Re: caliber for varmint hunting
223, 22-250, and 243. 223 does all I need it to, 22-250 does it better, and 243 does it better yet a lot further out.
With that said, I run 223 with a 50gr V Max and don't feel I am giving up much over the 22-250. 200yrd avg long shot, many 50 to 70yrd shots.
25-06 is for deer imo.
Good luck and have fun!