.243 Winchester vs 25-06

[Varminterror]

I would think that most hunters with a 243 would use a lung shot and a deer almost always runs after a lung shot. To me the reaction is similar to bow hunting. So, a follow up tracking job is needed even if the deer does not go far.

This has not been my experience, not even remotely true to reality, in hunting deer for over 20 years with 243wins and now 6 creeds. More typically, I’ll track farther with a .30-06 than I ever have with a fast 6mm.

 

[mshootnit]

View attachment 937911
For fun: Remington 700 Classic 25-06, vintage Redfield rings and base, Leupold VX3i 4.5-14X40 scope. Timney 510 trigger.
"You can be mean when you look this clean. I'm a classic man".- Jidenna

 

[cdb1]

This has not been my experience, not even remotely true to reality, in hunting deer for over 20 years with 243wins and now 6 creeds. More typically, I’ll track farther with a .30-06 than I ever have with a fast 6mm.

It’s been a long long time since I shot a deer with a 30-06. I don’t remember any difference in how long deer traveled whether shot with a 30-06 or .243.

Another comparison of the 243 as compared to a 25-06 as a deer hunting cartridge is that I would think that most hunters with a 243 would use a lung shot and a deer almost always runs after a lung shot. To me the reaction is similar to bow hunting. So, a follow up tracking job is needed even if the deer does not go far. I always read about other hunters wanting an exit hole and a exit hole is not needed with larger heavier bullets. With the larger heaver bullet of the 25-06 I have always been able to use a high shoulder shot from which the animal is likely to drop when it is hit. I am talking about shooting larger deer in the 200 pound category where larger bones and a thicker body are common.

I’m with Varminterror on this. I also don’t think there is enough velocity difference or diameter difference between 25-06 and .243 to have a noticeable difference in terminal effects on deer.

 

[357smallbore]

243 Win for me.It is my go to here in the lower 48. I've hunted most everything with it. With the exception of Moose, Elk, Griz. And that's when I bust out my trusty ole 06.

 

[tactikel]

The key to your question is the 200 yard limit. Under 200 yards no difference (bullet dependent). For longer ranges, especially if you handload, the 25-06 my choice, hands down.

 

[mshootnit]

Left to Right, 257 Weatherby 115 gr. BT, 25-06 Remington 110 gr. Accubond. , 243 Winchester 100 gr. Hornady SP.
View attachment 938120
apologies for the poor photography, assume everything has an equal shadow.

 

[bihj]

Short answer... NO

 

[JimKirk]

I shoot both the .243 Winchester and the .25/06 for deer ....

I load the 80 grain Barnes TTSX in both ....

 

[Skylerbone]

If you’re asking whether your current rifle is capable enough; meaning the aforementioned Remington 770, to do what you ask the answer is yes. If you’re mulling over a new rifle purchase for deer and varmint then there are better choices than either. Inside 200 yards the difference is academic with a good bullet and shot placement.

 

[T.R.]

My .243 rifle shoots amazing groups at 200 yards with any of the 95 grain bullets. As far as killing power is concerned, I've not observed any difference with the host of 100 grain bullets. Remington AccuTip is an outstanding choice.

TR

 

[WisBorn]

I have used 2 different 25-06 rifles on deer a Ruger M77 and a Ruger #1 all of the deer were inside 200 yards and were one shot kills. I feel that the 25-06 is a great cartridge for deer size game. If a Pronghorn Antelope hunt was in my future I would probably purchase a 25-06 for the hunt.
That said, I am excited about trying a newly purchased 243 win on deer and hogs in SC this year!

 

[Hookeye]

Got the HS stock yesterday.
Check zero w 80gr ww pp and if at 3/4" as before .....happy ( 100 yards ).

My beater .243 win.


View attachment 941542

 

[Picher]

I've only killed one deer with a .243 Win and that was only because it's a light rifle and I had to carry a portable blind up a long trail and up a big hill. I shot it while putting the blind up for relatives that were coming from-away the next day. It was standing in an old haul-road about 150-200 yards away. Dropped it in the road 1-shot, DRT.