26" 25-06 0R 24" BB.243 in a HANDI ..THAT is the question!??

[ken2222]

I've been reading thru this and other forums...talked with a few guys and BY NO MEANS doubt any that has been said.


I was lucky enough to have trades that netted me a 25-06 26"(hopefully at this point) and 2) 24" .243s  barrels only, in Handi...
both are 1 in 10 ...
My question is...

If you had both calibers in hand but could only justify one of the two...with the barrel lengths listed in Handi and open trades still available
AND the intended use of these barrels was from Target/Varmit to Deersize animals maybe even say...Elk 
AND you had no experience with either
AND you want to limit the calibers you have to load for ...

Which would you choose and why. I realize the .243 offers more pill options ..but I just can't shoot that many variations before I expire. 

Thanks in advance!
Ken

[Mac11700]

Target Varmint & Whitetail deer...all would be very easy for either...If limited to those 2 calibers and either allowed where you could hunt elk...then the 25-06 would be my choice..The heavier bullet weights available for it in the big game class is why..

Mac

[ken2222]

Hi Mac...
I thought I'd probably hear from you on this...as you know if you've talked to Tim or Aaron...I ended up with BOTH calibers, or so it seems, and duplicate 24" .243s...As you know what I'm up to with these handis...and what the rest of the "collection" looks like, you'd probably know best. I'm sure Aaron would be pretty happy if I end up going the way of the 25...   and you know I like "hotrods" . Thanks Mac...
Ken

[ken2222]

Would a guy that has .270 and .280 in the background make the same choice? I really should have added that earlier...My rifles start at rimfire then .204  looking to fill the gap to .270 and .280  long range is a consideration.....and I want to double up on the tweener...

[Coyote Hunter]

If elk is a possibility I would go with the .25-06 and I would use 120g A-Frame or Trophy Bonded bullets.

[ken2222]

C'yote...bet you'd leave the .243 home too..wouldn't  you? or move on to.270 or .280 maybe? I'm looking for the best gap filler...they''ll all be there but in different "hands"...

[handirifle]

I agree with Mac 100%.

Ken
If you have either the 270 or 280 I'd leave the other two home for elk and use whichever of the two larger ones that shot the best.

With the heavy bullet weights the 25-06 is no comparison to the 270 or 280.  Oh sure the 25 will kill elk, so will the 243 but neither as consistantly as the larger ones.  Due mainly to heavier weight bullets.

Again, given the choice of the two you first mentioned, go with the 25-06 and a 120gr Partition or similar.

[ken2222]

25-06 it is....Thanks Handi...and everybody ...
Ken