Need new deer rifle. Thinking of doing something a little bit crazy…

No doubt the 25-06 will do what you want it to.

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

I do wish that we were in a place where I could pull the proverbial trigger on something–anything!–tomorrow. I’m finding absolutely nothing anywhere for any rifles I’d reasonably consider. And components? Ug. Depressing just thinking about it. I’m OK on primers and powders, but cases and bullets are just a complete mess right now. When’s it gonna be over?

It does really get old tracking down components. I’m in the process of having TS Customs finish up a 6BRA and I finally have all the components I need to reload for it. I’m really looking forward to shooting that.

Pat McSharry wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>tswoboda wrote:</div>
Also in a totally different tier though, no? Roughly 30% more recoil?

Not in a different tier at all. Based on the fact that he is considering a .257 Weatherby Magnum he’s obviously okay with a little more recoil.

I guess I just don’t understand why you would go with a .257 over a 6mm or 6.5mm. Bullet selection is so much better for them.

Unless you go with a custom barrel, you’re stuck with a 10 twist barrel that probably won’t stabilize anything over 120 grains so you’re not going to be able to take advantage of higher BC bullets.

I agree. I don’t understand all the hate for 6.5’s. Tons of different ammo options out there. low recoil tack drivers. I love mine.

waldo9190 wrote:

How about you and Pat compromise…..6.5-06! Little bit of a barrel burner but a pretty cool cartridge.

In true IDO “max it” style, I was thinking more about the infamous 6.5-50 BMG…

For resale value alone, it’s worth maxing it. Barrel life IS a concern, however, most will consider a 6000 FPS cartridge well worth it…

Dies wouldn’t be cheap

I’m into the right tool for the job. In other words (bolt action rifles). My minimum is 140 grain bullets for deer, 160 grain for elk and are expanding, not fragmenting, max speed in the 2750 to 2900 feet per second range. For varmint I want hyper speed fragmenting bullets in the 40 grain range, 22-250 please. For bear I love getting close with my 444 Marlin. That big thump is the cats ass. For moose, there a .338 would be my go to choice.

But the most fun is a lever action 22LR on the plinking range.

25-06 was my choice for my first true deer rifle. Mine prefers the 117gr Hornady SST Superformance rounds currently. It was between a 7mm-08 or the 25-06 for me when I was looking and I found a 25-06 first. The 7mm-08 would have probably been a bit more versatile being able to shoot a bit heavier bullets but I guess that leaves me something else to buy someday.