25-06 factory loads

[wages]

Can anyone give me some info on the available factory loads for the 25-06, for whitetail.

Range = 0 to 200yds, but most of my shots tend to be under 100yds.

Thus far (I think) I like Federal's 100gr Barnes Triple Shock X but would like to hear about anything.

Particulary interested in, bullet performance.

I want very little meat damage, but big knock down.

But then again doesn't everyone?

Thanks for any help.

[straightshooter]

Well buddy-my .25-06 always has loved the W-W 120 gr Positive Expanding Point loads and shoots them under an inch at 100 yds off the bench. I currently use the Hornady 120 gr HP in my handloads and it shoots just as well.

Looking for knockdown and little meat damage? The .25-06 probably isn't the way to go then, as if you do shoot a deer in the shoulder (as opposed to thru the ribs) you are going to lose one and possibly both shoulders, but the deer will be down. My son shot a nice buck (169 lbs) this year at about 105 yds with the .25-06, high in the shoulder, as the cactus is so thick you don't want to be tracking throug it. Buck dropped in his tracks, and after about two shudders, it was over. I lost both shoulders--

[fabsroman]

First off, let me welcome both of you guys to the board. I hope you have a great time here.

Yeah, shooting them through the shoulders with a fast moving bullet tends to make the shoulders a mess. I have been using 150 gr. Barnes XLC bulelts out of a .300 Win Mag for my whitetail hunting and the damage hasn't been too bad, but all the shots have been through the ribs. The Barnes bullets supposedly create a wound channel that looks like a football. A small entry hole and exit hole, with a ton of energy deposited on the inside of the body cavity which equals a ton of organ damage.

I am looking at getting a .25-06 next year, so I am interested to hear what everybody has to say about this.

[rem 700]

The 110 accubond and 115 partition are my 2 favorites, but if you're shooting inside 200yds I'd stick with a 120 grain PSP from Remington. Wouldn't want to pay the price for a triple shock at such close range.

[Esox357]

Used the 120 grain winchester positive expanding point on a deer last year with good results. This load shoots under 1 moa at 100 yards and did not create a huge wound but pulped the insides good. Esox357.

[Evan03]

100gr core lokts.

enexspenive and get er done. one of the better bullets out there that doesnt get talked about much.

[Talon]

Originally posted by Evan03
100gr core lokts.

enexspenive and get er done. one of the better bullets out there that doesnt get talked about much.

Core Lockts'.. I couldnt agree more with you.

Peace
Talon:cool:

[wages]

FYI
I ended up using Federal's 115 gr. Nosler Partitions this year.
This story at this link, made a strong case for them.
http://www.buckmasters.com/bm/Resources/ClassicBuckmasters/tabid/127/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/50/The-2506-Deadly-On-Deer.aspx

Took a nice 13 pt whitetail last weekend.
The shot = 90 yards
Placement = broad side, missed the heart by 2", hit both lungs.
Recovery = down at about 60 yards.
Entrance hole = 1"
Exit hole = 1.75"

Didn't experience the knockdown effect as reported in the above linked article, but i'm certainly satisfied with the results. Don't know about the meat damage, because it was such a clean broadside shot.

Note too that the shot was through a fair amount of light "ball buster" brush and undergrowth, it didn't seem to bother the .25 a bit. But of course as we all (should) know that doesn't mean that it won't next time. I don't believe in the idea of "brush guns". Any caliber can be deflected, and any caliber can bust through the brush, and only the deer gods control which and when. My 2 cents.

[CanWoodsman]

Over the years I have used many factory rounds in the 115-120g range. From Federal, Winchester & Remington. For the ranges you expect or even farther, if you do your part all will serve you fine. I recomdend you use one which groups good in your rifle.

Best Wishes: Rick

[Andy L]

I dont care what caliber your shooting from 243 to 300 Win. For deer, Remington Core Lokts cannot be beatin, IMHO, for factory ammo. Reliable everytime and just fantastic performance on deer.

Good Bullets.