RE: .243 vs .25-06
The difference between the .243 and 25-06 is the difference between the 30-06 and .308. Not much.
However the 25 needs a 26" barrell to get everything out of it. With its longer action and 26" barrell it will be a larger gun.
Price of shells is would be another factor. I like the.243. Thats my choice