Should I get a .243 win or .25-06?

Although I would vote for the .243 here, I am finding myself growing more fond of my .25-06 for varmint hunting because it will shoot the 75 grain V-max into 5/8" 3 shot holes at 100 yards with Varget. Recoil is very mild and the splat factor is off the charts with the bullet going 3,700 fps.
 
I have only one and it is 25-06. If I had more than one I would get 243. I killed twelve Coyotes this year with 25-06 and all were DRT. I watched them through the scope as they fell over so recoil is not to bad. I was useing 100gn NBT. No I don't save fur.
 
243
-will easily kill your deer at the ranges you are talking about.
-Will not ruin the hides of your coyotes
-easier and cheaper to find different rounds if your not reloading.
-
 
Both are great rounds and will do what you need. I personally favor the 25-06, but if you are only shooting coyotes and don't reload then the 243 will be a more practical caliber.

If you aren't really worried about being able to take deer with it then the 22-250 might be a better option for smaller animals.
 
You say you want to shoot varmints and deer arent deer varmints ??? Like they said for going and buying a wide variety of ammo get a 243.Or just buy both then you will know!!!
 
.243 hands down for what you described. . . . and I'm a .25-06 user and fan. If you are mostly chasing varmints and the occasional deer the .243 is the best choice.

.243 reasons

less muzzle blast
generally superior ballistic performance
short action
plenty for deer
less perceived recoil
lots of excellent factory offerings
Longer barrel life

The .25-06 only offers a slightly heavier bullet, slightly faster, at the sacrifice of more muzzle blast and recoil. Factory guns are harder to find and they often have barrels that are too short to make good use of the cartridge.

When It comes down to it you'll be happy with either. Good luck!
 
I shoot both, I think that you will like the .243, better choices for bullets if you don't reload, less recoil and much more pleasant to shoot.
 
not doggin the '06 but the 243 will handle any coyote and do just as well on deer out to 250 yards. 243 has less recoil, and ammo in my area is more available for the 243.
 
I am an avid quarter bore guy, with that said the 6mm class bullets are great. If I had to chose just one I would reach for the 06 every time.
 
I have a 25-06 and shoot the 110AB at 3100 FPS with superb accuracy out of my factory model 70 sprter. I am in the market for a 243 AI for really long distance shooting.

The recoil of a 06 is very minimal. Don't let recoil be a factor. I really like the .257 calibers. Like somepone mentioned the 257 Rob. Improved would be the best of both worlds IMO for a hunting rifle. You get SA with minimal recoil and great terminal performance.
 
Consider rifle weight ...... how long will your arms get?

Or are you packing this new rifle that much ..... more of a truck gun?

I own a plethora of 'ote guns.

My current truck rifle is a .223 in a CZ 527 American (an extremely nice walking rifle with a set trigger right out of the box). Before that .... a 788 remy in .22-250 ... the barrel went south .......

I am a died in the wool .243 guy and have two of those critters.

But my newest passion is a .25-06 in a Savage bull barrel .... I just built it myself by installing a nearly new SS bull barrel on it.

THEY all kill dogs!

But it comes down to what you care to pack.

The trade offs are obvious. As you go up in caliber .... and as you go up in rifle weight (bull barrel and longer) you give yourself an advantage with respect to range and knock down.

You pick the rifle and learn to live within it's capabilities.

I realize you said one rifle but for my nickles, if I were picking two just for otes and an occasional deer I'd go with the .22-250 for my main coyote rifle .... and the .25-06 for bustin' them in the next county.

I really love the .243's but the .25 gives you another 100 yds .... maybe more.


Three 44s
 
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