.243 Winchester vs .25-06 Remington

Contrasting the .243 Winchester vs .25-06 Remington showcases two exceptional hunting cartridges with different approaches to long-range performance. The .25-06 Remington (117gr Extreme Point at 3100 fps) delivers substantially higher energy, maintaining 2325 ft-lbs at 50 yards compared to the .243 Winchester's (95gr Extreme Point at 3100 fps) 1855 ft-lbs. Both cartridges demonstrate deep penetration characteristics well-suited for hunting larger game, with the .25-06 reaching 47.7-48.1 inches and the .243 Winchester achieving 41.9-42.3 inches, both far exceeding defensive requirements. The recoil comparison favors the .243 Winchester significantly, generating 13.19 ft-lbs of recoil energy versus the .25-06's 21.16 ft-lbs. Both cartridges share identical muzzle velocities, making the energy difference primarily attributable to bullet weight variations. Remember that performance varies considerably with different ammunition selections and firearm platforms, so these figures represent typical hunting loadings rather than definitive performance benchmarks.

Ammunition Parameters

.243 Winchester Parameters (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Type:
Extreme Point Polymer Tip
Bullet Weight:
95 grains
Muzzle Velocity:
3100 fps
Ballistic Coefficient:
0.363
Zero Range:
100 yards
Drag Function:
G1
Sight Height:
1.5 inches

.25-06 Remington Parameters (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Type:
Extreme Point Polymer Tip
Bullet Weight:
117 grains
Muzzle Velocity:
3100 fps
Ballistic Coefficient:
0.453
Zero Range:
100 yards
Drag Function:
G1
Sight Height:
1.5 inches

.243 Winchester vs .25-06 Remington Ballistics Chart

Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between .243 Winchester and .25-06 Remington.

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.243 Winchester vs .25-06 Remington Energy Comparison

Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between .243 Winchester and .25-06 Remington.

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.243 Winchester vs .25-06 Remington Bullet Penetration

Comparison of estimated penetration depth in 10% ballistic gel between .243 Winchester and .25-06 Remington at self-defense distances.

Self-Defense Ammunition Penetration

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Notes:

  • FBI standard for optimal penetration is 12-18 inches in 10% ballistics gel
  • Our penetration data is calculated using mathematical models based on sectional density, velocity, and expansion factors. While not actual gel tests, our calculations have been validated against manufacturer test data and provide reliable estimates for comparison purposes.
  • Actual results may vary depending on clothing barriers and other factors

.243 Winchester vs .25-06 Remington Recoil

Comparing recoil energy and impulse between .243 Winchester and .25-06 Remington.

.243 Winchester Recoil (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Weight:
95.0 gr
Bullet Velocity:
3100.0 fps
Powder Charge:
41 gr
Firearm Weight:
6 lbs
Recoil Impulse:
2.22 lbs·sec
Recoil Velocity:
11.89 fps
Recoil Energy:
13.19 ft·lbf

.25-06 Remington Recoil (Self-Defense Load)

Bullet Weight:
117.0 gr
Bullet Velocity:
3100.0 fps
Powder Charge:
54 gr
Firearm Weight:
6 lbs
Recoil Impulse:
2.81 lbs·sec
Recoil Velocity:
15.06 fps
Recoil Energy:
21.16 ft·lbf
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Notes:

  • Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
  • Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
  • Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
  • Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design

.243 Winchester vs .25-06 Remington Velocity

Velocity decay from muzzle to 500 yards for .243 Winchester and .25-06 Remington.

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.243 Winchester vs .25-06 Remington Average Cost

Comparing cost per round and training affordability between .243 Winchester and .25-06 Remington.

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