Have a nice .243 and am considering adding a .25-06 to my shooters. I'll probably not hunt anything larger than deer (getting too old to really get out and go :-) and so my question. Will the .25-06 do anything the .243 won't?

Does the Pope wear a funny hat?
Hell yes he does and yes you need 25/06!
The 25/06 will shoot 120 grain bullets that the .243 doesn't, it may stretch your comfort range a bit but it has more recoil and blast than a .243.
Just remember the answer is always yes when the questions is "do I need a new gun".

I have a 6mm and used to use it a lot. Seems like the past few years the wifey like it as well. That left me using the 300 weatherby. After thinking about the 25-06 for my inbetween gun I settled on a 270 winchester. Might look into something a bit bigger if you can manage it. Just a thought!

Hi Mike,
The short answer is No. The long answer is Maybe.
You will never know unless you try out your ideas. I suspect if you get a 25-06 and use it, you will like it also, as it will put anything you hit in the vitals down.
The .243" has a better selection of bullets available than the .257" (not bad, just more).
As to only Deer in Michigan, Pigs are showing up more and more the past couple of years. An aquaintaince killed a 200lb. Oinker this deer season!
Personally I believe you will be happy either way you go. But why not find out for your self.
Variety IS the spice of life!
Good luck, Doug

Since when does "need" have a fuggin thing to do with it?

a 25-06 throws 120's that the 243 won't but it also throws 100's a hell of a lot further and faster than a 243 does.

Using a 25-06 is like having a 243 that will throw deer bullets in varmint bullet trajectories.

AD

Appreciate the wisdom, and yes, I know we don't NEED to have another gun in order to want one. Let me re-fraise the question. If the .243 is already enough gun for whatever I may get to hunt, does the .25-06 have anything in addition to offer if it's used to kill paper?

quote:

Originally posted by MikeMichalski:
Appreciate the wisdom, and yes, I know we don't NEED to have another gun in order to want one. Let me re-fraise the question. If the .243 is already enough gun for whatever I may get to hunt, does the .25-06 have anything in addition to offer if it's used to kill paper?

No, just the opposite. The .25-06 (and I own one, like it a great deal, and killed two coyotes with one-shot kills this last weekend while deer hunting with it) offers only more recoil and muzzle blast if you are shooting paper. If you've been happy with the performance of your .243 on deer, then stay with it. The .25-06 can offer you a bit more confidence on shots out in the 300 yard range, but if you're not trying to "stretch the barrel" then you'll find no advantage in it.

25-06 is a fine cartridge, but it really doesn't do anything a 243 can't do too. If you "just want" a 25-06 by all means get one. If you're looking for something "more" you probably should think along the lines of 270, 7 Mag, 30-06, etc.

I have found the 25-06 to be outstanding. 100 grain Hornady spire points in front of 58 grains of RL 22 is my dual purpose load for groundhogs and deer. Gives complete penetration on deer and hits groundhogs like a splitting maul. I like it much more than a 243, however, the 60 grain sierra in 243 does make for spectacular kills.

Thanks again. I've already given up my bigger guns (45-70 30-06 280 270 30-30 et al) and I think you've just convinced me that I can save the 25-05 dollars for another, yet to be determined, gun.

Like maybe a 6.5x55?

Ok Joe, now you really have me... What is a 6.5x55 and where does it fit?

My 1st centerfire rifle was a 270 over 10 years ago, a remington mtn. rifle. Then 2 or 3 years later I got a savage youth 243 for my kids to deer hunt with. A bit over a year ago after the winchester factory closed I got a sporter 25-06. I wanted something in between the 1st two rifles and that's just what I've got. So far I've only killed paper with it but got about a third of an inch group with my 1st load with a cheap scope. In 2008 I plan to bust a bunch of varmints out about as far as I can see, antelope if I draw, and mule or whitetail deer too. Anyway I get 17 more grains of bullet weight and about 200 fps more than the 243. So if that's enough for you to get a 25-06, then join the crowd.

The 25-06 just does it better. And can produce the same performance at lower pressure. The .243 is, for deer, a poor cartridge in that the 6mm Remington (.244 Remington) was superior. It is just that Remington botched the rifle that went with it.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeMichalski:
Ok Joe, now you really have me... What is a 6.5x55 and where does it fit?

The 6.5x55mm is pretty much the sweetest little thing I've ever shot! Bullets up to 140 grains, great penetration on big game, mild recoil. The heaviest handloads are still below the .270 in terms of recoil, but it kills all out of proportion to it's size. I suggest reading up on this sweetheart.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.5x55mm
http://www.gunnersden.com/index.htm.6-5x55-swedish-mauser.html
http://www.chuckhawks.com/6-5x55.htm

quote:

Originally posted by MikeMichalski:
Ok Joe, now you really have me... What is a 6.5x55 and where does it fit?

It’s about as unnecessary as the 25-06.

I have a .243, that I was thinking of re-barreling to .260. Does the .260 do anything the .243 doesn't? Yes, I know you can step up to 140s and down to 100s. 243 you can start at 55s and go to 100s though.

I guess what I'm asking is it worthwhile, I've heard that 260 is not living up to real life use.

Thanks RC

Define "need" Mike? Ah heck, don't bother. The answer is yes.
Seriously though as mentioned a lot the .25-06 is a lot more round than the wonderful .243 is, and as mentioned also yes it does something the .243 won't and that's 115 to 120 grainers. Also delivers a lot more energy even with the 100 grainers cause it's a lot faster with em.
As I see it the .243 is a fantastic long range varmint round that will also work on deer. The .25-06 is a fantastic deer (possibly elk) round that will also work for long distance varminting. What's your priority? I'd hunt big game with the .25-06 and work up a 70 grain varmint load with the .243, best of both worlds.

quote:

Robert_in_mt
one of us

Posted Tue Dec 18 2007 1:29 AM Hide Post
I have a .243, that I was thinking of re-barreling to .260. Does the .260 do anything the .243 doesn't? Yes, I know you can step up to 140s and down to 100s. 243 you can start at 55s and go to 100s though.

I guess what I'm asking is it worthwhile, I've heard that 260 is not living up to real life use.

Thanks RC

I hadn't heard that but the answer to me would be the same one Mikes talking about, at least the same case. Get a .30-06 rebarreled to 6.5-06, now that's a dandy!

I have had once since 1997, and I can't seem to think of a reason that I would not ever own one again.

It's fast, easy recoiling, and accurate.

I have two right now and am working on a two more.

Remington black metal Sendaro that shoots 3/8ths inch groups (5 shot groups) with damn near any bullet.

Blaser R93 also a good shooter, but only half an inch .....sigh!

I want a Ruger #1 Varmint and a Steyr Mannlicher Classic SBS.

Probably have both of them before 2008 shuts down.

Love the cartridge, number 3 in my book after the 30-06 and 338 Winchester.

Every body needs a 25-06 and a 338 win mag. Every one needs at least one big bore, even if you are not going to affrica any time soon. my choice is a 460 wby.

quote:

Originally posted by RH outfitter:
Every body needs a 25-06 and a 338 win mag. Every one needs at least one big bore, even if you are not going to affrica any time soon. my choice is a 460 wby.

I totaly agree except I like the 458 lott and no weth-er-bee

i have a .260 rem. shooting over a chrony my 120s are only 40 fps slower than my buddys 25-05 with 120s,and it is a short action, with less recoil. where a 25 stops at 120s, i can shoot 140s. my 260 will do everthing a 25-06 will do, and then some. better yet a 7mm-08

I had a 25-06 but it never seemed to kill deer as quickly as a 270 with 130 gr Sierras.

the 243 has taken alot of deer and so has the 25-06 so if it's want then yes but necessary then no

Thanks again everyone. Learned a couple of things here: 1) everyone has an opinion and a favorite and, 2) it sure is easy to get excited over a new rifle (or pistol or shotgun or air rifle etc.).

As I get older I seem to be more fascinated by the old guns and calibers for some reason. My latest acquisition is a .32-20 and is it ever nice!!

quote:

quote:
Originally posted by MikeMichalski:
Ok Joe, now you really have me... What is a 6.5x55 and where does it fit?

It’s about as unnecessary as the 25-06.

it's a magnificent cartridge.

in it's home country we use it on everything from birds to moose(though it is a bit marginal on big bulls).
it's very versatile with bullet weights from 100 to 160grs, and it has very low recoil.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.5x55mm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/6-5x55.htm
http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/shooting/arti...13199,461212,00.html

Mike, you asked what the 6.5x55 is. It was the military cartrige for the Scandinavian countries for longer then we have had the .30-06. There is your old. It handles up to 160 or possibly heavier grain bullets. It was used in Africa for Elephants, and is still popular in Sweden for Moose. Handloaded in modern rifles, it will be right with the .25-06 with 100-120 grain bullets, just behind the .270 with 130 grain bullets. It has won a bunch of long range (1,000 yard type matches). Not bad.

I have owned a .25-06 since 1980, and it has been my main gun up until I bought a CZ 6.5x55 a couple of years ago. If I could only have one of these chamberings, I would probably rip my hair out. I like both, but the 6.5 is sweet.

Well now I have two 25-06 rifles, a heavy barrel Sako thats a joy to shoot off the bench and another min 70's Sako Deluxe that is still new and unfired and may stay that way for a while.
Some other choices in 257 that are also great cartridges are the 257 Roberts and the 257 Ackley of which I have one each, both in featherweight model 70's. Even more pleasant to shoot in my opinion, FS

While I have nothing against the .25-06 (I had one years ago), I prefer a 6.5mm cartridge in either 6.5x55 and/or .260 Rem (I have both). True a .25-06 is generally faster, but the high BC of of many 6.5mm bullets mitigate the need for speed. Couple that with great sectional density and lower muzzle blast, I find the intermediate 6.5s ideal cartridges for NA medium game without alot of bloodshot meat. They are quite versatile too, with sub-100gr bullets, they will wreak havoc on ol' Wile E. Coyote and other vermin and with 120-160gr bullets antelope, deer, pigs, and black bear can be put in the freezer.

I have to ask,what does a 25-06 do that a .270 doesnt do better? You already been the .270 route. The .243 has been everything needed for deer hunting here in Texas for my son in law,grandson and me. If I were moving it would be .257 Roberts,6.5X55 or .308.

Mike,

The facts are, the 25-06 does a whole lot more than a 243. Look at the ballistics of both and compare. Long range Coyote hunting, plus Deer here in Michigan are two areas the 25-06 will excel. The 243 is excellent, but it isn't in the same league with a 25-06.
Buy the 25-06..

Don

Don't be too hasty in choosing the 25-06, maybe the Winchester 25 WSSM is what you need.

quote:

Originally posted by carpetman:
I have to ask,what does a 25-06 do that a .270 doesnt do better? You already been the .270 route. The .243 has been everything needed for deer hunting here in Texas for my son in law,grandson and me. If I were moving it would be .257 Roberts,6.5X55 or .308.

carpetman: IMO, the answer to your question is recoil. A 25/06 or 257AI with a 120gr bullet at 3000ish fps or so is, IMO, just as effective on Texas deer as a 270 with a 130 at about the same speed. But with my 25/06 or my 257AI, the recoil is just enough less that I can watch the reaction of the deer. That's worth something to me. But the 130 270 is still classic and wonderful!!

Ol Army--The recoil difference in same weight rifle between a .270 with 130 grainer and 25-06 with 120 grainer would be about impossible to detect. Im guessing if you notice that much difference your .270 is lighter in weight.

Do I need a 25? Who doesn't?

quote:

Originally posted by MikeMichalski:
....and so my question. Will the .25-06 do anything the .243 won't?

Sure. It shoots bigger, longer bullets.

But if you are going up in caliber diameter by such a small margine, then why not get something really impressive compared to the 243, like the 257 Weatherby?

OK. I need a .25. How about .25-20?

quote:

.25-20

25-20 article.

Nice vintage caliber, but if going for the milder mannered 25s, why not the Roberts?

257 Roberts.

quote:

Originally posted by carpetman:
Ol Army--The recoil difference in same weight rifle between a .270 with 130 grainer and 25-06 with 120 grainer would be about impossible to detect. Im guessing if you notice that much difference your .270 is lighter in weight.

carpetman: nope, they weigh the same. According to the HA recoil calculator the 130gr/270 has a recoil energy of 16 while the 1210gr/25-06 is 13. Not saying that the 270 is objectionable, just that the 25/06 recoil is enough lighter to be noticable and I like being able to watch the reaction to the hit.