Author Topic: How do these compare? 243, 25-06 & 6.5x55 Swede  (Read 1388 times)

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Offline Gypsy Davy

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How do these compare? 243, 25-06 & 6.5x55 Swede
« on: September 12, 2003, 04:24:00 AM »
I'd like to know how these three compare as to trajectory, recoil and hunting capabilities. I want to use one of these three for antelope primarially and occasionally for deer. I'm leaning towards the 25-06 in Savage or Rem but I already have the other two models.
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Offline savageT

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How do these compare? 243, 25-06 & 6.5x
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2003, 04:48:30 AM »
Gypsy Davy,
I guess I want to ask you a question.  If you own both .243, and the 6.5x55mm Swede, what are your feelings on the 6.5x55mm?  I would say you're well covered for both deer and antelope with the Swede and as the 25-06 is very close in characteristics with one exception:  Length and weight of bullet.  That advantage falls to the 6.5mm where you're able to stablize 140-160 grain bullets compared to the 25-06's 100-120 grain loads.  The 25-06 is very, very flat shooting round designed just for antelope/thin skinned game at long distances.
If you can, check out ballistics in the Lyman Handbook based on 24 inch bbls:  In 6.5X55mm, muzzle velocity w/ factory 140 gr. load is 2850 fps @ muzzle.  With the 25-06, w/ 100 gr. factory spec. @ 3200 fps., w/ 120 gr. it's 2990fps.  Very close.
savageT........Have you hugged a '99 lately?

Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most.

Offline Mikey

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Which one
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2003, 04:51:18 AM »
Gypsy Davy:  Dang, those are three great choices for antelope and whitetail but my preferance goes to the 6.5 Swede.  The 243 and the 25-06 share the same bullet, both being 6mm diameter.  The Swede has a very broad application both here in the US and in europe and although the other two may shoot a flatter trajectory, the Swede has a reputation that is difficult to beat.  If you haven't yet made a choice and are looking for a caliber to purchase, I would opt for the Swede.

Now, we need to hear from all the 243, 6mm and 25-06 fans.  HTH.  Mikey.

Offline Gypsy Davy

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How do these compare? 243, 25-06 & 6.5x
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2003, 04:55:45 AM »
Thanks Savage for the info. I have the Swede in a military rifle and the 6.5x55 is a good round I understand. I know some lady won the 1000 yard world-wide match with that round a couple yrs ago, I read somewhere. Anyway, I've had the hankering for a 25-06 and I like the looks of the new Tikkas. I'm also looking at the Savage Combo.
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Offline Gypsy Davy

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How do these compare? 243, 25-06 & 6.5x
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2003, 04:58:36 AM »
Mikey,

I already have the Swede, just don't have a scope on it yet. Maybe i'll just stick with it and see what kind of accuracy I can get out of it at 100yds.
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Offline Zachary

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Re: Which one
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2003, 05:20:19 AM »
Quote from: Mikey
The 243 and the 25-06 share the same bullet, both being 6mm diameter.  
 Mikey.


What? :?   While the .243 is a "6mm" diameter bullet, the .25-06 is NOT.  Rather, it is a .257.  What that converts to in metric I don't know for certain, but it is bigger than 6mm.  Not much of a difference, but still a little bit bigger.  You figure that the 6.5mm is .264, so the .257 is somewhere in the middle.

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Offline huntsman

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How do these compare? 243, 25-06 & 6.5x
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2003, 06:13:04 AM »
The three calibers in question are all proven performers in terms of trajectory and accuracy. I don't think you are going to find enough difference in any of the three, especially in a quality rifle with a quality scope, to warrant favoring one for that reason alone. Rather you might think about bullet weight and performance on game at the long ranges you might encounter hunting antelope.

The .243 is a bit marginal in this area. The maximum bullet grain you can readily find in this caliber is 100 grain. Even a bonded or partitioned bullet of this weight may have trouble punching through heavier bone mass with desirable velocity on an antelope shoulder at tougher angles beyond 250+ yards.

The .25-06 fares better, with a bullet weight up to 120 grains available. The sustained velocity out to 400+ yards is also slightly better, so that a good bonded or partitioned bullet will likely perform well enough even on heavy bone mass at tough angles.

If you want an even broader margin of error, the 6.5x55 offers bullet weights of 140 grains in most factory loads. Though the downrange velocity is slightly less, even without a premium bullet you are likely to get satisfactory performance even on tougher shots on deer and antelope out to 400+ yards.

For the above reasons my recommendation would be the Swede (I am biased, having never shot the .25-06). It probably offers the best compromise between accuracy and bullet choice of the three. The .25-06 might be the better choice if nail-driving accuracy at 300+ yards and extremely flat trajectory are top considerations. JMHO  8)
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Offline razmuz

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6.5X55 Swede
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2003, 08:55:14 AM »
I just got a new CZ in 6.5X55.  I shot about six different loads and powders and didn't do so good.  I then shot factory Win 140 grain and the first two bullets touched.  That doesn't say much for my reloads.  I then loaded up three rounds with 36gr of Varget and all three bullets just about touched(100yrds).  It may have been a fluke, but I'm going to try the Varget again.  I've never owned a 25-06 but have had a 243.  The 243 is allright, but I had to trade it off because all my hunting buddies shamed me.  Lots of luck on your selection, I'm now off to buy some Reloader-22, they say that"s the powder for the 6.5X55.

Offline Lawdog

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How do these compare? 243, 25-06 & 6.5x
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2003, 09:45:23 AM »
Gypsy Davy,

I have a couple of .243's, the wife shoots a 6.5mm Swede while I like the .25-06 myself.  Recoil wise they go something like this;

.243 Win. 100 gr. at 2960 fps., 8.0 lb. rifle, 8.4 lbs. of free recoil
.25-06 Rem. 120 gr. at 3100 fps., 8.0 rifle, 14.1 lbs. of free recoil
6.5x55 Swe. 140 gr. at 2800 fps., 8.0 rifle, 13.5 lbs. of free recoil

The .243 is a great varmint cartridge that will handle antelope/deer out to 250/300 yards if you do your job.  The .25-06 shoots the flattest of the three and will do double duty for varmints as well as any deer up to small elk.  The 6.5 is a better big game cartridge than the other two.  Will handle animals up to moose(they shoot moose all the time in Europe with them).  Antelope are small and most times easy to kill.  But being small the kill zone is small so accuracy becomes very important.  Of the three cartridges you named I would go with the one that has the best accuracy.  Lawdog
Gary aka Lawdog is now deceased. He passed away on Jan. 12, 2006. RIP Lawdog. We miss you.

Offline Gypsy Davy

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How do these compare? 243, 25-06 & 6.5x
« Reply #9 on: September 13, 2003, 03:15:52 PM »
I've been yearning for a 25-06 but if I can mount a good scope on the Swede 6.5x55 then that will be the cheapest route. From all I've read the Swede is an excellent rifle. I'm going to give the Swede a go and see if it well do the job I want.
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Offline Mikey

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Ooops!
« Reply #10 on: September 15, 2003, 04:21:05 AM »
Zach:  you're right - I just got confoozed.  Thanks for the clarification.  Mikey.

Offline gunnut69

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How do these compare? 243, 25-06 & 6.5x
« Reply #11 on: September 15, 2003, 07:37:27 PM »
I love the 243 and have 3.  I've killed a a truck load of game with the 243.  With 95 grain Partitions it is poisonous..  easy to shoot, accurate and leathal as long as the range is kept to 300-350 yards.  I almost never shoot further than that anyway...under 100 yards is the norm.  The Swede is an amazing caliber.  I've 6 of them.  Three military M96's(1 an Oberndorf contract rifle), an early M94 carbine, a M96 I'm sporterizing for my son, and a M70 featherweight (clasic) I bought to hunt with.  For antelope though the 25-06 would get my nod.  I've a No.1 I bought as a barreled action but haven't completed yet.  It will, holpefully, take an antelope for me...  You pretty much don't need a middle of the round rifle (the 25-06) but could use something with a bit more punch.  Try a 7mm RemMag or a 300 WinMag.  I also have a 300 H&H in a pre-64 M70 that I have yet to hunt with.  It's one of the slickest rifles I've ever handled..along with a 257 Roberts in the same rifle model...
gunnut69--
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Offline Wijbrandus

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How do these compare? 243, 25-06 & 6.5x
« Reply #12 on: September 16, 2003, 04:59:12 AM »
I have an old 1898 Swede that was sporterized for my mom in the 50's.  I inherited it when she passed away a few years ago.  While it's length is a bit too short for me, I have taken it to the range several times for a little fun.

I think the 6.5 is a great round, because it seems damn accurate in factory loads, and has very light recoil compared to my 7mm Rem and my .45-70 levergun.  Mine has an old peep sight on it, and I had no problem at all shooting in the black at 100 yards my first time on it.  I have no doubt of the round's ability to do the job on medium game or smaller.  Doubt I'd take it for an elk, or even a mule deer, but white tail and antelope would be prime pickings for it.  That 140 grainer really spits out there.

I've thought about restocking it so I can really use it on a hunting trip.  Does anyone know of a (inexpensive) way to do this?  The action and all metal parts are matched originals, and the serial number indicates it was actually manufactured in 1898 at the Carl Gustaf armory.  I'm assuming it's worth a chunk of change for that alone, and I wouldn't want to trust just anyone, if you know what I mean.
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Offline John Traveler

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Restocking M96 Swede
« Reply #13 on: September 16, 2003, 05:13:27 AM »
Wijbrandus,

Restocking your classic Swede is not all that difficult.

Many places offer nice wood that is 95-98% inletted and shaped, requiring only final fitting, sanding, and finish.

Try Richards Microfit Stocks in Sun Valley, CA (Los Angeles area) (website).  They have lots of M96/M38 stocks, and the last one I got from them was a cosmetic "second" with fabulous grain for only $40.

Boyds (website), and many others too.

If you do a websearch using keywords "rifle stocks", you should have your pick of fulley inletted, drop-in, or 95-98% stocks.

HTH
John
John Traveler