Forums.NitroExpress.com

Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact NitroExpress.com: Is there any need for the .243 or .25?

View recent messages : 24 hours | 48 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 60 days | More Smilies

*** Enjoy NitroExpress.com? Participate and join in. ***

You are not logged in. [Login]

Main Index · Search · Active Topics
New user · Who's Online · FAQ · Calendar

Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Rifles

Pages: 1 | 2 | >> (show all)

NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39263
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Is there any need for the .243 or .25?
#7819 - 30/01/04 01:31 PM

I have used a 6mm or .243 and the .25 calibre is very similar.

They are used for small game and medim game.

But a .22/250 or .222 does far better than a .243 anyday for the small stuff.

If you look at a 6.5mm with the greater range of bullet weights from 85 grs to 160 grs it also is a far better killer of game than any .243 or .25.

Are the calibres and cartridges in the .243 and .25s completely redundant, obsolete and a waste of time?

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Crazyquik
.275 member

Reged: 21/12/03
Posts: 60

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: NitroX]
#7821 - 30/01/04 01:57 PM

Definently not!!

My grandfather gave me my first centerfire rifle. It was (is) a .243

This is a rifle that can be used for varmits (groundhogs and coyotes) or for our smallish eastern Whitetail deer. The recoil is virtually a non-issue, which is good for recoil sensitive shooters.

I have heard of some hard core prarie dog shooters out west that prefer the 6mm guns for windy conditions over the .20 and .22 calibers.

To me, the .243 is a great jack of many trades, master of none. It works fine for deer, although you must be pickier with your shot selection than with a 7mm-08. You can also buy off the shelf varmit ammo, which is harder to find for anything bigger.

You can push over 3900 fps with a 55 grain bullet with handloads. Or you can shoot 90 grain Nosler Partitions or 110 grain something or others. Its also frequently used out West on the pronghorn antelope, as it shoots decently flat in the open country and gives more punch than the .22s

With all that said, if I could only have one rifle I'd rather have a .308 than a .243, but if I shot more varmints than deer, or if I was concerned about recoil, the .243 would get a serious look.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Crazyquik
.275 member

Reged: 21/12/03
Posts: 60

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Crazyquik]
#7824 - 30/01/04 02:09 PM

Not to ramble but, it's nearly a perfect caliber for someone who wants one varmit/predator gun, which they can also hunt deer and/or pronghorns with.

Also, a friend of mine shot the barrel out of his Winchester Model 70 and had it rebarreled and reamed to .22-243 and made a dandy varmit rifle from it. Ballistically it exceeds the .220 Swift and .22-250, although it really pulls away only in longer barrels.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

luv2safari
.400 member

Reged: 09/11/03
Posts: 1401
Loc: United States

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: NitroX]
#7847 - 30/01/04 05:02 PM

I started my son out with a 257 Roberts. When he got a bit bigger, we chambered it to 257 Ackley. He has made clean kills on several pronghorn, deer, and an elk with no problems.

He is loading 120 gr Nosler Partitions at 2900 fps, and they slam in there real well with excellent penetration.

I might try it on small and medium plains game this year.
It is nice and light, and a pussycat to shoot.

--------------------
Hunt with Class and Classics

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39263
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: luv2safari]
#7859 - 31/01/04 12:52 AM

Fellows

Thanks for the replies.

But what can a .243 or a .25 do that a 6.5 can't do with a 85 to 100 gr bullet?

Also the 6.5mm with a 140 to 160 gr bullet will outshoot any of them by a huge margin and preform better than a .270 and even a 7mm for that matter. Don't you agree?

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

luv2safari
.400 member

Reged: 09/11/03
Posts: 1401
Loc: United States

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: NitroX]
#7879 - 31/01/04 04:16 AM

The 6.5x55 is a great round. What it can't do is show up on the shelf of "Clyde's Gas & Go" in backwater towns here in the US. That's the only problem with the 6.5...

--------------------
Hunt with Class and Classics

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Dark_Helmet
.333 member

Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: luv2safari]
#7880 - 31/01/04 05:01 AM

257wby.

'nuff said!

remember that here in the states we have a VERY different cartridge history.

we've got 224, 243, 257, 264, 277, 284, 308, 323, 338, 358, 366, 375, 416, 423, 458,....

the metrics have 5.56, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9.3, and 10.75, and I think I've seen 10-even.

--------------------
_________________________________________________________________
When someone says a rifle is "ugly," what they really mean is "push feed."

-me

(long live the Mauser 98!)

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39263
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Dark_Helmet]
#7991 - 01/02/04 10:19 AM

Of course there is a need for the .243 and .25/06, but not for me. Well at the moment though. A really light 6mm would be quite nice.

The 6.5mm is popular in Europe and virtually unknown here too until the cheap accurate Mauser 96 Swedish mil rifles arrived. I do think it is an ideal 'Australian' calibre for pigs, goats and many types of deer. Light recoiling, very good penetration and adequate calibre size.

The .243's were popular here and saw lots of use on pigs, goats and roos. In fact other than a .22/250 a .243 with a fragile 75 gr HP is probably ideal for roos for lack of skin damage.

Just interested in hearing what people had to say on the 6mm's and .25s.

PS I still think a 6.5 will outshoot a .25 anyday

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

luv2safari
.400 member

Reged: 09/11/03
Posts: 1401
Loc: United States

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: NitroX]
#8012 - 01/02/04 04:10 PM

Not when its in a 264 Win Mag!...not for long, anyway! I do think that a 6.5 based on an '06 case would walk all over a 270 or 25-06.

There just seems to be something just right about the 6.5...from a 257 lover...!

--------------------
Hunt with Class and Classics

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

iqbal
resigned as a member

Reged: 05/02/03
Posts: 778
Loc: Karachi,Pakistan

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Crazyquik]
#8027 - 02/02/04 02:26 AM

Crazyquik,you mentioned you would rather have a 308.I am thinking of buying a 308 i.e. the Weatherby light weight with a synthetic stock for hunting in the mountains.Presently i'm using a 7mm.mag.but around here the ammo for this caliber is difficult to obtain and quite expensive while ammo for the 308 is easily available.You see, the army here uses the the G-3 in 308 and the ammo. is manufactured localy thus it is quite cheap and always available.Do you think its a good choice for hunting game like mountain sheep and ibex at 300 plus yards?

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

luv2safari
.400 member

Reged: 09/11/03
Posts: 1401
Loc: United States

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: iqbal]
#8030 - 02/02/04 04:14 AM

iqbal,

Not to jump into your question, but I have hunted N. America sheep with a 30-06 and 165 gr boat tail bullets. It works quite well out to 300 yards. I have also used the 308 a bit in a Valmet 12/308 combo gun I once had.

With handloads I could almost duplicate 30-06 ballistics, but not quite. Even with factory loadings, the 308 performed well to 300 yards. I don't know how your 308 ammo will be loaded, but think it a decent sheep caliber.

I know two avid N. American sheep hunters who use the 308 exclusively in ultra light rifles. These guys live for sheep hunting! Both load 165 gr flat base bullets. Bigger bullets and boat tails tend to seat too deep in the case with that 308's short neck.

I hope this is some value to you, my friend.

--------------------
Hunt with Class and Classics

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Dark_Helmet
.333 member

Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: luv2safari]
#8078 - 03/02/04 05:22 AM

the 308 is a perfectly good sheep rifle for a few reasons...

1) it works better with lighter bullets as relative to the 30-06 (which does better with the big-boys).
2) sheep aren't that big
3) short actions are lighter... and going after sheep is a bit of an adventure to say the least
4) easy to get ammo.

now, I wouldn't go out an buy a 308 JUST FOR SHEEP... but if you've got one, use it!

to me, a sheep gun would be 270WCF, 270 WSM(blah), 257wby, or 7mm-08.

270 for its ballistics and reasonable recoil
270WSM, ballistics AND lighter rifle... but crappy ammo availability and $$$$
257wby just to reach out and touch someone at 500 yards!
7mm-08, light rifle, light recoil, 7mm ballistics.

--------------------
_________________________________________________________________
When someone says a rifle is "ugly," what they really mean is "push feed."

-me

(long live the Mauser 98!)

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Holmes
.300 member

Reged: 01/12/03
Posts: 159
Loc: Wyoming, USA

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: NitroX]
#8122 - 03/02/04 05:05 PM

In reply to:

But a .22/250 or .222 does far better than a .243 anyday for the small stuff.

True, as long as wind is not a factor. This is where the 6mm/257 camp really blows the 22 cals away.

Of course, the 6.5mm pills perform even better under such conditions.

Fortunately, logical or technical justification does not a cartridge make! The quarterbores and the 6s still sell very well and take game every year reliably. I use both for varmints and antelope. In fact, just now waiting on a #1 in 6mm.

Somebody told me I couldn't make a good long range antelope rifle out of a Ruger #1....

I love a challenge!

Later.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

iqbal
resigned as a member

Reged: 05/02/03
Posts: 778
Loc: Karachi,Pakistan

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Dark_Helmet]
#8126 - 04/02/04 02:54 AM

dasMafia,actually i'm going for the 308 just because of the ammo factor as mentioned in my post.I will be replacing the 7mm.mag. with it.You think its a good choice for sheep hunting at 300 plus yards?
Alternatively which caliber would you recommend?

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

mickey
.416 member

Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: iqbal]
#8144 - 04/02/04 02:10 PM

I don't see any differance between the 270 and the 243. I do however see a huge differance between the 404 and the 416 Rem. and the 450 3 1/4 and a 470.

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Bakes
.375 member

Reged: 31/01/03
Posts: 589
Loc: QLD

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: mickey]
#8147 - 04/02/04 03:32 PM

In reply to:

What it can't do is show up on the shelf of "Clyde's Gas & Go" in backwater towns here in the US. That's the only problem with the 6.5...

Not in Australia, the 6.5x55 would be more common than the 25-06 in most small towns.
I don't concider the .243 as being suitable on big boars up my way. The 25's shooting 120gr pill would be a minium. The 6.5's shooting 120-140gr pills is just about ideal, with the 140gr's better for the likes of donkeys.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

luv2safari
.400 member

Reged: 09/11/03
Posts: 1401
Loc: United States

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Bakes]
#8161 - 04/02/04 06:06 PM

The 6.5 is starting to catch on a bit here. I wish it would even more; its a great little caliber. With a fast twist it can sail those 140's and 160's way down range, right on top of each other.

I know of a guy who does all his sheep hunting over here with a 6.5x55. Federal is loading it, and S&B is importing it here. That should tell us something.

I bought a Swedish Mauser about 6-7 years ago for a song...and I can't sing for sh.t! It just might become my light sporter... It is so straight, that I hesitate to have it customized. Help...I need a nudge...

--------------------
Hunt with Class and Classics

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Holmes
.300 member

Reged: 01/12/03
Posts: 159
Loc: Wyoming, USA

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: luv2safari]
#8173 - 05/02/04 02:27 AM

In reply to:

Help...I need a nudge...

You can make it better... nudge... you can make it prettier... nudge... you can make it unique... nudge...

The canvas is before you - paint, my man, paint!

Subsequent pics are, of course, required

Regards.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Dark_Helmet
.333 member

Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: iqbal]
#8191 - 05/02/04 08:12 AM

In reply to:

dasMafia,actually i'm going for the 308 just because of the ammo factor as mentioned in my post.I will be replacing the 7mm.mag. with it.You think its a good choice for sheep hunting at 300 plus yards?
Alternatively which caliber would you recommend?

I would absolutle not get the 308, sheep is too far to the extreme of its usefullness, and in order to shoot the light & fast rounds needed for sheep, you would have a barrel twist rate that would make anything heavier than 165s completely impossible, so its just not right... calibers I WOULD look at are:

7mm-08, 25-06 (lose the short-action though), 7x57, 280 Rem (again, lose the SA).

for a long-action: Weatherby Vanguard Stainless 257wby, short action: Tikka or Rem 7mm-08.

use 115s or 120s in the wby, and 140s in the 7mm.

--------------------
_________________________________________________________________
When someone says a rifle is "ugly," what they really mean is "push feed."

-me

(long live the Mauser 98!)

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Dark_Helmet
.333 member

Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 399
Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Dark_Helmet]
#8192 - 05/02/04 08:16 AM

should add... 6.5x55 would be great in a light-weight all-weather rifle.

--------------------
_________________________________________________________________
When someone says a rifle is "ugly," what they really mean is "push feed."

-me

(long live the Mauser 98!)

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39263
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: mickey]
#8199 - 05/02/04 11:21 AM

In reply to:

I don't see any differance between the 270 and the 243. I do however see a huge differance between the 404 and the 416 Rem. and the 450 3 1/4 and a 470.

I read this and thought "What the .....?"

Then I realised.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

luv2safari
.400 member

Reged: 09/11/03
Posts: 1401
Loc: United States

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Holmes]
#8209 - 05/02/04 12:27 PM

Holmes,

Thanks! I've always been right on the edge...just needed the push.

--------------------
Hunt with Class and Classics

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

mickey
.416 member

Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: NitroX]
#8224 - 05/02/04 03:31 PM

In reply to:

In reply to:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't see any differance between the 270 and the 243. I do however see a huge differance between the 404 and the 416 Rem. and the 450 3 1/4 and a 470.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I read this and thought "What the .....?"

Then I realised.

Nobody on this thread needs to duck. Things are clearly sailing way over their heads.

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

jro45
.300 member

Reged: 25/12/03
Posts: 192
Loc: DE, USA

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: NitroX]
#11077 - 07/03/04 02:30 AM

I feel there is a need for the 257 Weatherby mag. I just recently got one for deer. This rifle is good out to 300 yds and beyond. It shoots a 100 gr bullet at 3500 fps and the 120 gr, at 3200 fps.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

atkinson6
.375 member

Reged: 26/01/04
Posts: 678
Loc: Idaho

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: jro45]
#12683 - 28/03/04 02:21 PM

Based on that kind of thinking what can a 6.5 do that a 7x57 can;t do and what can a 7x57 do that a 270 can't do..Keep that up and we will all be shooting the 30-06, which probably ain't such a bad idea at all...

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

WyoHunter
.224 member

Reged: 20/04/03
Posts: 37
Loc: Central Wyoming, USA

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: atkinson6]
#14867 - 17/05/04 12:25 PM

I own a custom built pre-64 Win M70 chambered for the .257 Ackley Improved and it has been excellent on whitetail, mule deer and pronghorn antelope. I use 100 gr Nosler Partitions and the results have been super. I also have a .257 Weatherby Mag in a Mark V Euromark. I use 115 gr Nosler Partitions in it and a flatter shooter there isn't. A better sheep, goat, deer or antelope cartridge with the same trajectory and recoil hasn't been made. But the bottom line with any cartridge is shot placement with a well designed bullet... shall I say "premium" bullet.

I'm not a fan of the .243 Win but my wife shot a Sako chambered for it for years before going to the .30-'06. She
shot whitetails, mule deer and antelope with it using 95 gr Nosler Partitions.
Here's a pic of my 2003 antelope taken with my .257 Weatherby Mag and a 115 gr Nosler Partition.

--------------------
Hunting's a lifestyle and a passion not a competition!

NRA Life Member

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

AdamTayler
.375 member

Reged: 22/03/04
Posts: 688
Loc: B.C.

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: WyoHunter]
#14889 - 18/05/04 01:32 AM

Beautiful antelope. That in one big game animal we do not have in B.C. but I would like introduced around Merit and Wiiliams Lake.

--------------------
It's the journey, not the destination.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

AdamTayler
.375 member

Reged: 22/03/04
Posts: 688
Loc: B.C.

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: luv2safari]
#14891 - 18/05/04 02:01 AM

In reply to:

I do think that a 6.5 based on an '06 case would walk all over a 270 or 25-06

I know there is a wildcat that is a 300 Wby necked down to 6.5 mm, as well as a 6.5-50 BMG but a rifle in that chambering may be a little too heavy for hunting sheep and goats. Then again, you could probably sit at the base of the mountain and take the shot.

--------------------
It's the journey, not the destination.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

WyoHunter
.224 member

Reged: 20/04/03
Posts: 37
Loc: Central Wyoming, USA

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: AdamTayler]
#16255 - 27/06/04 02:05 PM

There is a wildcat 6.5/270 Improved that is an excellent round especially when loaded with 125 Nosler Partitions. This is claimed to be better than the 6.5/06 because of the greater capacity and stronger brass of the .270 case. Just for your info.....

--------------------
Hunting's a lifestyle and a passion not a competition!

NRA Life Member

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Gibbs505
.333 member

Reged: 09/08/03
Posts: 442
Loc: BC, Canada

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: luv2safari]
#16260 - 27/06/04 04:23 PM

edited .... duplicate

--------------------
So I can't spell, so what?

Those who beat their swords into ploughshares, will plough for those who don't!

Those who fail to learn from history will be doomed to repeat it

Edited by Gibbs505 (27/06/04 04:25 PM)

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Gibbs505
.333 member

Reged: 09/08/03
Posts: 442
Loc: BC, Canada

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: luv2safari]
#16261 - 27/06/04 04:24 PM

In reply to:

The 6.5 is starting to catch on a bit here. I wish it would even more; its a great little caliber. With a fast twist it can sail those 140's and 160's way down range, right on top of each other.

I know of a guy who does all his sheep hunting over here with a 6.5x55. Federal is loading it, and S&B is importing it here. That should tell us something.

I bought a Swedish Mauser about 6-7 years ago for a song...and I can't sing for sh.t! It just might become my light sporter... It is so straight, that I hesitate to have it customized. Help...I need a nudge...

Please don't do anything if that is a stock m96 or m38 Swede!!

These are no longer as commen as they once were and I just love those full dress militry. Get a swede already modified!

--------------------
So I can't spell, so what?

Those who beat their swords into ploughshares, will plough for those who don't!

Those who fail to learn from history will be doomed to repeat it

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

8x56mn
.300 member

Reged: 26/02/04
Posts: 149
Loc: Wine Country, Finger Lakes Wa...

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Gibbs505]
#16271 - 27/06/04 06:40 PM

Well for what it's worth the 6.5 Mannlicher Schoenaur is the best kept secret in America, it was great a 100 years ago and is still tops in my book. A six pound gun that handles like a 28 guage double and with a set trigger and scope it can shoot there eyes out at 200 yards.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

1st_cav_sgt_ret
.224 member

Reged: 20/06/04
Posts: 5

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: luv2safari]
#16273 - 27/06/04 10:07 PM

luv2safari just a couple of pic's of my 6.5x55 Swede
a Gustof mdl38

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

luv2safari
.400 member

Reged: 09/11/03
Posts: 1401
Loc: United States

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Gibbs505]
#16284 - 28/06/04 11:20 AM

Its an M96 that looks like it did the day it was issued...I am shooting about 2 1/2 to 3 inch groups with it at 100 yards with the military sights and Federal Premium ammo. It has a classic WWI look to it with the bayonet fixed.

--------------------
Hunt with Class and Classics

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

THE_SWEDE
.224 member

Reged: 05/05/04
Posts: 7
Loc: THE GREAT WHITE NORTH EH!!!

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Gibbs505]
#16288 - 28/06/04 03:03 PM

Gibbs505

I would have to agree with you the 6.5 is a potent little cartridge. I own a mdl 700 in 6.5 and wouldnt trade it for nothing. I was shooting factory Norma 140 but their becoming hard to find so I went to federal classics with very good results. Im currently trying to purchase my partners sporterized mdl 38 with mannlicher stock,a little hefty but classy..Good luck with the fires

AVOID MAD COW EAT MOOSE

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Gibbs505
.333 member

Reged: 09/08/03
Posts: 442
Loc: BC, Canada

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: luv2safari]
#16289 - 28/06/04 03:21 PM

It sounds like a great rifle!! I have a M96 and a sporterised M38(I didn't do it!)

Both shoot just great and the M38 has won me therr trophies at our annual vintage rifle shoot!

--------------------
So I can't spell, so what?

Those who beat their swords into ploughshares, will plough for those who don't!

Those who fail to learn from history will be doomed to repeat it

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Gibbs505
.333 member

Reged: 09/08/03
Posts: 442
Loc: BC, Canada

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: THE_SWEDE]
#16290 - 28/06/04 03:25 PM

Thanks, we had rain today so hopefully that will dampen the fires down. Had about 20 burning in the reagion but only one was of any majour concern to the population!

I shoot 159 grn hornady's in my M38 and it is a very accurate load indeed!

--------------------
So I can't spell, so what?

Those who beat their swords into ploughshares, will plough for those who don't!

Those who fail to learn from history will be doomed to repeat it

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Gunnie
.224 member

Reged: 22/07/04
Posts: 36
Loc: Queensland, Australia

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Gibbs505]
#17030 - 22/07/04 06:28 PM

I've had a passion for both the 25 and 6.5 cals for many years. My first 6.5 was a slightly sporterised Mod96 which the Importer here in Australia had shortened the barrel and fore wood on, turned the bolt down and then fitted Lynx steel scope mounts and rings to. It shot like a dream. I hunted with the rifle for several years and it never failed to impress me with it's capabilities.
Actually, the cartridge impressed me so much that I went out and bought a Ljungman AG42B, the semi-auto ex-mil Swede rifle. Fed a diet of the ex-mil ammo (139gn FMJ - which was actually ex-mil target ammo) this rifle really was a piecce of fine machinery. Then I had to sell it, thanks to the EX-wife, but I would have had to pass it in anyway when our laws on semi-auto's went hopping to hell in a handbasket!!!
I now have a 6.5 again, this time a Husqvarna 1942 M38. In great condition with a good bore, it performs better than I can hold at 300Metres. I started feeding it reloads using 140 HP Taipans over Mulwex AR powder but am in the process of changing to 120gn Sierra's instead.
As for the 25 cal, I have always thought the 257Roberts was the ideal all-round general light to medium calibre for Australian game. As such I've got a hankering to add one to the safe one of these days.
So, it was no surprise that I snaffled a 303-25 SMLE barrel for $20 when it came along. The owner had recently converted his No1MkIII 303-25 sporter back to a mil issue 303 for SSAA-CSR comp and no longer wanted the barrel. I had a shot out 303-22 Falcon No1MkIII* which was doing nought, so the switch was made. My 303-25 is rather rough in it's stock work but has nonetheless performed admirably on feral pigs. It will soon have a synthetic stock, scope mounts and a scope, thus becoming my primary hunting outfit for goat, pig & deer.

So, I'd say yes there is a need for both of these as different shooters/hunters have differing ideals on what they want and can handle.

--------------------
Reach out, way out, one shot & one shot should do the job!

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Gibbs505
.333 member

Reged: 09/08/03
Posts: 442
Loc: BC, Canada

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: Gunnie]
#17054 - 23/07/04 07:07 AM

WE have our Vintage Rifle Shoot here on saturday and I will let you all know how I did!!

--------------------
So I can't spell, so what?

Those who beat their swords into ploughshares, will plough for those who don't!

Those who fail to learn from history will be doomed to repeat it

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

slammer6delta
.224 member

Reged: 31/12/04
Posts: 47
Loc: KY

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: NitroX]
#23215 - 03/01/05 05:59 AM

in my opinion I think the 243 is a great cartridge. I think for varmints that the 55 and 70 gr 6mm pills are superior to any of the 22's. With 80 to 100gr bullets it is a great long range deer cartridge with proper shot placement. I have killed countless deer with it with all the bullet ranges from 55gr to 100gr.

We had a youth only hunt this weekend for deer here in Kentucky. My nephew who is only 11 years old killed a buck and a doe yesterday, and another doe this morning as we are only allowed one buck in kentucky and two of three does .one of the shots was about 200 yds and the other 2 were 250 yds with an 87 gr hornady v-max varmint bullet.These were measured using a laser range finder. All three shot straight through both shoulders, and all three dropped in their tracks. Although I dont recommend the varmint bullets though. Most of the time I use BT bullets, barnes X etc. they work great. I could go on for a long time about the little 243 but this would get very long.

Edited by slammer6delta (03/01/05 06:01 AM)

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

vapodog
.300 member

Reged: 28/12/04
Posts: 237
Loc: Nebraska USA

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: slammer6delta]
#23219 - 03/01/05 06:23 AM

In reply to:

But what can a .243 or a .25 do that a 6.5 can't do with a 85 to 100 gr bullet?

Also the 6.5mm with a 140 to 160 gr bullet will outshoot any of them by a huge margin and preform better than a .270 and even a 7mm for that matter. Don't you agree?

For God's sake don't ever let the women in this country ever hear that if we had a 6.5-06 that we then don't need a .270, a .25-06, a .257 Roberts, a .243 and a .22-250.

sshshshshhhhhhhh there.....

--------------------

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

AussieMike
.300 member

Reged: 01/09/04
Posts: 236
Loc: Southern Tablelands, NSW, Aust...

Re: Is there any need for the .243 or .25? [Re: vapodog]
#24197 - 15/01/05 03:20 PM

I proudly showed my wife the 3/4" groups I shot off a folding picnic table with my Mauser 66 sporter weight 243 barrel with 55gn Noslers at a bit over 4000fps. She then suggested that I didn't need my 222 Sako sporter or 22PPC or....

Bad mistake.

mike

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Pages: 1 | 2 | >> (show all)

Extra information

0 registered and 50 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:

Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 11607

NitroExpress.com

Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5

Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact

Copyright 2003 to 2011 - all rights reserved