I have never owned a 25-06, but I have owned several 243's. Ballistically, I like 25-06, but I have never had any problems killing deer with a 243.

Both descent deer calibers, but i'd go with the 243. Just personal preference.

Terry,
I'm a HUGE fan of the 25-06 Rem,and even though you can cross over with it.It makes a long day shooting a ground hogs,if your shooting 100-300 rounds a day.

If this would be a deer rifle and the ocasinoal gopher or coy-dog thenI would say the 25-06.
BUT
I'm not a fan of 243 win either.Since you roll your own I would recomend the 6mm Rem.It will beat the .243 win hands down.It makesa great varmiter and deer round.
Remington make the Modl 700 VLS in the sweet little 6,and it will server you fine on them long outings on ground hogs at 400+ yds.
Take a look.
BBJ

I have both calibers also,my 25-06 has killed chuck's past 500 yards...

If I was going to varmint hunt, and maybe shoot a few deer I would get a .243

If I was going to deer hunt, and maybe shoot a few varmints I would get a 25.

If you want to keep the pelts of a coyote, you better not get varmint loads for the 25, they will leave a huge exit hole. This is not the case with a 55 or 75gr bullet in the .243.

I have a .243 for varmints, and a .270 for deer size game. Works great for me.

Well thanks for the advice everybody. I ordered a .243 today. I needed a varmint rifle more than a deer rifle ( have few of those already ) and those Stevens 200 bolt rifles were just too darn cheap to not try one. I'll get it in about 3 weeks I'm told so I'll let you know how it shoots. Now I have a bit of time to decide on a scope.

Holy snikes Batman, 100-300 rounds aday at groundhogs?? I hunt alot of good farms and never, ever got 100 shots a day. Im not calling you a liar but man maybe I need to hunt with you!I think the most Ive ever shot was 7-8 hogs in one day.

I'm guessing he's talking about prairie dog towns out west since my experience with ground hogs is the same as yours. 10 in a day would be outstanding, and I don't remember ever getting that many.

go for the 243

I have a few 243 win ,couple 25-06 and a couple 6MM Rem. and ifI had to choose just one for all around it would be the 25-06 .