I would choose the 7MM-08 in a hunting handgun. The 25-06 is an overbore cartridge and the 7MM-08 is not. The 25-06 needs a longer barrel to achieve velocity. If you take 12" or 15" barrels as an example and fire 120 gr. bullets out of each the 7MM-08 will have greater velocity. Change the barrel lengths to 24" and the 25-06 wins hands down. The velocities you will achieve should allow you to use any of the 120 or 130 gr. out of the 7MM-08 with good success. If you were to ever try elk or the like the 7MM-08 loaded with a controlled expansion 140 gr. bullet will take them as long as the range isn't too long.