25-06 or 7mm-08

RUM · #1 02-11-2008, 09:52 PM

Want to start filling out the smaller calibers in my collection, so started with 243 a month or so ago, and now looking at either a 25-06 or 7mm-08. Looking back, kinda thinking I should have went with 25-06, but that's ok, a built in excuse! Sounds like a few of you gents on here shooting the 25-06 are shooting 100gn bullets, in which case, not a heck of alot of difference between that and the 243??? So with that being said, correct me if I am wrong, I am thinking that going with the 7mm-08 would be a better step than having 25-06 and 243? The gun will be used basically exclusively for deer as I have decided that the 243 will be used for not much more than wolf/coyote regularly.

harv3589 · #2 02-11-2008, 09:55 PM

I would say 25-06, very nice little cartridge...will work for any other big game in Alberta as well.

Rackmastr · #3 02-11-2008, 10:05 PM

If you have a 243 already and are planning on keeping it, I would go with the 7-08 for sure...

The ability to shoot a 140gr pill will make a nice combo with the 243.....

AB2506 · #4 02-11-2008, 10:13 PM

I agree with Rack. Given that you already own a 243, the 7-08 will give you greater versatility, as a big game cartridge, than a 25-06.

And hey, I have two 25-06. I have never used the 100 gr bullet. 120 Speer BT or Grandslam and last 2 years 115 TSX.

If you had not purchased the 243, I would have said the 25-06 as a coyote/wolf/light big game round, especially if you are from southern ALberta. However, you do have the 243, and it is great as a predator rifle. The 7-08 will be a good big game rifle from everything I hear.

#5 02-11-2008, 10:14 PM

Sell the 243. Buy a centerfire 22, a 25-06 and a 30 caliber (30-06, 300 win mag)
That should cover everything you will hunt in Alberta.

#6 02-11-2008, 10:20 PM

If you've got a .243 I'd go with the 7mm08........

Basically what AB2506 said....and I've got three .25-06s.

Vindalbakken · #7 02-11-2008, 10:47 PM

7mm08. That leaves you open for buying it's beautiful little sister cartridge the 257 Roberts for the next one.

Faststeel · #8 02-12-2008, 03:01 AM

If you are building a small caliber collection, why skip over 25 cal to 7mm-08?
How many pieces do you want to have in your collection?
You could look at 257 Roberts, or 257 Weatherby as well. FS

catnthehat · #9 02-12-2008, 04:40 AM

Sell the .243, buy a 257Bob , and a 7/08 - THER!
problem solved, and you just bought TWO guns!!

Cat

Dick284 · #10 02-12-2008, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Sell the .243, buy a 257Bob , and a 7/08 - THER!
problem solved, and you just bought TWO guns!!

Cat

Theres a twist with merit.

Dick284 · #11 02-12-2008, 06:08 AM

How about a 260 or 6.5x55, maybe a 7x57 to really throw a curve into the equation,

RUM · #12 02-12-2008, 03:33 PM

Thanks for the insight fellas,

Not really looking to start a small caliber collection, (nor do I have a set number of pieces I want, Lord knows I would never hold true to a set number!), but just want to start getting out of the all the 30cal+ stuff. Ok, no, not out, just expand on!

Really like this little A-Bolt 243, so don't see me getting rid of that right away, but looking back, should have maybe gone with the 25-06 and then the 7mm-08. But as mentioned, between the 2, 7mm-08 would offer more variety with having the 243 already.

There is ALOT to choose from no doubt, but these 2 kinda seem quite popular so they have been the 2 that peeked my interest for now. Although keep any suggestions coming, could be persuaded to look at others! As mentioned, it will be basically exclusively for deer.....at least that's the plan for now!