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.