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Author Topic: which one .243 or 25-06?  (Read 851 times)

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Offline aldar

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which one .243 or 25-06?
« on: December 21, 2006, 02:02:43 AM »
Will be ordering a new rifle in '07 and can;t decide . some things I'm considering are: it will be primarily a deer rifle with an occasional coyote hunt. hoping to go on a western mule deer/antelope hunt in the future. The gun will also be used by my daughter who has already  said that she a little hesitant about recoil. I've never shot either caliber in any gun so I have no idea about the difference in recoil of the two . In searching some older post's, I found one that metioned that NEF's in .243 were "troublesome" and that the 25-06's were inherantily more accurate. just looking for opinions/ suggestions/ideas, and anybodys experiences with these calibers.
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Offline bigjeepman

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2006, 02:33:15 AM »
I only have the .243 and it is in a bolt gun so I probably won't be much help. The .243 is an excellent caliber and factory ammo is plentiful. I have never owned a 25-06 but have heard many good things about them.
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Offline PartsMan

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2006, 03:19:03 AM »
I have a 25-06 handi and I love it.
Will shoot a 1" group with 100g remington (cheap!).
It does have a little recoil with heavier bullets (117 or120)
but I filled the holow in the stock with BBs and it went away.
If you plan on shooting mule deer use 25-06,
but for coyote the 243 would be more suited.
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Offline backstrap

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #3 on: December 21, 2006, 03:38:21 AM »
i have a nef 243 i used this year shot a real nice buck worked great i have shot 25-06s and they do have more recoil so for the youngster i would buy the 243  u dont want to buy a gun that kicks her to hard then she wouldnt want to hunt i am not saying a 25 will hurt your sholder but u know how kids are and then in a few years send the reciver in and get the 25-06 barrel i hope to have 1 soon
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Offline coop2564

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2006, 03:45:20 AM »
Definitly the 25-06. 
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Offline Dave Allen

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #5 on: December 21, 2006, 03:59:57 AM »
hello...i would opt for the 25/06 considering deer would be your primary objective...i would try to go to a gun shop that hopefully keep's some handi's in stock & handle a few... the reason i say that is the 25/06 has a 4" longer barrel & she  might handle the shorter length of the 243 better ?? just another thought to throw out there !!!
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Offline kennyd

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #6 on: December 21, 2006, 04:09:15 AM »
A .243 may be a little small for a bullet proof deer.  Most of them aren't though.  The .243 is really pleasant to shoot, but so is the .25, but it does kick some more.  Probably the decision should be one of barrel length. 
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #7 on: December 21, 2006, 05:43:35 AM »
I have both a 25-06 Ultra and a .243 Ultra Varmint which has a bull barrel, both shoot very well, the 243 that has accuracy issues is the superlight which can be picky for loads, but even it can be a very good shooter with a little load work and slow shooting to allow the thin barrel to cool between shots. The 25-06 has a little recoil, but it's not bad, and would be a better choice for mule deer, but the 243 is very capable with good bullets and shot placement. Another choice you should add to the short list is the 7mm-08, it has recoil comparable to the 25-06 at about 8lbs, but with the shorter 22" barrel, would be easier for your daughter to handle and is very capable of taking elk if they ever get on your menu. ;)

Tim

http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm
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Offline Mac11700

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #8 on: December 21, 2006, 06:45:34 AM »
Quote from: aldar on December 21, 2006, 02:02:43 AM
Will be ordering a new rifle in '07 and can;t decide . some things I'm considering are: it will be primarily a deer rifle with an occasional coyote hunt. hoping to go on a western mule deer/antelope hunt in the future. The gun will also be used by my daughter who has already  said that she a little hesitant about recoil. I've never shot either caliber in any gun so I have no idea about the difference in recoil of the two . In searching some older post's, I found one that metioned that NEF's in .243 were "troublesome" and that the 25-06's were inherantily more accurate. just looking for opinions/ suggestions/ideas, and anybodys experiences with these calibers.

The only troublesome 243's I've heard about are the super lights...and the one I have had..that now mitchell owns is a sub 1/4" shooter with varmint bullets...and was about the same with deer weight bullets...Folks have a a major misconception of them due to reloading issue they aren't aware of with the cartridge...My 25-06's have always been good shooters...and the one I just got this week should be the same...

Between the 2 for your stated usage...I would go for the 25-06...You can add a small Limbsaver recoil pad on it and add a soft cheek piece to the stock prior to your daughter using it...and she will be fine...They don't kick when you have set them up this way...The 25-06 is one of my favorite cartridges..and should do well for you..

Mac
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Offline mt3030

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #9 on: December 21, 2006, 07:22:27 AM »
I'm one of the shooters that had "troublesome" 243s. Two of them. A super light and a regular barrel. (I guess I was unaware of the major misconception) I tried several deer bullets (factory and handloads)  from 85 to 105 gr and none would settle down and group or hold POI. So I lost interest and bought a Remington 700 in 243. Works great. But others have had better luck.

My Ultra 25-06 has been great. My go-to rifle for mules and antelope for years. Most accurate big game rifle I've owned, no matter what the brand. Factory loads and handloads. Completely stock. No fussing with o-rings, floating forearm. Just clean it at end of season, and fire two fouling shots before next opening day. Any recoil that is noticable at the range disappears when in the field. Get one and enjoy.
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Offline Mac11700

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #10 on: December 21, 2006, 07:44:03 AM »
Quote from: mt3030 on December 21, 2006, 07:22:27 AM
I'm one of the shooters that had "troublesome" 243s. Two of them. A super light and a regular barrel. (I guess I was unaware of the major misconception) I tried several deer bullets (factory and handloads)  from 85 to 105 gr and none would settle down and group or hold POI. So I lost interest and bought a Remington 700 in 243. Works great. But others have had better luck.

My Ultra 25-06 has been great. My go-to rifle for mules and antelope for years. Most accurate big game rifle I've owned, no matter what the brand. Factory loads and handloads. Completely stock. No fussing with o-rings, floating forearm. Just clean it at end of season, and fire two fouling shots before next opening day. Any recoil that is noticable at the range disappears when in the field. Get one and enjoy.

I forgot about your standard one Bro..I remembered all of the super lights giving folks folks headache after headache trying to get them to shoot right..The misconception I am referring to is about the brass stretching issues...and some here have told folks to stay away from all of the 243's...that they aren't accurate..or cause nothing but problems....

Mac
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Offline Norseman112

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #11 on: December 21, 2006, 08:21:45 AM »
I have a .243 handi with a standard barrel and its a shooter. I have a 25-06 (not in handi). To be honest I never have taken a deer with my .243. I use it for yotes and varmits, I am sure with proper shot placement ect it would make a fine deer getter. I havn't used it because perhaps I have to many calibers ;D I think the real reason I just fallen in love with the 25-06. Over the years she has nocked down plenty of deer. I also load her down for yotes and works great. Mule deer you say...my vote is the 25-06   

John
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #12 on: December 21, 2006, 10:27:56 AM »
Quote from: Norseman112 on December 21, 2006, 08:21:45 AM
I havn't used it because perhaps I have too many calibers.

Bite your tongue John, there's no such thing as too many calibers!!! ;D

Tim
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Offline aldar

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #13 on: December 21, 2006, 01:57:39 PM »
thanks for all the input. I just might be leaning towards an Ultra in 25-06 and then put a Simms recoil pad on. Daughter isn't a tiny little thing but adding a good pad might make it work better. im guessing that with the longer barreled '06, it's balance would a bit more towards the barrel end making off hand shots difficult for a younger shooter. Only gun shop in town does not stock Handi's closest Cabelas is 30mi and they don't stock many. Thats why I'm asking questions here, besides, you guys know more about Handis than any clerk would.
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Offline Norseman112

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #14 on: December 21, 2006, 03:56:54 PM »
Good luck with your choice alder, and yes Tim you right   ;D

John
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Offline acloco

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #15 on: December 21, 2006, 04:46:59 PM »
243...hands down.

I LIKE just about any cartridge on the 06...but...on a with the combination of a light handi rifle (even with a recoil pad)...I would not want somebody shooting a flame throwing 25/06....especially if they were recoil sensitive.

Even if the recoil pad takes the pound out, the rifle will still have considerable barrel movement.
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: which one .243 or 25-06?
« Reply #16 on: December 21, 2006, 04:59:15 PM »
a 7x57 if you can find one, if not a 7mm-08....<><.... ;)
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