25-06 and 243

[bratch]

I am thinking about working on my hunting rifle collection. Right now I have a 25-06. Assuming I reload (hopefully starting very soon) would I benefit by picking up a 243? I have always heard good things about the round and it was actually what I was looking for when I got my 25 (second choice).

 

[critter]

To me, they overlap a LOT with you already having the far more effective and more versatile caliber, especially if you begin to reload.

The .243 may have a slight edge as a varmiter, however, because of the possibility of 'having' to shoot a large number of rounds at a time.

I'd suggest you reload for the .25 and get a larger caliber for bigger stuff and also for fun!

That said, get what you really want!

 

[dakotasin]

agree to everything critter says w/ the exception of the 243 having a varminting edge... the 25-06 is a more versatile cartridge, and in an appropriate gun (heavy barrel) makes a better varminter. the recoil between the 2 are similiar.

a handloader can always load a larger cartridge down to mimic a lighter cartridge, but he cannot load a smaller cartridge up.

 

[bratch]

Thanks guys. Basically what I figured but thought someone might have some input i missed.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I agree with everything stated above. I like the 25-06 for its versatility. You can go up to a large critter load or down to varmit round. Yes it is undergunned for Elk, and probably more then you need for prairie rats, but when the wind is blowing like today (15 to 25 mph) and the shots are far (350 yards and up) then the 25-06 has a better chance then the 243 or the 204.

5 shots, pulled the one badly (mis-read the wind drift) 100 yards 25-06 sendero absolutely stock.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I'd say with a .25-06 you have that part of the caliber spectrum well covered. Depending on your plans for hunting, I'd go down farther (to, say a .223 or .22-250 for varmits) or up (to say, a .300 WM or larger for elk.)