MuleyMadness Hunting Forums

Hello Mule Deer Nation,

I've decided to build a new deer rifle by purchasing a barreled action in either .243 or .25-06.

I'm leaning on the .25-06 cause it has a bit more energy downrange and where I hunt we can see shots out to almost 400 yards. Typical is near the 200-250 yard range. Rolling grass plains.

I like a lighter bullet with lots of zip. So that said, does anyone hunt with a .25-06 and shoots Nosler Ballistic TIps?

I don't reload so I'm stuck to purchasing factory ammo.

All your input is very welcome. If some of you prefer the .243 please post as well.

BTW, the action I am planning on buying is the Howa. Can't beat that price and value!

Thanks fellas.

welcome to the forum! that 25-06 is a great gun. not that the 243 is bad, but i dont see any advantages of a 243 over a 25-06. the 25-06 is more versitile. if you wanted to hunt elk with it you could and be fine. you can with the 243 also but for bigger animals you'll be better off. i think any of the of the better quality factory bullets will be great. federal, winchester fail safe,etc.. i personally dont like nosler balistic tips, but to each his own. their factory is 20 miles from my house. i prefer a bullet that stayes together better i.e. barnes, swift, fail safe,and more. if you shoot a good bullet out of you gun you will have a real deer slayer on your hands!

hi killer,

i live in McMinnville.

I was just in Bend the other day!

Fatty-

The 25-06 is indeed a fine caliber. I had a similar choice almost two years ago but it was a choice between the 25-06 and the 7mm-08. The 7mm-08 won for me but it was a hard choice. I'll say that I think I made the right one.

Give the 7mm-08 a look... it's a real performer!

I have a Ruger in .243 and love it!

sawsman

Sawman:
Have you used the 243 on muleys and speed goats? Interested in your opinion. Just bought (January) a Reminton 700 SPS Stainless, and it is a real shooter, even with factory fodder
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Duane

I've taken three muleys with my .243 shooting 100 gr Nosler Partitions. All three deer went down right there within 10 yrds of being hit. I like the .243 because it is easy to pack and I normally hunt in the steep and rough country.

The .243 is a very competent deer rifle at reasonable range in my opinion...

sawsman

Federal Premium Nosler Partitions have worked well for us.

i just shot my first mule deer buck last season, used a remmy mountain lss in 7mm-08.

sweet sweet setup! was a big 3 pt.

Cool! I'd say if you already own a 7mm-08. then get the .243. The .243 would be better suited to hunt predators and varmints too.

Either way you cant go wrong. It's always nice to have lots of different calibers no matter what they are.

Have fun with the build, post pic's when you get finished!

sawsman

sadly the 7mm-08 was a friends rifle.

what are the pros-cons of a 7mm-08 vs .25-06?