RE: 25-06 Knockdown Power?
I have a Smith & Wesson model 1500 in 25-06. My deer anchoring load is a 115 gr. Winchester Ballistic Silvertip. I have other rifles chambered for the 280, 257 Roberts, 308, 30-30, 30-06, & 300 H&H Mag. None of the rifles listed kill deer as quickly. I honestly don't no why. It really doesn't make sense. The 25-06 with the load mentioned almost always leaves the deer on the ground at the spot that I have shot it. These are heart /lung shots and not spine shots. The other calibers kill them they just seem to run 40-60 yards before piling up. Like I said it doesn't make sense. I have a chronograph and my 257 is only running about 110 fps slower with the same bullet and it doesn't drop them immediately like the 25-06.
As for black bear I would probably opt for one of the controlled expansion bullets available from Federal. This may not be needed but I like to be sure.
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