.25-06 versus .243 recoil

[greg788]

How much more (subjectively) does a .25-06 recoil than a .243?

Given an equally heavy rifle, the static numbers say the .25-06 only recoils *a bit more* but I can't believe that.

 

[Big Bill]

I have a .25-06 and have owned a .243 and can honestly say that I didn't notice any difference.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

The 25-06 throws a heavier bullet using a heavier charge of slower burning powder...of course it recoils more. (not much more....but more is more no matter how you slice it)

 

[MCgunner]

.25-06 has very little recoil. Don't be skird, move on up. .270 is quite mild, for that matter. I guess it's all relative. I start to get annoyed by recoil with belted magnums over 30 caliber. Fortunately, I'll never hunt anything that requires such a rifle. Oh, I've fired .375 H&H and shot good groups, but it's one of those rifles where you gotta make sure you ain't crawling the stock and too close to the scope or it's hell to pay. LOL

 

[mlkdvm]

Using data and calculations from QuickLoad software, a .243 will have 81.5% of the recoil of a .25-06, given the following assumptions: both cartridges are loaded to "nominal maximum pressures", both rifles weigh the same, both use the powder giving the highest velocity at nominal maximum pressure, and the
25-06 is loaded with a 100 grain bullet and the .243 with a 90 grain bullet. If any of the parameters (weight of bullet, rifle or powder or velocity of bullet) are changed then the percentage difference in recoil would also change.

 

[rangerruck]

the above dude, and the dude who says the feel the same, are both correct. the 25.06 typically is fired through a heavier rifle, with a longer, heavier action, having a longer heavier bbl.

 

[1911shooter]

Recoil is subjective, yes the 25-06 has a bit more recoil then the 243win but the 300win mag has alot more to me i dont notice a difference in the 300win mag and the 30-06 but thats just me move on up to the 25-06 and be happy with the performance gain.

 

[longdayjake]

The .25-06 "feels" pretty darn close to the .243 to me. The 120 grainers kick but no where near as much as a .270 in my experience.

 

[Territory]

owned both and can't say I could tell 'em apart

 

[tango2echo]

ditto...bout the same

 

[Shawnee]

+1 for what rangerruck said.

Very often the .25/06 iis chambered in slightly heavier rifles than the .243 (and trhe .243 is chambered in some light rifles) and so the weight difference sort of offsets the extra recoil of the .25/06.

The difference may still be noticable but it won't be a lot.

 

[interlock]

rifle recoil

These are both primarily hunting calibre rounds. In my experience, when i have the cross hairs on bambi i never feel any recoil. It seems lost in the moment.

 

[nathan]

I have both. The 25 06 does have a little more kick to it. But again in hunting situation i dont even use earplugs . Adrenaline is so high it s not even a problem to feel the recoil .

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I own a 25-06 and have shot a 243 but not in the same weight of gun. My opinion is the 25-06 is slightly more recoil but not enough to discuss. I consider them about the same.

 

[TheotherMikeG]

On my A-bolt with a 22" barrel, the blast was so loud that I perceived the recoil as sharper than it really was. A longer barrel would mitigate that a bit, but as several have already mentioned, you'll never notice the difference while hunting.
Are you trying to decide which caliber to purchase or is this a theoretical question? Hunting or range fun?

 

[MachIVshooter]

Very often the .25/06 iis chambered in slightly heavier rifles than the .243 (and trhe .243 is chambered in some light rifles) and so the weight difference sort of offsets the extra recoil of the .25/06.

Exactly. .243 is generally chambered in lightweight or youth rifles. Short action with short-ish (~20") barrels. .25-06 is typically chambered in full size hunting rifles; long actions with 24" or 26" barrels. The extra pound or so pretty much negates the increased force when it comes to felt recoil.