Jumping back in after a coupla days elk-scouting & generally freezing our butts off for a day or so. (whah - beats "town" though
)
One thing about the .243 is that I'd suspect you'd want a longish barrel, ~22-24" to acheive the velocity that seems to zap 'em. Maybe not though, based on Legionnaire's accounts. Dunno barrel length on his son's - some of the later M7s had a bit longer barrels than ours (18.5")
Mine's a standard length (.243, never measured - Dad bought it way back & I shot it - who cared?) but 22-24" or so - right in there anyway & the velocities for 85-87s are well over 3000fps & even 100gr'ers would be right in there. Seems to be an outstanding blend of bullet fragmentation WITH (no question) placement.
Dad used 130s in his .270 & I saw deer run well over 100 yards, I've shot 'em through the lungs/heart with Barnes X Bullets in a .308 & watched 'em run over 100 yards. Same-same with .30-06 & etc. I'd suspect a .25-06 would drop 'em in their tracks merely due to the "added" velocity that seems to make that special difference.
Though too. The Wife smoked an antelope last weekend with a Rem M7 7-08, a Nosler 120 Ballistic Tip at a mere 2600 fps (chrono'd handload). 325 yards, right over the top of the heart, quartering & took out both lungs. Thing took 3 half-staggering-steps & dropped.
Not quite as good performance as I'm used to with a .243, but plenty close enough.
Beats me, guys. I only report what I've seen & try not to lie too much (even though I
do fish here 'n there ...
)
Everything I've shot, or seen shot, with a .243 drops in its tracks - granted proper placement (& the .243 trajectory allows this with some pretty good freedom) & these have been 300+ to 400 yard deer/antelope shots.
Everything. Never walked out of its tracks. DRT, within 10 feet, or less.
I've seen 'em hit with much "better," but never dropped on the the spot like with a .243
& that's all I know.