25-06 for large deer?

kraftworks3 · 12-29-2004, 10:10 PM

Anyone use 25-06 for large (Mule) deer? If all of my shots aren't 300 yards is this still a functional caliber for a deer only rifle?

stubblejumper · 12-29-2004, 10:34 PM

The 25-06 has plenty of power for any deer that walks out to 400 yards or more if you have the skill to place your bullets properly.I killed a fair number of our large canadian bucks with the 257wby and my partner used the 25-06.We even took a couple of elk and moose with these cartridges although they are on the small size for game that large.

James B · 12-30-2004, 12:27 AM

Many Many elk have been taken with the 25-06. Its not a made for elk rifle but it will reach out and tag deer about as far out as most could score a hit. No problem. I would use the 120 grain Partition or the 115 grain Ballistic tip. Mine shoots well with corelokts as well

halcon · 12-30-2004, 01:55 AM

It's always worked great for me on some pretty good deer ,maybe a bit light for elk but I'm sure it would work .

Mykey · 12-30-2004, 05:37 AM

I've never had the opportunity to hunt Mule deer but i've killed countless whitetail deer with a 25.06 and it does an excellent job on them. After what i've seen it do to them i wouldn't hesitate what so ever to shoot a big Mulie with the same rifle if i ever get the chance.

CanWoodsman · 12-30-2004, 07:48 AM

I also never hunted mullies but I have shot some large whitetails with my 25.06. My first and largest whitetail was a 8 pointer that weighed 285 lbs. field dressed. Shot at about 125 yards and dropped on the spot. Mullies should be no problem.

BareBack Jack · 12-30-2004, 09:43 AM

I have shot countless animals with the 25-06,it holds a very special place in my heart.
I will agree with everyone else the 25-06 will handle Mulie's handily.

My biggest mulie fell to my first 25-06 Ruger light varmiter,tang safty.This gun was one of the best guns I owned,why did I sell it.

I use 115 gr nosler's.
BBJ

James B · 12-30-2004, 11:10 AM

BBJ. If you ever find the answer to that question about why you no longer have a great gun, clue me in too. I don't have a lot of good guns anymore.[:@]

Superpig · 12-30-2004, 11:50 AM

I'm just assuming that you aren't a handloader. As for factory ammo I would look to Federal Premium loaded with any of the following: 115 gr. Partition, 100 Gr. Triple Shock X, or 115 gr. Trophy Bonded bear claw. These are controlled expansion and will anchor a big mulie even when shooting an animal quartering away where you will need some penetration to reach the vitals.

New York Hunter · 12-31-2004, 12:31 AM

If I had (which I DID) a 25-06 Rem. I would and did use it for deer hunting and not think twice about it! If I was going to buy a new deer only rifle I would (and did) get a 270 Win. or a 280 Rem. I traded my Remington model "700 Classic" in 25-06 Rem. for a Remington model "700 Classic" in 280 Rem. I wanted something a little bigger. At the time I couldn't afford to buy a new rifle without trading one I had. As a rule I don't get rid of guns. Especially now that I have a good job and can afford some new guns every (I try to get at least one a year!) now and them. But there was a time when I didn't have a choice. Of the few guns I did get rid of over the years.........I wish I never got rid of my 25-06. If I could find another just like the one I had I would probably buy it!