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buckhunter14

02-25-2005 07:12 AM

Questions for a .25-06

I have heard of these guns and it seems that this may fit the terrain I hunt more... I would like to use it for Damage control on Coyotes and other varmits. Possibly deer, what have you experienced with the guns and types of bullets? Thanks, - Buckhunter14

Alsatian

02-25-2005 07:27 AM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

Buckhunter14:

Judging by your user name, I'm guessing you already deer hunt and hence already have a deer rifle. Your post says you want to use your new rifle for coyotes and other varmints . . . and then throw in, "possibly deer." If 90% of your shooting will be for coyotes and smaller varmints, and you already have a deer rifle, I advise you to go with something like a .223.

I have a .25-06 and love it. However, it is pretty loud (even with a 24" barrel) and the kick is not negligible. A .243 would readily handle the "coyotes, assorted varmints, and possibly deer" quite handily and be both quieter and lighter recoil than the .25-06.

Maybe you aren't fully expressing your goals for this rifle, but based on what you have said, I would go with the .223. I haven't shot one, but I've seen the shells, and that leads me to believe they are quieter and lighter recoil than the .25-06. Also, .25-06 cartridges are not cheap. I'm sure the .223 cartridges are substantially cheaper than .25-06 cartridges.

BuckMaster7

02-25-2005 07:34 AM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

The new 25 WSSM from Winchester® Ammunition is the latest in the WSSM line-up of super short calibers. It utilizes the same diameter bullet (.257) and produces comparable ballistics to the long action 25-06 Rem. and is far superior to the 257 Roberts and easily outclasses the whitetail standout, 7mm-08 Rem. However, the 25 WSSM is considerably shorter, chambering nicely in the super-short action of the Model 70. This makes for a lighter, faster handling rifle. Those looking for the ultimate whitetail cartridge need look no further, 25 WSSM has arrived.

TerryM

02-25-2005 08:29 AM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

Quote:

Those looking for the ultimate whitetail cartridge need look no further, 25 WSSM has arrived.

That might be a bit of a stretch but I'm sure it does a decent job.

Rootsy

02-25-2005 09:52 AM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

I've had a couple of 25-06's one in a 700 mountain rifle and currently in a 700 classic. Ammunition is READILY available at very reasonable prices... i have no gripes about this round honestly... the 700 classic shoots beautifully... more than adequate for coyote and deer. Premium ammo offerings from the likes of federal, etc. I assume you hunt deer in the northern lower and or UP.

Jamie

G-Daddy

02-25-2005 10:52 AM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

My Remington 700 25-06 is 33 years old and I've used it for over 30 whitetails, a big mule deer and an unknown quantity of groundhogs. I love it. I can get 3/8" groups with 115 gr Nosler BTs. I'm planning on taking it on a combo mule deer/antelope hunt in Montana this fall.

Rebel Hog

02-25-2005 11:05 AM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

Hello buckhunter,

I have seen alot of .25-06's out west for open country on LOPES!

I stick with .270/130gr in FL.........Your choice partner.It all depends where you are going to use a CALIBER.
In thick cover you need a cal. that has the properties of a BULLdozer. My Opinion!!!!

KEEP ON ROOTING!!!

rhs98jeep

02-25-2005 12:12 PM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

I have a Remington M700 Sendero target rifle in 25-06. It has amazing accuracy. I have used it in PA mnts to take several whitetail. It is a super caliber that is often overlooked. Never had any trouble finding ammo for it either.

North Texan

02-25-2005 02:18 PM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

Quote:

ORIGINAL: buckhunter14

I have heard of these guns and it seems that this may fit the terrain I hunt more... I would like to use it for Damage control on Coyotes and other varmits. Possibly deer, what have you experienced with the guns and types of bullets? Thanks, - Buckhunter14

I have a Model 70 25-06, and the cousin I hunt with has a Browning 25 WSSM. Both are very nice guns, with no noticeable difference in recoil. The 25 is a little lighter, but it has several drawbacks. One is that ammo selection is a lot more limited. It is also more expensive. As for its capabilities, the 25-06 is about as good of a dual purpose cartridge as you can get. 75 and 87 grain bullets will do a number on coyotes, although they tend to damage the pelts a little more than smaller calibers like a .223. The 25-06 will also shoot bullets up to 120 grains for hunting deer-sized game. The larger bullet size of the .25-06 also bucks cross-winds a lot better.

North Texan

02-25-2005 02:27 PM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Alsatian

Buckhunter14:

Judging by your user name, I'm guessing you already deer hunt and hence already have a deer rifle. Your post says you want to use your new rifle for coyotes and other varmints . . . and then throw in, "possibly deer." If 90% of your shooting will be for coyotes and smaller varmints, and you already have a deer rifle, I advise you to go with something like a .223.

I have a .25-06 and love it. However, it is pretty loud (even with a 24" barrel) and the kick is not negligible. A .243 would readily handle the "coyotes, assorted varmints, and possibly deer" quite handily and be both quieter and lighter recoil than the .25-06.

Maybe you aren't fully expressing your goals for this rifle, but based on what you have said, I would go with the .223. I haven't shot one, but I've seen the shells, and that leads me to believe they are quieter and lighter recoil than the .25-06. Also, .25-06 cartridges are not cheap. I'm sure the .223 cartridges are substantially cheaper than .25-06 cartridges.

I've got a .223 and I usually carry it with me most of the time when I'm coyote hunting. Until I started reloading, I liked the fact that cheap, accurate ammo was readily available. The .223 also has about 1/5 the recoil of the .25-06 according to a chart I looked at not long back. I think the .25-06 had 15 ft. lbs. or so, and the .223 had 3 ft. lbs. As far as the .223 being quiter, it isn't. In fact, mine is a lot louder because it has a 4" shorter barrel. But it is very accurate and capable of making shots past 300 yards unless there is a stiff cross-wind. I don't know what it is, maybe the lack of recoil, but it is fun to shoot.

bigbulls

02-25-2005 03:07 PM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

Quote:

Those looking for the ultimate whitetail cartridge need look no further, 25 WSSM has arrived.

Yes, cause as we all now know the 25-06 is now an inferior round.

Too bad he asked for a varmint cartridge.

If you are wanting a cartridge for primarily varmints but still actually plan on using it for the occasional deer the .243 Win would be about your best bet. Factory ammo can be bought with bullets weighing as little as 50 or 55 grains for the varmints and doing about 3800 fps or so out of the barrel and then step up to the 85 to 100 grain bullets leaving the gun between 3000 and 3300 fps. for deer.

Now if you already have a deer rifle then I would definetly go with a 22 centerfire. My choice would be a .223 simply because they are much cheaper to shoot.

mossy33oak

02-25-2005 05:27 PM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

Well I will answer your question, and not try to pursuade you to chose another caliber. Yes the 25-06 is a great round, yes it will do all that you want, It has mild recoil, so shooting all day is a breeze, and like North Texan said, there is a wide variety of ammuntion readily available from 85 grs up to 120's. I have over the past year gained so much respect for the 25-06, I shoot 85 grn Nosler Bt's in the spring for hogs, and 115 Bt's in the fall for deer. Or you could do what my friend does, and shoot 100 grs all year round. Good luck

Swampdog

02-25-2005 05:51 PM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

I don't know about the rest,But I have always liked the 25.06 I don't see how you can go wrong with one up to deer size game.

Mykey

02-26-2005 05:55 AM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

You won't regret buying and owning a 25.06. I have a Remington Classic 25.06 and it has become my favorite caliber and rifle. It's a fast flat shooting caliber with mild recoil that hits the target hard. I can tell you from experience that it is pure deer poison and they fall like lighting struck when hit with the 25.06. Every deer i've shot with mine so far with the exception of one have fell right there and the one that did run was from a bad shot on my part and he only went 20yds. I've only shot one varmit with it and that was a Coyote that happen to come by while i was deer hunting. I use a 120gr bullet for deer so thats what he got shot with and it made a pretty nasty hole so for varmits you would definately want to use a lighter bullet if you're looking to save the pelts.

CanWoodsman

02-26-2005 07:26 AM

RE: Questions for a .25-06

You won't be disapointed with a 25.06. I have owned my Ruger M77 in 25.06 for over 30 years and its still my favorite gun. 87-90g bullets for varmits & 115-120g bullets for deer sized game.

Best Wishes

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