Who else likes the .25-06?

[Adam Helmer]

For Christmas 2010, I received a lovely 15-pound .25-06 Savage Tactical Rifle with bi-pod, 4x-12x50MM scope and tactical stock and a set of RCBS dies. I have handloaded several accuracy loads of 87 grain, 117 grain and 120 grain bullets. I have several one-hole 100 yard groups with all the bullets and am about to go night coyote hunting.

Yesterday my son-in-law asked me what was the maximum range of the .25-06. So far, I have shot my 400-yard gongs in the big hayfield. Who shoots further with the .25-06?

Adam

[skeet]

My longest shot(on a groundhog) was a bit over 475 yds..Buty I considered it pure luck..longest on big game(antelope was approx 450 yds. It was not luck. The 25-06 is usually a very accure cartridge(i've had 3) and have just acquired a new 700 BDL in the caliber. Haven't shot it yet. The fellow I got it from had one of the plug screws break off and can't be gotten out. Think I'm gonna take it to Larry and see if he can get it out. Then I have an old Redfield 4x12 AO scope or an ugly(purple) Leupold 12x I can put on it. We'll see how she shoots. I even have ammo and cases here. Lots of bullets to try....and some of the old surplus 4831 from Hodgdon(my favorite powder in the the 25-06).

[Jack]

I had a Ruger 77 Mk 2 in 25-06 for a while. I tinkered with it a bit, and then worked up some loads for it. I worked up an 87 grain load and a 100 grain load. With the 87, I hit a woodchuck at a lasered 550 yards.
The 25-06 is a bit of a kicker for an all day prairie dog shoot, but it is a really fine long range woodchuck cartridge.
I loaned that rifle to a friend, who killed 4 deer with 4 shots (the 100 grain load) and he made me an offer I couldn't refuse for the rifle.
I really missed having a 25-06, so last summer I picked up a Browning B78 in 25-06.

[Larryjk]

I have an old (1973) Ruger 77 with a Leupold 3x9AO on it that is my rock chuck (marmot)
go to rifle. My son and I have had many enjoyable sunday afternoons using the binoculars for spotting them on rock ledges and the spotting scope to verify the shot. They shoot so well I always use the Sierra 117 BT. A good afternoon is 5 or 6 chucks. It is also one hell of an antelope rifle. Behind the front leg and about 8 inches up from the bottom line. They either fall right on the spot or take a 100 yard death run.

[Larryjk]

skeet, I bet you have a Dremel tool around your place. Go to your dentist and get a few cutters that are about 0.030 (about 1/4 the diameter of the No. 6 screw). Be very careful and cut the screw in half across the end and pick out the pieces. If it isn't bound by Loctite, you may be able to cut a slot across the face that will let you use a small screwdriver on it. Good Luck.

[skeet]

Larry it is past that point. The plug screw is broken off down in the hole and rounded off. It IS a very hard little sucker..in the front hole of the action of course. It had never been out of the darn rifle..Gun show in your area soon. If I get to go I can bring it tdown if you don't mind. I sold my drill press and lathe when i came west. Too big to bring. Hard to find a good one any longer. Everything is made in China

[Larryjk]

Skeet, You are describing what I am used to cursing at. Bring it in and I will get it out for you. The Dremel with the dental bit will do the trick. It usually costs a bottle of Remy-Martin VSOP.

[Larryjk]

There is another .25 that is really nice. The 25-06 little brother, .257 Roberts. I have a Ruger Ultra-light that is a hoot and it has been known to be with me quite a bit if I am just out-and-about.

[skeet]

I also like the 257. Have 2 right now but the 722 B grade is going to go to the next gun show. The other is the 257 AI in an older Ruger 77 tang safety. It shoots better'n me. But I've always had a fondness for the 25-06. Had my first before it was legitmized by Remington. The 257 AI will push the 25-06 up to the 100 gr bullets. Loses a bit after reaching that size.. IMO

What size bottle of that nasty stuff?? Grape whiskey?? who'd ever thought they could make it outta grapes....But they were the French. Whiskey is supposed to be made out of real stuff..like corn

BTW I used to have a fuel alcohol license..but you were told to mix something in the liquor to make it undrinkable. Heck if I couldn't drink it my car sure couldn't ...could it?? So I let it mix up with gas in the fuel tank..LOL

[Jack]

The 257 Roberts is high on my wish list!

[Larryjk]

skeet, It isn't the only one I desire. I am just out of it right now. I got some Makers Mark and Knob Creek for my birthday that haven't been opened yet, and there is a lot of scotch in there also. I like to soak my teeth in some good stuff at night; and if you wonder, I don't have false teeth.

[skeet]

[QUOTE=Larryjk;340317]skeet, It isn't the only one I desire. I am just out of it right now. I got some Makers Mark and Knob Creek for my birthday that haven't been opened yet, and there is a lot of scotch in there also. I like to soak my teeth in some good stuff at night; and if you wonder, I don't have false teeth.[/QUOTE

I kinda got the last remark before ya said it.. I have also soaked my teeth tonsils gullet and other regions with some of the good stuff in the past..also some of the not so good... what I could afford at the time... stuff. I don't really use much of the stuff these days...but am not a tea totaller for certain. Not into Scotch or other such things..mostly a blended drinker..or tequila from time to time

[skoonz]

Personally I'm a 270 fan but I have seen twice in the mountains, a hunter carrying out a chamois that he'd taken with his .25/06

[Larryjk]

skoonz, Right in between the 25-06 and 270 is another really great performer, the 6.5/06. Now that A-Square has made it legitimate, maybe it will have a bigger following. I have always reloaded so having a rifle that factory ammunition isn't available for has not scared me away. I like the 6.5/06 with a nominal 130 grain bullet. The 140 is also great. It doesn't bother me that there aren't a lot of bullet weights because I feel those are the best for the 6.5/06.