.243 vs .25-06
 

I'm looking at picking up a varmint rifle for ground hogs, coyote and possibly the odd back up on deer. Not sure if I want a .243 or .25-06 ? I have owned a .243 before but never the .25-06. My concern with the 25-06 mostly is the increased noise and scaring farmers with that. Opinions?

RE: .243 vs .25-06
 

Per Chuck Hawks tables the .243 Win shooting a 100gr bullet has a Maximum Point Blank Range of 283 yards vs. a .25-06 shooting a 120gr bullet has a MPBR of 291 yards. Recoil velocity on the .243 shooting the 100gr bullet is a 9 vs. a 10 shootingthe 120gron the .25-06. Not much of a difference there. A 100gr bullet is going to be plenty for varmits and I think you can get a little heavier bullet if needed as a backup for deer on the .243.

Not much help. I just thought I would look at the tables and see if there was much difference.

RE: .243 vs .25-06
 

For varmits I would think the price of shells could make a big difference if you are touching off 100 rounds at prarrie dogs in an afternoon. Do you reload your own ammo, or would the price of shells be a deciding factor for you?

RE: .243 vs .25-06
 

I guess I'm bored. Looking online at www.midwayusa.com (I just happened to be on their site because I was buying a scope there) a box of Federal Power-Shok in .243 Win is $13.29 (either 80gr or 100gr) and a box of Federal Power-Shok in .25-06 is $21.99. $8.70 a box times 5 boxes on a good afternoon varmit shooting and that's $40 more expensive on the .25-06. I'm sure it wouldn't be that much more if you are reloading your own though.

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

RE: .243 vs .25-06
 

Why?? Not trying to start an arguement but I disagree. You can easily get 3100 fps out of a 25-06 with a 24" barrel and that is with a 110gr bullet. An 85 gr bullet would get you close to 3300 fps. I think thats doing pretty good speed wise. I really like the 25-06 cartridge, I can groundhog hunt in the spring and deer hunt in the fall and it isnt loud or doesnt have alot of recoil. Im not saying a .243 is bad at all, but If Im choosing between two identical guns on the rack, Im picking the 25.

RE: .243 vs .25-06
 

Thanks for the replys. No the price of ammo is no concern. I reload and would never have the chance to shoot at 100 groundhogs in a day. Smaller farms around here which is why I'm concernrd about the noise level of the .25-06 vs .243.

RE: .243 vs .25-06
 

Ive had both and sold my 25-06. The biggest thing I noticed with reloading was that there are alot more bullets avail for the 243 then the quarter bore for whatever reason.

RE: .243 vs .25-06
 

A .243 would serve you fine, seems like your leaning towards that option. Put a good scope on it, and you'll have a nice groundhog gun:D

RE: .243 vs .25-06
 

I think you would be happy with either of them. But if I were pinned down on one ,I would take the 25-06. Lots of my huntin buddies have them and they just thump deer.