If you had your choice between .243 or .257 for varmits ie.groundhogs and/or coyotes, which would you choose ?

I own a .243 and DONT have a .257, so I'll take the .243!

Hands down I'd go with the .243 unless you happen to have a 6MM also.-tr

.243

I've got a 243 and a 25-06,I'll be dammed if I can make a choice as to which is my preference.

Love my 243 bullbsrrel. 55gr nos btbt's are killer on jacks at 3925fps. Dave

i went through this delema a couple years ago, ended up with a savage .243 and with a little tweeking here and there, better scope better stock it is a groundhogs nightmare! started playing around with reloading my own and hands down i think this is the best rifle i have owned for along time now! not saying it wouldnt be put up for something else tomarrow but this thing is nice. light enough to carry all day, but its also not a arm breaker when it goes off, but it will still reach out and touch them at distance with no troubles!

I use a 6MM Remington with 55gr. BT's out to about 325Yards. At 4150FPS you put the crosshairs on their head and pull the trigger.

Past that I go to 70gr. BT's. They do better in the wind.

I'd think that there is a much better selection of varmint bullets for the .243 so that would be my choice.

If I had to choose between the two calibers mentioned I would use either my 6mm (244) or my 257 (25-06). One would work as good as the other with my varmint reloads, but given my choice of calibers, I'd use my 22-250.

243. I just bought a new rifle recently in 243 Win for coyotes.

.243 hands down

The real world performance between the two is insignificant for varminting, with each having their pros and cons.

For those that handload, the 257 Roberts is capable of performance above 243 levels and can fire, if desired, heavier bullets, but, the question posed relates to varmints, coyote size and smaller. Commercial ammo is more readily available for the 243 and virtually any place carrying ammo will have a box or so for sale, whereas, 257 Roberts can be more difficult in the lighter bullet loadings. Handloaders have a huge selection of bullets for both cartridges.

I have rifles in both chamberings and, for me, it is more a question of the type of rifle than the cartridge chambered. That said, more rifles are available in the 243 by a notable margin.

With either, the main issue (as always) is the ability to shoot accurately under field conditions.

If you have to choose between a 243 and a 25-06 I feel sorry for you.
They are both super calibers and both do a fine job on just about everything. I would hate to have to choose between mine. I like them both.
Good Luck in your choosing, either one will be a fine weapon.

Just to be different, 257 Roberts. I've had a love affair with the cartridge since I was a teenager. The .243 is a good caliber, too.

I handload, and have a couple of loads that are real tackdrivers. 85-87gr for 'yotes and smaller, 100, 115, 117, and 120gr. for up to mule deer. The 117 and 120 gr. are the most accurate, so far.
I wouldn't feel undergunned if I were hunting hogs or black bear, either.