. Given 200 yard zero's, this gives an extra 115 ft-lbs of energy at 400 yards, and 2 inches less drop. Keep in mind there is only three factory loads available for the 243 WSSM. The 6mm Remington is the ballistic twin of the WSSM, and gives more factory load options, although less than the 243.

There is a active topic on the 243 vs 25-06 on this forum, check it out. They are your two best bets for what you'll be looking for.
 
Magnums are essentially just marketing. Buy a rifle that isn't a magnum or a 30-06 and your a minority. A minority that has it's thoughts straight and who generally save money on powder because it's not all wasted creating a huge fireball and extra recoil.
 
If by dual purpose you mean deer and varmits then either the 243 or 25-06 would do well for you. I have owned both and I have to admit I liked the recoil of the 243 more and shot it way more often that the 06. You may also wish to consider the 250 savage or 257 roberts. They both have the same factory load availability as the 6mm. Perhaps the 257 Roberts is a bit more popular. I would tend to agree that the real advantage of the magnums is shooting over 400 meters. Do you do a lot of shooting past that distance? If you routiney do then perhaps the increase in energy, recoil and cost may attract you.
 
jed said:
You may also wish to consider the 250 savage or 257 roberts. They both have the same factory load availability as the 6mm.
Click to expand...

as a dual purpose varmint/deer cartridge, and having to use factory ammo, the 250 savage & 257 Bob are not good choices at all.

250 savage ammo comes in two varietys - Remington or Winchester 100 grain

257 Roberts ammo comes in only 117-120 grain weights, designed for deer hunting

6mm Rem ammo comes in 80 grain weight from Federal at least, and 100 grain loads from the others

243 Winchester is THE dual purpose cartridge to shoot, if you dont handload. Period.
 
Yeah don't buy a WSSM whatever you do!
They are shorter actions that are faster to cycle, have less recoil, use less powder, can develop better velocity from shorter barrels and lighter guns and are as accurate or more often more accurate than standard cartridges.
Just stick to the old technology....

Seriously the Brownings are quality guns if you can handle the price.

I'm SUPER SERIOUS...
 
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Varmint/deer.

I have been leaning quite strongly toward a 243 wssm or 25 wssm.
I have the 223 wssm, and am satisfied 150% with it.

I am looking to buy used, as I normaly do. Less exspensive way to get around. I do a few new though.

I am looking specifically for the 243 wssm or 25 wssm in the laminate win 70.
I know the earlier ones had their troubles, but I have owned 2 and shot 3 that were just great, so I will continue with that. However I was holding a browning, hmmm, what was that. Very light, grey synthetic, fit like a glove...
I would go for that as well. There are not many used ones showing up though.

There are however many 223, 243, 6mm rem, ...

I was wondering if I it was worth still holding out for the wssm to show up, for the advantage I would be gaining. I usually shoot 300 yrds or less. But have done the occasional 400 yrd shot.
 
I chose the Browning Varmint Stalker in 25wssm for a couple of reasons, no chrome lined barrel and bullet weights suitable for bigger game such as deer. I have owned and shot a lot of .25's and the super short version is by far the most accurate and least recoil.
Browning25wssm.JPG
 
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