as compared to most other rifles that have a 24" barrel. Won't I loose velocity with a 22+ inch barrel as compared to a 24" barrel?
I think you will find most sporters come with 22" barels. Heavy barrel versions tend to go with 24" BBLs. I would pick the 25-06. It will do everything better than a .243 but you can't say the reverse. Not dumping on the .243 here either.