Author Topic: thoughts on dumping a 243, picking up a 25-06 (Read 581 times)

bajabill · « **on:** August 10, 2005, 09:34:26 AM »

I have a 243, Im sending in for a 223 and would like to get another barrel as well for no additional trouble. I cant decide and nothing offered by HR is really getting me excited. Ive considered a 7-08, 357 (I would really like a 35 cal however). I have very young kids and thought one day they could use the 243 to hunt with. Im grasping reality now, and am going to worry about that when the time comes. For now, I just shoot targets with all guns but my 30-06 and that is all I intend to do in the future.

This brings me to my next possibility. Get a 25-06 (which I normally would not since I have the 6mm and 277 calibers already - no gaps here) and sell the 243 barrel. The downside is that both the 243 and 25-06 are really "mini mags" from a capacity vs bore area comparison and Im just using them for bench work. Lots of powder for the size of pill. But, my choices are what they are, I cant get a 257bob, 6.5swede, or a 35 whelen.

Thoughts for discussion....not looking to solve the world problems :lol:

lostsniper308 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2005, 12:12:05 PM »

keep the .243 barrel, the more the merrier

Varminter · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2005, 12:31:30 PM »

If you're gonna go with a 26" barrel i would get the 280. Digger it getting close to 7mm mag velocities out of his. I wouldn't get rid of the 243 though. As lostsniper308 said, the more the merrier. I regret getting rid of the barrels i have and i bet you will too.

handirifle · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2005, 05:10:39 PM »

Not me, my 243 went by by and it's off today for a 280. The 25-06 was my other pic.

myarmor · « **Reply #4 on:** August 10, 2005, 07:36:46 PM »

I have said it before..the 243 is a great round. However, I like the 25-06 for the varity of bullets and grains you can find for them. Everything from varmint to large game can be had. And since you are shooting a single shot, why not go with what would be a normal long action cartridge? You aren't worried about having the same disadvantages of a bolt action. Well not to an extensive degree..I say go for it.

bajabill · « **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2005, 03:54:18 AM »

Im not interested in a 7mm offering, I have a 270wsm and 30-06 so cramming another between them would not be high on my list. I do want something between the 277 and 224 bullet diameter for a light recoil, medium range target shooting (300yds) That is where my 243 came in, its a 22" bull barrel that I stumbled on. I know a 25-06 is more than I want (recoil, blast, powder) in this caliber and am afraid it may be similarly sensitive to reload for due to the fact that it is a major neck down from the parent cartridge, just like the 243. Perhaps, the statement in "Cartridges of the World" componded with my challenges of loading this dude are causing my interest in the 243 to fade.

Then there is the huge gap between the 30 cal and 45-70 ....

dirtdobber47 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 11, 2005, 07:41:13 AM »

I have a 25-06 handi with a 26" barrel I love it. The best load for mine is 100 gr sierra sp with 41.4 of IMR 4350. I'm glad I don't notch my stock because I wouldn't have much left. Have fun!

Mac11700 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 11, 2005, 07:46:53 AM »

I would keep the 243...and pick up a 204 or one of the new 17's they have...especially if your just shooting paper...that will give you time to work out what's wrong with your 243...just my $.02...

Mac

bajabill · « **Reply #8 on:** August 11, 2005, 08:38:36 AM »

Im not warming up to the 25. But, the latest concern I just remembered about the 25-06 is barrel heating at the range. I can shoot a lot of 243, a lot more than a sporter 30-06 and bull 270wsm.

The 223 should take care of my little bullet needs quite well. 204 ruger ammo cost is not appealing, and the thought of cleaning the needle hole bore is not my idea of fun :eek:

I may still be back to a 223, and throw in a 357 just because I feel like Im wasteing the opportunity if I only order one barrel.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 11, 2005, 08:04:51 PM »

Buy the 25-06...shoot it for a while...then have it rechamberd and rebored to your 35 Whelen...or to a 338-06...or...a 375-06...or as what has been suggested recently...a 9.3 X 62...or go smaller...how about a 6mm-06'...or a 6.5-06...there is a several possabilities you can choose from...each offering something unique and interesting...

Looking at strickly bench work...there are other barrels you can go with and have some sweet shooters made out of them as well...no...they aren't off the rack barrels you can order from NEF...but...till they decide to offer more choices...a Handi-holic has got to do...what a Handi-holic can do to satisfy the urge :-D

Mac