243 vs. 25-06

[Retaks]

I was on another forum and alot of teh people on there say the 25-06 bullets cant handle deer sized game but a 243 with 100gr bullet is a great deer round. Ive never shot a deer witha 25-06 but i believe the bullets come in heavier weights then a 243 and are built for deer sized game. And the fact the gun has more power then a 243. Im only bringing this up here because im thinking about getting one in a Tikka and everyone on there said a 243 would be alot better choice for deer.

[ipscshooter]

I love my .243, but, I can't imagine how anyone would say that the .25-06 can't handle deer sized game. That's just ridiculous.

[adamsdad]

I have used a 25-06 on deer many times with no problems. I mainly used 120 grain bullets and never had problems with wounding deer or needing to track them more than 20 yards. Great deer round in my opinion.

[nchawkeye]

The problem with asking questions on public forums are that many give advise but have no experience....

I have used a .243 for deer and other critters since 1980 and have no problem killing deer with it...I prefer a .243 over a 25-06 because of the readily avaliable factory loadings and the typical .243 will have a 22 inch barrel vs a 24 inch barrel for a 25-06...

I also know several hunters that successfully use a 25-06...
There is no way that a 25-06 is inferior on deer vs a .243, if proper bullets are used...Get whichever turns your crank...

Frankly, when talking about deer sized game, within 250-300 yards (which is the MAX range most hunters should be shooting at deer anyway), and using proper bullets you will see very little difference in how far a deer travels after the shot between a .243 to a 30-06...The difference you see will be because of bullet placement and the type bullet used...

Now if anyone wants to disagree with this last statement, sound off and I can give you a few real life examples, it's the off season and seems we all need some entertainment...

[Retaks]

OK thanks for your input. I was pretty sure the 25-06 would be a good deer round. I normally would have used my 300 WSM but im planning on a new rifle with my Tax Refund and another Tikka in 25-06 was looking like a good gun for me since i love my first Tikka.

[bugsNbows]

The Tikka in 25-06 is a good choice. However, I just sold mine last year. It was a good shooter and I had a VXIII 2.5-8 X 36 on it. Great combo. I did not care for the 2 position safety and not being able to cycle the bolt to unload on safety. Other than that I'm sure you'll like it's effectiveness. Good luck.

[cjwink]

No issues with the 25-06.. In fact of the 06 offsprings it is my favorite.. The only thing I don't like about the 06 cartrige is the long stroke used in bolt actions.. I am considering a Encore Barrell in 25-06 though..

[cjwink]

Oh BTW I have never shot a deer with a 25-06, but have shot a bunch with the 243.. And is is also a very good deer round.

[Doe Dumper]

Isnt anyone gonna argue with NC? Hes locked and ready I think...lol.

[zrexpilot]

Just remember a 100 gr .243 is a deer bullet and a 100 gr .25-06 is a varmint bullet. The 25-06 is best with the 117 or 120 gr. In my opinion.