243 vs 25-06

**pietskiet** · 21-11-2008, 00:54

hey guys. My family are big 243 fans so i like the roun(about 8 of them in the family). Now i have a 303 and im gona get a 375. I then would need a small game-longrange and varmin round. I dont know alot about the 25-06 but belive it wil have a edge over the 243 in that category due to its higher velocity and heavyer bullets.(les wind senitive). Wat do jou think?

**Corné** · 21-11-2008, 08:30

I have not used the 25-06 as yet and yes from a cost point of view and components availability point of view, the 243 would be a choice. However if I look at the comparisons between the 2, I would prefer the 25-06. To me it can give a flatter trajectory in the same bullet weight as the 243 and the ability to shoot heavier bullets with slightly more bullet drop than the 243. Yes, the 243 is a good choice but my choice (excluding issues like cost and component availability) would be the 25-06. I do think that it does have a noticeable advantage over the 243.

**pietskiet** · 21-11-2008, 09:05

but if i reload then it would not be a issue

**Corné** · 21-11-2008, 14:36

Yes and No.

The initial outlay for cases might be a bit more and the local shop might not have a set of dies available but these are issues that should not present a problem. I am however talking under correction but I think bullets are not as freely available for the 25-06 as the caliber is not so high in demad and in curculation within SA. But if you do get a supply and reload it should be a nice caliber to shoot with with a bit of an advantage above the 243.

**pietskiet** · 24-12-2008, 13:43

is the 243 not more overbore than the 25-06? the look about the same to me,would be equally heavy on a barrel. and the second thing is i want to be Abel to download it to train the kids

**Corné** · 31-12-2008, 20:36

I have no knowledge regarding overbore and have not even given this issue a thought up to now and can't even comment on it. However I would say that the 243 should be a lesser recoil-er than the 25-06 and if you are considering that as a major part of the decision, then the 243 would be the better choice. Also on overbore as per the answer / link provided by Ikor on your question on the subject, it would seem that the 243 would be the better choice in this regard. I do not know how much shooting you are intending with the rifle and if overbore would make a major difference in the lifespan in your choice.

I personally prefer the 25-06 over the 243 but that is me and the issue of overbore would not be a issue to me personally even if I shoot out the barrel over a period of time and need to replace it. But that is me and this might not apply to your view and goal.

**pietskiet** · 02-01-2009, 18:51

thanks corne. I must admit that i am leaning towards the 243 at the moment but it will still be a long time before i buy 1.

**Corné** · 02-01-2009, 18:56

The way I have been following this thread and your question about Overbore in another topic, I would say that choosing the 243 would be the more sensible choice for you. There is nothing wrong with the 243 and it would be a good choice and as applicable to all hunting calibers, as long as you remain within the capability spectrum of that caliber, you should have major enjoyment and satisfaction.