.300wbymag

i would still go with a 270wsm they are great and its like shooting a pellet gun.and they shoot very flat.good for along range to

jed

To me small caliber centerfire means 22. Have you looked at the 22-250, or 220 swift? Nothing wrong with the accuracy out of either, possibly even cheaper to shoot than the 25-06, with less recoil. If you are not really looking for another deer gun, think 22. I also think the 243, 257 roberts and the 6mm might do the trick.

mauser06

i really dont know what i want now..i want something accurate to a good range that shoots fairly flat and doesnt have much recoil so shooting 50rds in a sitting wont kill me..i dont know if i want a target gun or a long range deer rifle(useless i sit in the heart of a thicket..) or what...i guess i have to do more thinking...

seattlesetters

For your purpose, I would have to concur with eldeguello that it is hard to argue against the international reputation established by the 6.5x55mm. And don't count it out because I think there are a few factory rifles out there that are chambered for it. In fact, I am having my "rifle of a lifetime" built on a Mauser '98 action in this caliber. I have a bad shoulder and this should fill the bill perfectly for my needs.

When it comes down to the most accurate rifles I have ever seen, ironically, all three have been chambered for various 6.5mm cartridges. One Swede, one 6.5mm/.284 wildcat and one 6.5mm/.308 wildcat (now factory loaded as the .260 Rem). There are also plenty of factory rifles available in .260 Rem and you may want to give this round serious consideration, as well.

Two other contenders I would also make note of are the .257 Roberts and the 7x57mm Mauser. With factory ammo both are all-day shooters and both respond very well to handloading. In fact, a properly loaded 7x57 is suitable for all hooved game animals in North America.

If I were buying a factory rifle to suit your needs, I would get either the Winchester Classic Featherweight in 6.5x55 Swedish or the Ruger M77RFP MkII in .260 Rem. If you want a wood stock, go with the Winny, synthetic stock, go with the Ruger. Get the barrel recrowned and a trigger job and you've got your mild-recoiling tack driver. <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

MikeO

I have seen some great responses here and I would agree with what everyone else says,25 calibers are great in that they pack a punch shooting a 117grain bullet and have a very mild recoil.Besides the 25-06,the 250-3000 savage the 243,I would like to suggest maybe the 257 Roberts,I know that Ruger still makes one and you may be able to find a old Remington 722 out there.Anyway whatever you decide on,good luck.

It's the operator that messes up....not the equipment.Have confidence in yourself and shoot straight.

litework

I agree with the above posts. The .25-06 is a great long range rifle. I love the 6.5 x 55 but think your rifle choices and ammo will be somewhat limited if you go this route. I can not speak for other areas, but there is only one sporting goods store in a 100 mile radius that has 6.5x55 hunting ammunition and it's Remington Core Lokt (not my favorite ammo). Something to ponder.