I always say go with whichever you like. Either one will work.

I have an Encore barrel in 257 Roberts AI, I think it is good all around varmint caliber. Just my 2 cents worth.

257 Roberts is a great rifle
My friend has an Encore and he loves it.
I have a Ruger 77 in 25-06 and that's what I use.

Either way

Good huntin

243 would be my pick. Mostly because I allready own one.

The .243 is more veratile.

d_hoffman

I would say versatility depends on the application.
243 is not very good on bigger animals, whereas the 25 caliber can be loaded up to a 120 gr bullet.
Don't get me wrong, the 243 is a good cartridge, but I think it still comes down to , what are you going to do with it. Then make you decision based on application.

Just my two cents worth

Cliff

Hey Wild Horse, You can load a 105gr Hornady A-max that can easily take down an elk if your any kind of a real shooter. I do agree that the 25-06 is more powerful, however, the bullet selection for the .243 is what I'm talking about when I say it's more versatile.

BTW, you have a striking resemblence to a good friend of mine here in Ohio.

I have both calibers. For Varmints and Coyotes, I would go with the 243. If you ever want to shoot antelope or deer along with Yotes a vermin, go with the 25/06. The larger caliber does better on deer sized game, but the 243 has better factory offerings of factrory loaded bullets. I reload so it shouldn't normally be an issue, but If you ever fly to hunt, what ya gonna do if you have your gun but the bullets went somewhere else like LAX.

Definitely the 243, only 'cause thats what I have. And for small FWC's they are superb.

FWC = Furry Woodland Creature

I prefer the 257 Roberts over the 243 Win.
Not because of any logical or ballistic reasons but because it follows in the drop between calibers that I have and it is a reasonable round for its intended purpose. (.358, .308, .257) It gives me a 35, a 30, and a 25 so now I just need a 20 caliber to make the set.
Then I can start on the metric sizes: 5, 6, 7, and 8mm

Why choose use both. Just can't have one as it doesn't present the problem of making a choice. Also it is more exciting trying to explain to the better half why just one wno't work. Also if going on a trip futher away from the safe take both or more in case you have trouble with one. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!

I think .243 is a nice bullet

Why settle for a 243 Win when you can have a 244/6mm Rem? The 6mmRem can do everything the 243 Win can and more.

I think both calibers are fine choices for varmits and deer. I would go with the larger caliber simply because by by bullet weight it is more versitile. But.... my choice between the two would be a 260.
Best
Ed

FALPhil wrote:

Why settle for a 243 Win when you can have a 244/6mm Rem? The 6mmRem can do everything the 243 Win can and more.

'cause the original question DIDNT include a 6mm option....