.243 versus 25-06

[texdomer]

I am looking for a deer rifle for my wife. I believe I have narrowed it down to either the .243 or the 25-06. I have shot the .243 several times but have not fired a 25-06. She will be hunting with me in the Hill Country and should have little need to shoot more than 200 yards if ever given the way we have the doubel stands set up for our kids. Looking for input from those who have experience with both. Thanks

 

[Texas42]

Let her shoot either.

Some rifles are lighter than others. I think both are good rounds, and deer are easy to kill. I like the 243 Win. Personal choice.

 

[Texasjack]

Either one will bring down deer just fine. The .243 has a bit less kick, but as Texas42 pointed out, the size of the stock will affect that and some .243's have really light stocks. A heavy .243 will have a very light kick.

The .308 is a shortened version of the .30-'06. The .243 is a necked-down version of the .308 and the .25-'06 is a necked-down .30-'06. So it's all "in the family", so to speak.

 

[texas skeeter]

get her one of these!!

it'll take down anything she desires!!

 

[phatcyclist]

I just picked up a Rem 700 in .243 Win. No hunting stories yet but the recoil is very mild. It's a pleasant rifle to shoot.

 

[Stumpy]

I own a .243, and have shot a .25-06. I've taken javelinas with both and deer with .243. I love both calibers. It does seem a little easier to find .243 ammo, but not that much, they're both common. I really can't say that I prefer one over the other.

 

[Texas1911]

Either one has little kick and would be a good hill country gun.

 

[rvrrat14]

If you reload, I suggest the 6mm Remington. All but duplicates the 25/06 in a smaller package. I have killed so many deer with mine it ain't funny. My kids shoot it too, one is 18 the other is 11. They are hard to find, but I will NEVER be without mine. Good Luck.

 

[outdare]

Here is a good article on the 25-06.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/articles/25-06-improved-1.php