Velocities matter! Right bullet choice for game matters! 6.5 is just a promoted new dream caliber to do all! Well in the old days it was proven first! Buffalo bounties were reaped by the 25-06!
For some reason my phone won't let me comment but I believe the 25 ought 6 is a better cartridge ballistically you cannot buy a semi-auto AR platform in it but you can for 65 Creedmoor or 243
@@CXonthefly if I could have gotten an AR10 platform in 25-06 instead of 6.5 Creedmoor I would have. It was a tough choice between the 6.5 vs the 243, but I went with the 6.5 because it isn't as hard on the barrels.
@@Lauterbach24 the difference between 243 and 6.5 in a very little not saying they're the same but that 65 is good all-around within 200 yards even buffalo in 200 yd
@@bradborton4802 A new dream caliber? 6.5mm in the 6.5x55 Swedish mauser has been around for quite some time, just another foreign made cartridge of the 1890's military rifles. The 6.5x55 is still widely used to kill moose in the scandinavian countries. 6.5 Creedmore sure has grabbed center stage quickly. You say Buffalo Bounties, reaped by the 25-06? The 25-06 wasn't made until 1969. How about 45-70 0r the 45-120 sharps used to kill buffalo and to move the indians by starvation onto the reservations?
My whole family has hunted Deer, Elk and Antelope for decades with Ruger #1 25-06. Perfect combination for hunting in the wide open sage county of NW Colorado. 117 gr. Hornady BTSP is fast, accurate and holds together well even on larger critters.
I had a Ruger #1V years ago in 25-06. Hunted varmints and deer with it. Hate I ever sold it. Just ordered a new Ruger bolt action in 25-06 this week though. Will be picking it up next week. We'll see how it compares.
I can vouch for 25-06 working very well for deer. It just flat does its job. I hope one day I’ll get to see grandkids taking deer with my old 25-06. It’s not that old, well the Mauser action is old but the build isn’t that old.
I like to hunt with different rounds but my first was taken by a 25'06 that my dad bought off the guy who owned the bait store and I've used it for many things through out the years but what I've learned is the caliber should be determined by the place where u hunt
My grandfather left my son a 25-06 when he passed and I was so surprised on the knock down power. I find myself grabbing that rifle before my 270 or 308. 117g Hornady is a killer round
Knock down power doesn’t exist unless you have a field artillery piece. Bullet choice more than speed can determine a humane kill versus a lingering death. If you hunt with the 25/06, stay away from the 117gr ammunition. They may have finally stopped making them but don’t buy them.
I base my opinion on the evidence that I found while doing thorough research on the best bullets for a 257 Weatherby. The only thing that stopped me from having a 257 Robert’s built was the terrible bullet choice. It is a caliber built on the 7mm Mauser round.
I have been devouring this information since I was 5 yrs old. I started with a 1954 Shooters Bible and have hand loader ammo for last 55 years. I have owned a shot quite a few wildcats.
Ron, your programs are TV quality, informative, very interesting and respectfully presented. I always wait for your next one. Thank you for your monumental contribution.
I have a Ruger No.1 in 25-06 and a Sako 85 in .260 Rem. At the range, a few 6.5 Creedmore owners have suddenly realized that their new “wonder cartridge” isn’t the world beater they thought it was.
We talking a 1,000 -1,500 yard range.and consistently hitting the target ? The creedmore's literally got their name for these types of long range shoots.
Ron, I love your cartridge comparisons and talks. I bought my first 25-06 chambered rifle when I was about 22 (49 now). I've been talking up the performance of the round ever since to anyone who is willing to listen. I've taken MANY deer, 1 Elk, many coyotes, groundhogs etc with it. It truly is a great round.
When I was in Germany in the Army in 1975, there was a really nice looking rifle sitting on the counter of the local Rod and Gun Club on base. It had a really nice walnut stock, bolt action, Carl Gustaf marked on the receiver, brand new, in 25.06, for $125. I sure had not hardly heard of the 25.06 before, and I had no idea who made the rifle. Through some study, I found out the 25.06 was a worthy caliber for a wide range of game, and the rifle was made by Husqvarna, Sweden. I scooped it up immediately. That 25.06 was so accurate it was really unbelievable. To this day, I have never owned a rifle that was that accurate. I watch of of these reloader youtube channels and how they can get these great groups out of their $3000 precision rifles. I just smile and think to myself I have seen that kind of performance out of my little 25.06 HVA for decades. I think one of the keys to having a great shooting 25.06 is at least a 26inch barrel. Mine has one. I have since bought a Savage wal mart package rifle in 25.06. It shoots good, but not quite as good. It only has a 22inch. Having a 22 inch barrel on a 25.06 is about like wearing tennis shoes in a blizzard. Not a great idea. I have since put a 26 inch stainless barrel on it. I had the action and bolt all trued up as well. Then I put a nice Tinmey trigger on it and bedded the cheap fiberglass stock. It now shoots very well. I can not shoot as well now as years past. Neither of those 25.06 rifles can I outshoot. I have had and still have a whole range of calibers and rifles. I have six .223s. I find the .223 all the varmint rifle I would ever need. I did pick up a 22-250 Remington 788 along the way for a very reasonable price. I had that rebarreled, and new stock put on and bedded as well. It shoots amazingly well. I am 67. I have seen many things come along. The ill placed fervor I see behind these mickey mouse calibers now is frightening. Many people believe just about everything that the gun and ammo makers put out there. Sure, I believe in sectional density and ballistic coefficient. I am not parting curly hairs when I shoot though. My 22 centerfire rifles will eviscerate a prairie dog with a 55 grain bullet just as well as a 80 grain 22 bullet. In fact, I may get a little more pink misting with the 55 grain bullets. That is all I have looking for. Same story with the 22 bullet performance on coyotes. I always carry one of my 25.06 with me on a coyote calling stand. It comes in handy when presented with a reluctant coyote at plus 400 yards. I put my dope card taped on to my buttstock. My scopes are so graduated that I can be certain on my hold without buying a ranger or Kestral. Almost anyone can shoot a scoped tuned up rifle well. On the Long Range Shooters of Utah channel , they have a video of a guy shooting a stock as issued K31 7.5 Swiss military rifle a mile and even further. Some may say that is guess shooting. I say horse feathers. That is what I call precision shooting. Kudos to that man.
I went down the 25-06 road for many years. Killed over 200 whitetail s mule deer & pronghorn with the 4 or 5 25s that I've had. Knock down far surpassed the various 308 caliber rifles I've had previous. 6.5 CM writings & articles intrigued me with the ballistic advantage. So I turned a corner from my quarter bores and traveled 6.5 for a short time. Then I ventured into 6.5-06 and another wildcat based on 257 Roberts Ackley! The 6.5 257/ Bob Ackley proved itself quickley. I found it on par with my 6.5-06s and built one for both savage & remington. If you send 6.5 bullets at speeds similar to 25-06 You will end up with a superb hunting round. Don't be afraid of 25s or of the 6.5s.
@@randalllatvala9178 26 inches is too long, 22 inches is too short so I always prefer a 24inch barrel. Factory load data on the back the box is based on 24inch barrels too
@@georgewhitworth9742 I give up no rifles for another personally but I know what you mean. In all honesty inside of 400yrds you can't tell the difference on animals.
I took my Son to Montana Antelope hunting when he was in High School he was using my Remington 700 BDL 6mm Rem and I was using my Model 70 .264 Win Mag. I told my Son if he gets a Antelope with 15 inch or larger Prongs I would buy him a new Rifle. He did and in Mitchell SD at Cabela's and I picked him up a Remington 700 CDL 25-06 Rem. Yes and even with the old twist rate it still has all the range we need to be shooting at game at IMHO. Nice Review
You son will love that rifle and hopefully keep it to pass down to his son or daughter. I have the CDL in .257Weatherby and a BDL in 25.06 and have the utmost confidence in either rifle.
Is the 25-06 a standard long action or is it a magnum cartridge ? Sorry if it’s a stupid question but honestly haven’t heard of it and talking to someone who has used it is better to me than searching online
I have a 25-06 in a Browning A-Bolt. Great gun. Zero at 200 and still easily shoot 300 to 350 with poa. Mostly use it for deer but will occasionally use it on coyotes.
I have a Ruger target rifle in 25-06 it's one of my favorite rounds .it is unfortunate it's so obscure I think if more people gave it a chance they would prefer it over other cartridges
This video is right on time! I happen to be taking a 26-inch Sendero in .25-06 to Barbour Creek Shooting Academy next week. I'll be shooting factory Hornady 117gr SSTs.
Indeed. But every year they have a new be all end all cartridge. Lol the thing is preferences. The creedmoor does fit a lot. But it's not the best nor the worst. Honestly i believe the 308 is the all around good round.
@@non-binaryjesus 308 is a great all around cartridge but so is 25-06. Can get light 75gn bullets and shoot steel and prairie dogs and you can get 100-120gb bullets and use them in your deer loads.
@@308dad8 you are 100% absolutely correct. I do like the 25-06 myself. But the availability is key as well. The swede round 6.5x55 is an amazing round but not many factory rifles chambered in it.
My 71’ Ruger M77 in .25-06 is a a precision instrument. The rifle’s action is like butter and the stock is beautiful. I hunted with her thru the 1980’s and 90’s so she has some handling marks, but what character. I think it’s time to pass her down to my son. Just as I had received it from my father nearly 40 years ago.
@@tomdavis3038 Not necessarily. I'll use an example. You can eviscerate the heart of a big buck with a slower, heavier cartridge (30-30, 45-70, even 30-06 in some regards) and the buck will still run for a while, because those cartridges lack a key aspect that the 25-06 excels (better than any other cartridge, I might add) at: Hydrostatic shock. Simply put, it's a lethal ass hunting round because it creates so much shock trauma upon entering an animal that they just drop. Yes, you can get that same result with other cartridges. I know a lot of guys who've dropped a big ass buck with a 260 in the same way. However, I have never heard of a cartridge (or used one, for that matter) that puts an animal down that fast, that often. It just works.
I like the 25-06, it has great for me hunting load selection and the velocity allows me to push into other roles beside hunting. Also I like the 100gr loadings as a jack of all trades round.
As a young boy in the 1960's, I drooled over the 25-06. Back then, you could get very cool cartridge brochures from ammo manufactures. At the time, I owned a Savage .222 and an H&R .22.
We have a Ruger No. 1 in 25-06 in the family. It always attracts a crowd! First because it's a No. 1 and second because it's a 25-06! Solid rifle, solid caliber and one the best combos I've had the pleasure of hunting with!
My first rifle was a brand new Ruger MKll in stainless with the paddle stock in 25-06. I miss that rifle so much because I dropped two deer that year with it. Thank you sir for the time that you put into your content.
Love my .25-06; have three of them. Tack drivers all! Bought my first one in '85, a Ruger 77 heavy barrel. The others are Sako's, one a laminated stock blued barrel, the other a hunter model. Nosler bullets work fantastic on deer and elk.
Theres plenty now. Try 100 gr swift scirrocco,s or 120 gr nosler part. Shot 4 whitetails last year with 120 gr NP,s and all 4 dropped where they stood.
Got a 25-06 back when the Browning A bolt first came out, never shot any factory ammo out of it but with all my hand loads it shot everything well. A little rough on fur for coyote, with a sturdy hunting bullet it flattens deer like a big hammer.
thank you for the great video....very well put together and presented. a friend of mine had a 25-06, i have a 6.5CM. he is constantly trying to tell me that his round is better in every aspect. of course, not wanting to try and explain all the subtleties of downrange ballistics and such to him, i just reply that ive never missed a deer or had to track one yet. and whats even funnier, he thinks that zeroing that rifle at 25 yards will let him shoot "forever" (his exact description). i took the time to zero mine at 200 yards. he refuses to shoot reload ammunition, where i wont shoot factory ammo, as i am i die hard reloader and have several very accurate loads worked out. so we agree to disagree. for my needs, my little old 6.5 does exactly what i need it to do.
Tell your friend to zero his creedmoor 3 inches high at 100 and you do the same , watch his jaw drop when you hold on the top of a milk jug at 400 while he has to hold a ft over.LOL
I love my 25-06 they are all great in my opinion. I am partial to the more obscure rounds. Enjoyed the video. My choice is the 250 Savage Ackley Improved or 257 Ackley Improved.
I love your knowledge and easy going nature when explaining cartridges. Thank you for the effort in making this videos. I have a Ruger M77 in 25-06 and I’m sad to say I don’t shoot it as much as it deserves...but you’ve given me a new desire to get it out again!
I have the same gun and sits in the gun case unused, Ron's video makes me want to get it out and start shooting it again, i was thinking about a 6.5 creedmoor but why, i basically already have one in a 25-06, thanks Ron for your view between the two cartridges
I agree, I've been saying since the 70's that the 25-06 and the 280 mag were very under rated and with the proper twist rate both are monsters! Happy New Year Ron and what a very good new year video !
@@tbjtbj4786 I believe the 280 rem and 7mm express are one and the same cartridge. Definitely not mag cartridges. Maybe referring to the 280 Ackley Improved? The next one up is the 7mm rem mag- don't think anyone would say it is underrated! :)
@@slatsgrobneck7515 yes they are just like the 244 and 6mm remington. Yep I got to admit the 280 mag has me stumped. Is there is one I would like to learn about it.
I had a 25-06 ruger #1 out of all the guns I have had I regret selling that one more than any other I loved that gun , but I was young and raising kids and unfortunately needed the money.
@@slatsgrobneck7515 280 Rem, 7mm Express Remington and 7mm-06 were all used by Remington to market this necked down 30-06. The 7mm-06 never really made it to market, but a few cases have shown up with that headstamp.
Thank you Ron. I’ve been a fan of the 25-06 for more than 20 years and love it. I’ve come to appreciate the 6.5 Creedmoor as well. I would like to see more bullet options for the 25-06. Glad you shared the fur and varmint charts. I would love to see a 25-06 with a 1:7.5 twist!
The 6.5 needmoor is what it’s referred too where I live haha I’ve harvested deer with both rounds and let me tell you the deer weren’t anymore dead with either. Like anything with good marketing it will sell.
LOL. Funny, Josh. I have several hunting guns. Last Oct. my son shot his first buck with a 6.5CM. Thing dropped dead on the spot. Not one step. I was previously worried if it would have enough power. When I got in and butchered the thing, holy heck! Massive damage. I was glad I didn't hit it with my 7mm Rem Mag.
I love the 25-06, been using it for years and it was the caliber I used on my very first hunt many years ago. Watching this video has just made me wish I ordered a 1 in 7.5 inch twist barrel from shilen instead of the 1 in 10. I am making a new hunting rifle out of some nice English walnut and a mauser 98 action and ordered the barrel a while back without knowing about the 131 grain ace bullets. If i had known I would have defiantly gone for a 1 in 7.5 twist rate.
I took my first blacktail deer with my Remington 25-06 and have taken several others since then. I've also blown up a goodly number of ground squirrels and that rifle continues to be my favorite caliber. Thanks for making this comparison!
Mr Spomer, i really appreciate you and all your insight! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us! 25-06 and the 280 Rem are two of my favorite calibers!! Really amazing hunting cartridges!!
I have been shooting the 25-06 for about 12 years now and I have found it to be an absolutely amazing hunting round. I have shot coyotes, antelope, deer and elk with it and I have never had to track an animal further than 15 yards. If you load an appropriate bullet for the game you intend to hunt you will be well served. Two years ago I was hunting mule deer here in Montana and had the good fortune of running into a herd of elk. A 110 grain Accubond at 350 yard went right thru a cow and she went down in less than 10 yards. I think the higher velocity of this round was a huge asset because the way she reacted you'd think she was hit with nothing smaller than a 30-06. I never feel under gunned when I have it slung over my shoulder!
It's a legit cartridge that is often overlooked, but a lot of hunters in the know are familiar with just how awesome it is. Especially if you hunt medium game in fields, clear cuts, and open spaces.
Ron, I have to say that even as an experienced hunter and shooter, one who knows most of this info by rote...I *STILL* just enjoy the heck out of your show! I have taken to sending links to friends who ask me the questions you address. I like that the comments section here has been mostly full of friendly and knowledgeable folks. Folks are fun to talk guns and hunting with! Definitely a fun place to hang out.
I have a Marlin MR-7 in .25/06. It was a great shooter from the time I purchased it, used. The first owner only shot one factory load through it, hated the 4" groups at 80 yards he got, and sold it to me. The first handload I put through it shot around 3/4" at 100 yards, consistently.
Cool. I inherited an almost perfect Marlin MR-7 in 30-06 a couple of years ago. It’s an excellent rifle but almost impossible to find mags or other parts for since it was only produced three years. I’ll never sell it.
If someone forced me to choose just one cartridge as an antelope only cartridge, the 25-06 would win by a full cartridge length. IMO one of the best videos on your channel is your antelope hunt with a 25-06.
I love when people ask what I use for pronghorn hunting when I say 25-06 they say what is that .When I’m done explaining they always say I think I’ll look into getting one
@@Scepticalasfuk Would like to have been at home, being safe, eating, sleeping regularly in a bed, watching TV and ignorant of what American teenagers were living through at the time, like the rest of the U.S.
Thank You Sir! My brother was there in 68/69. I corps, con thien, cam lo, and the rockpile. He moved around a little as a combat engineer in the Marines. Thank You again!
@@NicholsonDR There was no 'duty' to make war, which wasn't even declared and which wasn't even meant to be won. It was just another excuse for the MIC that runs the USA to keep getting more and more money for the military. Those boys got bodybagged for Wall Street profiteers. Wall Street suffered not one fatality during the entire conflict but did make shittons of money. Go figure.
I bought a 25-06 recently. Always wanted one, never got around to getting one until recently. Haven't tested it on game yet but I doubt it'll let me down.
I have an old Sako that I've got about 2,500 rounds through. Most of those were with speer 75 grain hollow points running about 3,700fps. It was rated R on prairie dogs out to around 350 yards. With the new VLD bullets I'm going to rebarrel it to a 1-8" twist and set it up for a long range shooter. That Sako action is smooth a silk and the trigger breaks like an ice sickle. The 25-06 with the right barrel and the high B.C. bullets will be unbeatable.
I’ve used the same Remington Model 700 BDL 25-06 since 1993. I own several other calibers in the same chassis. The 25-06 has been the most versatile and deadly accurate weapon that I have used. I use the 25-06 for every large game animal except moose and brown bear within 350 yards. I have fired the Creedmore in anticipation of a purchase. After the test and review of ballistics, buying a Creedmore did not make sense because I have had great success with the 25-06. Fast, accurate and kind recoil.
I just bought a 25-06 this morning. I have known about the cartridge since I was a teenager a couple decades ago but I haven't owned one. I caught a good deal on one, so I figured it was time to give it a try. I already own a 30-30, .308 and .270, so I am curious to see how this one shoots.
Thank you sir for shedding the light on the best quarter bore out there. I've been a huge fan of the 25's for almost 30yrs and I've owned several, actually killed my first elk and pronghorn with it. Currently have a couple pet Remington's in a BDL detachable box magazine in 25.06 sporter and a CDL in .257 weatherby, I'll be looking to build my next gun in a 25.06 with a 1in7.5 twist medium contour 26" length so I can reload those ACE 131GRN. long live the 25.06 for another 100+yrs.
First video I have watched of yours and my man you are excellent. You knowledge, presentation skills, and chronological video skills are amazing. Great video. I’m a 25-06 shooter and love this!
I’ve had three rifles chambered in 25-06. I bought my first one after my Uncle complained that his new 25-06 shot through his mule deer and blood shot both front shoulders, costing him beloved deer meat. That perked my interest and a year later I had one. Maybe one of the best deer/antelope cartridges ever produced. I’ve taken a lot of game with it. That being said I have a Creedmoor too, it does a good job too. I do wish we had more bullet options for reloading quarter bores but they are a favorite of mine. Anybody who try’s a 25-06 is gonna be pleasantly surprised.
I have had a 25 06 for years. I love this caliber. Its a shooters dream machine and a deer slayer. And it's also deadly on varmint size critters here in easter Canada..
Ron, I was left a Winchester model 70 in 25/06, and my Dad took his only buck with it, before he passed in 1989. I have taken a number of deer with it, and 2 doe this year on the 1 st day of Pa season. I do have a special place in my heart and gun safe for this 25/06. Absolutely love it
Wrong Don Croker , shot TOO many deer ,heart shots , deer keep running with 270 . Even with hot reloads , I've loaded all kinds ... Of all deer rifles , as well as a varmit gun the 25-06 with reloads are hard to beat...
@@kenbardwell6267 Stop shooting them in the heart. They'll run a ways more often than not. A .270 high shoulder or double lung puts them down. Don't couple a rapidly expanding bullet with high velocity. If anything, back off on the velocity if you hunt deer at short range.
@@leifhoklin2681 Well truthfully I'm a head shot man ,they drop everytime , U know ears are all left . That's with 7MM mag or 25.06 reloads....Heart shots are usually running , critter CAN'T run to far with heart trouble , lol. I only load hot Boat tails an BTHP's.... NOW I RATHER USE MY BOW !!!!!
I have a 6.5cm but I'm not a "fan boy" by any means (very open minded) love my 308 30-06 and 6.5cm they all have their own job but in this comparison I think I'd still go with the 6.5 just because it's not a big enough difference for me and it's cheaper to handload the 6.5 and more bullet selection because it's so popular right now but that's just my 2cents
Nope I completely agree: I have a friend keeps trying to sway me, and his arguments are all valid, there are a lot of rounds that do one thing or another better than the 6.5CM, but what good is a rifle if I can't find the ammo or can't afford to shoot it?
Great comparison! Lots of hype over the 6.5 Creedmore for no real reason as the 6.5X55 will do it all. And the 260 Remington too. The 26-06 is almost a magnum in a sense and it a terrific caliber. Wolf, deer, antelope and coyotes (at a very long range) have fallen to mine.
I've hunted with a 25-06 my whole life and when I first looked at the ballistics of 6.5cm I thought they were very close. You hit the nail on the head because the 25-06 is at a disadvantage because the largest readily available selections are 117gr. where the 6.5cm is 145gr and selection is important to most hunters. I own both now and I can tell you that they both have their place and I wouldn't hesitate shooting any North American game within 250 yards with my 25-06 and I've taken a 840lb Nilgai with it and dropped it where it stood, but outside of the 250 yards I'm going with my 6.5cm out to about 600 yards and I have a 7mm rem. mag for anything further than that and all of them are extremely accurate and I never need to worry about making a bad shot because of their incredible accuracy. Use the right tool for the job and you want need to worry whether or not you can get it done!
6.5 Creedmoor fits well in short action rifles with the high BC bullets. Think 6.5-250 Savage AI. Not much different than Creedmoor. Nothing new under the sun. 25-06 great.
Thanks a lot for doing this Ron!! I actually have a 270 that needs rebarreled and been wanting to do it in 25-06 but that slow twist with a heavier bullet was a downfall. I think I know which direction to head!!
Just now coming accross this video and I love it. Anyone who's familiar with the .25-06, especially if they've handloaded for it, knows how incredibly versatile it is. I've always loaded primarily with 75 grain bullets but I'm about ready for a new barrel and you can bet that it will be one that can shoot that 131 grain bullet.
I have used my 25-06 Winchester model 70 sporter for many years and can testify its a death laser. Lots of dead deer and coyotes as a result of using it. I shot a doe at 315 yds no problem , 1 shot 1 kill.
No they will mostly just assume that there is largely a whole generation that misses the point of what they see in it. Long range low recoil cheap easy predictable. Also fits in a magazine and runs semi-auto. Isn't a stretch to use the high BC bullets. Gun isn't worn out about the time you have your load and data and dope notes made... 65 is 1,000 yd easy mode. Spend a thousand bucks on the gun 400 bucks on the scope and a buck a shot for factory ammo and you can legitimately do thousand yards without a ton of experience. And the guns made for it tend to be modern with modern steels that don't have as much impact shift as they heat up... You can do all this stuff with 25-06 except for the semi-auto the low recoil the commonly available ammo, guns with the right twist rate for the type of bullets people want, modern form factor of rifle, box magazines. And if you're saying well why not just be a man and take more recoil than you sort of get into the issue of carrying that to logical extent. Well if you're considering 25 aught 6 why not 338lm, 460 cheytac....? Because recoil and cost matter.
25-06 is a great cartridge. It's my favorite all-round cartridge for Blue Ridge hunting. Virginia has a .25 cut-off for anything larger than Coyote... so it's the flattest shooting cartridge without gaining a ton of recoil or weight. It's proven itself reliable in my use, but having only used it in bolt action rifles, that's pretty much a given.
Fantastic video and comparison Ron 👏 I have had my ruger M77 Chambered in 25 06 for years It has a 1- 9 twist barrel. End is free floated and pillar bedded !! My favourite loads use hornady 117 grain SST bullets and H4350 powder And she shoots sub MOA groups at 200 yd all day long I have shot several white tails Between 2 and 300 yd And wood chucks at 400 !! BOO HOO FOR 6.5 CREEDMOOR FANS !! Thanks for your fantastic videos Matt from central New York 👍
Finally! Thank you for a proper “apples to apples” comparison. Bullet choices in .257 have always been the issue for shooting at distance. Hopefully the market shifts in that direction sooner than later.
.25-06 will be my next firearm purchase. Love flat shooting cartridges with moderate remand plenty of punch. I have a 7mm-08 that I really like, but it is my son’s rifle. I will get a .25-06 to replace it.
I bought my grandpa’s custom 25-06. He had it custom made back when it was still a wildcat. I love the rifle, it shoots incredibly well and I’ll pass it down to my kids one day
I studied ballistics and outdoor mags recommendations carefully when I was 18. Bought a Winchester model 70 in 25-06. Added a Redfield 3×9 scope. It was my only deer rifle for years. It always dropped them on spot as long as I hit the heart lung area. Still have it and a few more rifles of other cals. Still my favorite, I am now nearly 60.
One thing I have found over the years. The calibre of the person pulling the trigger is far more important than the calibre of the rifle.
Amen
Best comment I’ve seen in quite some time. So underrated!
Well put sir.ill have to put that one on my list of smart remarks to pop off when some one gets to cocky .
Ya so is learning to spell correctly
@@mikebeddingfield2144. I write and spell in my native language English.
I'm glad to see the 25-06 still in the market. It is a true classic
Velocities matter! Right bullet choice for game matters! 6.5 is just a promoted new dream caliber to do all! Well in the old days it was proven first! Buffalo bounties were reaped by the 25-06!
For some reason my phone won't let me comment but I believe the 25 ought 6 is a better cartridge ballistically you cannot buy a semi-auto AR platform in it but you can for 65 Creedmoor or 243
@@CXonthefly if I could have gotten an AR10 platform in 25-06 instead of 6.5 Creedmoor I would have. It was a tough choice between the 6.5 vs the 243, but I went with the 6.5 because it isn't as hard on the barrels.
@@Lauterbach24 the difference between 243 and 6.5 in a very little not saying they're the same but that 65 is good all-around within 200 yards even buffalo in 200 yd
@@bradborton4802 A new dream caliber? 6.5mm in the 6.5x55 Swedish mauser has been around for quite some time, just another foreign made cartridge of the 1890's military rifles. The 6.5x55 is still widely used to kill moose in the scandinavian countries. 6.5 Creedmore sure has grabbed center stage quickly. You say Buffalo Bounties, reaped by the 25-06? The 25-06 wasn't made until 1969. How about 45-70 0r the 45-120 sharps used to kill buffalo and to move the indians by starvation onto the reservations?
I've been reloading 25.06 for 25 odd years for my Ruger #1, I've always loved it.
My whole family has hunted Deer, Elk and Antelope for decades with Ruger #1 25-06.
Perfect combination for hunting in the wide open sage county of NW Colorado.
117 gr. Hornady BTSP is fast, accurate and holds together well even on larger critters.
I had a Ruger #1V years ago in 25-06. Hunted varmints and deer with it. Hate I ever sold it. Just ordered a new Ruger bolt action in 25-06 this week though. Will be picking it up next week. We'll see how it compares.
I’ve harvested many whitetails with a .243 so I’m sure any of these work as well. Shot placement and ethics is key. Great video!
The .243 is my go to round. Living in Central Illinois I can harvest coyotes. Now in Kentucky I harvest White tale to ground hogs
I can vouch for 25-06 working very well for deer. It just flat does its job. I hope one day I’ll get to see grandkids taking deer with my old 25-06. It’s not that old, well the Mauser action is old but the build isn’t that old.
I like to hunt with different rounds but my first was taken by a 25'06 that my dad bought off the guy who owned the bait store and I've used it for many things through out the years but what I've learned is the caliber should be determined by the place where u hunt
My grandfather left my son a 25-06 when he passed and I was so surprised on the knock down power. I find myself grabbing that rifle before my 270 or 308. 117g Hornady is a killer round
I agree 100%! Every deer I've shot with that 117gr Hornaday Interlock has dropped in its tracks. Glad to see the .25-06 getting some love.
@Shawn Seesengood I rload my 308with 165noslor and it works very well that out of my singal shot thompson.
Knock down power doesn’t exist unless you have a field artillery piece. Bullet choice more than speed can determine a humane kill versus a lingering death. If you hunt with the 25/06, stay away from the 117gr ammunition. They may have finally stopped making them but don’t buy them.
I base my opinion on the evidence that I found while doing thorough research on the best bullets for a 257 Weatherby. The only thing that stopped me from having a 257 Robert’s built was the terrible bullet choice. It is a caliber built on the 7mm Mauser round.
I have been devouring this information since I was 5 yrs old. I started with a 1954 Shooters Bible and have hand loader ammo for last 55 years. I have owned a shot quite a few wildcats.
If we’re talking 6.5 rounds, the 6.5x55 Swede is WAY overlooked in the US and probably my favorite 6.5 round ever.
The Swede is favorite deer hunting caliber. I have a Obendorf Swedish Mauser made in 1900. 121 years old and I still drop deer at 300 yards.
you have this right .... in a modern action with modern pressures it runs circles around a lot of rounds
The .25-06 is actually 6.5 × 63mm. If you load it right it will demolish everything
Just got a 6.5 Norwegian Krag can't wait to try it out light and easy to maneuver.
I had one in a Swedish mauser and it was a great gun. Had to hand load as the only factory round was a 160 grain. 100 grain was a great weight for it.
.25-06 was my first deer rifle and I still use it to this day. Remington Model 700 BDL
Me too.
1983 I got mine fir Christmas at age 9
Same here. Dad gave me a used 700 custom 25-06 back in ‘82. My current 25-06 is a Steyr but my son now has the 700.
Ron, your programs are TV quality, informative, very interesting and respectfully presented. I always wait for your next one. Thank you for your monumental contribution.
lol I thought this was from a tv show. Very high quality.
I was going to say same.
25-06 is such a good cartridge. I took my first deer with that round when I was 10. She only made it ten yards before she dropped.
I have a Ruger No.1 in 25-06 and a Sako 85 in .260 Rem. At the range, a few 6.5 Creedmore owners have suddenly realized that their new “wonder cartridge” isn’t the world beater they thought it was.
We talking a 1,000 -1,500 yard range.and consistently hitting the target ?
The creedmore's literally got their name for these types of long range shoots.
25.06 is one of the most overlooked cartridge there is. Just a baddd dude
Corn Pop was a bad dude...
@Trainwreck Lol
@@dennispfeifer7788 If you have nothing intelligent to say do not post!
@Trainwreck If you do not have anything to add or intelligent to say do not post!
I seen a comment on a gun talk podcast that a guy used a 25 06 pushing an 80 grain bullet 4000fps😬
Shot my first white tail with a .25-06 45 years ago, and been a huge fan ever since. The perfect deer cartridge.
been Shootin the 25-06 for a lot of years now just an awesome round
Ron, I love your cartridge comparisons and talks. I bought my first 25-06 chambered rifle when I was about 22 (49 now). I've been talking up the performance of the round ever since to anyone who is willing to listen. I've taken MANY deer, 1 Elk, many coyotes, groundhogs etc with it. It truly is a great round.
Agree 100%
When I was in Germany in the Army in 1975, there was a really nice looking rifle sitting on the counter of the local Rod and Gun Club on base. It had a really nice walnut stock, bolt action, Carl Gustaf marked on the receiver, brand new, in 25.06, for $125. I sure had not hardly heard of the 25.06 before, and I had no idea who made the rifle. Through some study, I found out the 25.06 was a worthy caliber for a wide range of game, and the rifle was made by Husqvarna, Sweden. I scooped it up immediately. That 25.06 was so accurate it was really unbelievable. To this day, I have never owned a rifle that was that accurate. I watch of of these reloader youtube channels and how they can get these great groups out of their $3000 precision rifles. I just smile and think to myself I have seen that kind of performance out of my little 25.06 HVA for decades. I think one of the keys to having a great shooting 25.06 is at least a 26inch barrel. Mine has one. I have since bought a Savage wal mart package rifle in 25.06. It shoots good, but not quite as good. It only has a 22inch. Having a 22 inch barrel on a 25.06 is about like wearing tennis shoes in a blizzard. Not a great idea. I have since put a 26 inch stainless barrel on it. I had the action and bolt all trued up as well. Then I put a nice Tinmey trigger on it and bedded the cheap fiberglass stock. It now shoots very well. I can not shoot as well now as years past. Neither of those 25.06 rifles can I outshoot. I have had and still have a whole range of calibers and rifles. I have six .223s. I find the .223 all the varmint rifle I would ever need. I did pick up a 22-250 Remington 788 along the way for a very reasonable price. I had that rebarreled, and new stock put on and bedded as well. It shoots amazingly well. I am 67. I have seen many things come along. The ill placed fervor I see behind these mickey mouse calibers now is frightening. Many people believe just about everything that the gun and ammo makers put out there. Sure, I believe in sectional density and ballistic coefficient. I am not parting curly hairs when I shoot though. My 22 centerfire rifles will eviscerate a prairie dog with a 55 grain bullet just as well as a 80 grain 22 bullet. In fact, I may get a little more pink misting with the 55 grain bullets. That is all I have looking for. Same story with the 22 bullet performance on coyotes. I always carry one of my 25.06 with me on a coyote calling stand. It comes in handy when presented with a reluctant coyote at plus 400 yards. I put my dope card taped on to my buttstock. My scopes are so graduated that I can be certain on my hold without buying a ranger or Kestral. Almost anyone can shoot a scoped tuned up rifle well. On the Long Range Shooters of Utah channel , they have a video of a guy shooting a stock as issued K31 7.5 Swiss military rifle a mile and even further. Some may say that is guess shooting. I say horse feathers. That is what I call precision shooting. Kudos to that man.
I went down the 25-06 road for many years. Killed over 200 whitetail s mule deer & pronghorn with the 4 or 5 25s that I've had. Knock down far surpassed the various 308 caliber rifles I've had previous. 6.5 CM writings & articles intrigued me with the ballistic advantage. So I turned a corner from my quarter bores and traveled 6.5 for a short time. Then I ventured into 6.5-06 and another wildcat based on 257 Roberts Ackley! The 6.5 257/ Bob Ackley proved itself quickley. I found it on par with my 6.5-06s and built one for both savage & remington. If you send 6.5 bullets at speeds similar to 25-06 You will end up with a superb hunting round. Don't be afraid of 25s or of the 6.5s.
@@randalllatvala9178 26 inches is too long, 22 inches is too short so I always prefer a 24inch barrel. Factory load data on the back the box is based on 24inch barrels too
25-06 is good for most game in Russia,so it’s always what I use
@@atrocity2606 Russia, huh? Can you get a seasonal license for the whiteface ballhead bastard?
Most of the factory 25-06 rifles these days seem to come with 24” barrels.
I used to own a 6.5 cm, I traded it for a 25-06 and have never looked back, love that gun
Should have keep both, 2 rifles are always better than 1.
@@T-DsGaming Sometimes you gotta give up one you don't like as much for one you like better.
@@georgewhitworth9742 I give up no rifles for another personally but I know what you mean. In all honesty inside of 400yrds you can't tell the difference on animals.
I took my Son to Montana Antelope hunting when he was in High School he was using my Remington 700 BDL 6mm Rem and I was using my Model 70 .264 Win Mag. I told my Son if he gets a Antelope with 15 inch or larger Prongs I would buy him a new Rifle. He did and in Mitchell SD at Cabela's and I picked him up a Remington 700 CDL 25-06 Rem. Yes and even with the old twist rate it still has all the range we need to be shooting at game at IMHO. Nice Review
You son will love that rifle and hopefully keep it to pass down to his son or daughter. I have the CDL in .257Weatherby and a BDL in 25.06 and have the utmost confidence in either rifle.
Is the 25-06 a standard long action or is it a magnum cartridge ? Sorry if it’s a stupid question but honestly haven’t heard of it and talking to someone who has used it is better to me than searching online
@@ForestxWalker06 it's a standard long action, like a 30.06 or .270
@@shannmartin9361 oh ok thank you
@@ForestxWalker06 it's a standard 30-06 case
good video , good info . been a fan of 25-06 for over 30 years
I’ve had a bias for the 25-06 for many years. Really appreciate the info on the 7.5 twist barrel!
I have a 25-06 in a Browning A-Bolt. Great gun. Zero at 200 and still easily shoot 300 to 350 with poa. Mostly use it for deer but will occasionally use it on coyotes.
I've had a rem700 in 25-06 for 36 years and it is one of my favorite especially with the new bonded bullets and the nosler accubonds
I like your screen name. :-) Nosler makes excellent bullets, I use the 100 and 115 gr. in my Savage 25-06 rifle and it is VERY accurate.
Love the Nosler 140gr balistic tip in my .270
I have a Ruger target rifle in 25-06 it's one of my favorite rounds .it is unfortunate it's so obscure I think if more people gave it a chance they would prefer it over other cartridges
David just think if 25/06 had a Jack O’Connor like the 270 did? That’s the biggest difference between the two!
Obscurity, when the major ammo manufacturers are still making ammo, can be a good thing…less competition
This video is right on time! I happen to be taking a 26-inch Sendero in .25-06 to Barbour Creek Shooting Academy next week. I'll be shooting factory Hornady 117gr SSTs.
My all time favorite caliber!!!
From Prarie dogs with 75 grn hollow points, to deer and antelope with 100 grn soft points. Many at over 500 yards.
Those that have hunted with a 25-06 will praise it, for good reason.
I love my Mossberg patriot in 25 06 it is a great deer rifle especially long range shots
Indeed. But every year they have a new be all end all cartridge. Lol the thing is preferences. The creedmoor does fit a lot. But it's not the best nor the worst. Honestly i believe the 308 is the all around good round.
@@non-binaryjesus 308 is a great all around cartridge but so is 25-06. Can get light 75gn bullets and shoot steel and prairie dogs and you can get 100-120gb bullets and use them in your deer loads.
@@308dad8 you are 100% absolutely correct. I do like the 25-06 myself. But the availability is key as well. The swede round 6.5x55 is an amazing round but not many factory rifles chambered in it.
My 71’ Ruger M77 in .25-06 is a a precision instrument. The rifle’s action is like butter and the stock is beautiful. I hunted with her thru the 1980’s and 90’s so she has some handling marks, but what character.
I think it’s time to pass her down to my son. Just as I had received it from my father nearly 40 years ago.
i have had a lot of experience with a 25-06..its a death ray..
The .25-06 is a death ray. I call my Ruger No 1V "Ronald Ray Gun"!
@@kevinshepard6331 Here! Here!
That's what I call mine!
I use mine for mule deer to moose and everything in-between. It dose it's job.
@@dljprogun For moose? Do tell more as is interesting
25-06 is one of my favorite cartridges. I’ve shot most of my mule deer with it and they’ve all dropped with one shot
Absolutely that has been my experience as well.
1 shot 1 kill.
Kinda because you hit it in a good spot, no?
If you hit it in a good spot, caliber not that important (within reason, of course.)
Cheers
@@tomdavis3038 Not necessarily. I'll use an example. You can eviscerate the heart of a big buck with a slower, heavier cartridge (30-30, 45-70, even 30-06 in some regards) and the buck will still run for a while, because those cartridges lack a key aspect that the 25-06 excels (better than any other cartridge, I might add) at: Hydrostatic shock. Simply put, it's a lethal ass hunting round because it creates so much shock trauma upon entering an animal that they just drop. Yes, you can get that same result with other cartridges. I know a lot of guys who've dropped a big ass buck with a 260 in the same way. However, I have never heard of a cartridge (or used one, for that matter) that puts an animal down that fast, that often. It just works.
@@noahhorinek 257 Weatherby mag will put em down as fast.
@@guaporeturns9472 it just about the same thing isn't it?
I like the 25-06, it has great for me hunting load selection and the velocity allows me to push into other roles beside hunting. Also I like the 100gr loadings as a jack of all trades round.
As a young boy in the 1960's, I drooled over the 25-06. Back then, you could get very cool cartridge brochures from ammo manufactures.
At the time, I owned a Savage .222 and an H&R .22.
We have a Ruger No. 1 in 25-06 in the family. It always attracts a crowd! First because it's a No. 1 and second because it's a 25-06! Solid rifle, solid caliber and one the best combos I've had the pleasure of hunting with!
My first rifle was a brand new Ruger MKll in stainless with the paddle stock in 25-06. I miss that rifle so much because I dropped two deer that year with it. Thank you sir for the time that you put into your content.
What I would give to have that exact gun lol
I have a 25-06 and it's takes deer no problem. Shoot handloads in it. Its extremely accurate. I would not trade it for anything.
Why must it be one or the other. Get both. More rifles, more shooting.
There you go Flairball!
6.5 all day. M14 and Ar10s rule
I have several of both..
I have both, love them for different reasons.
That's right don't decide get both. Guns are cool one is none ,two is one, and three is better. 😁👈🇺🇸❤
I love all calibers, they are each unique tailored for different purposes
then youre one of the VERY few real firearms enthusiast on the net........ most of them are actually just snobs with an opinion
I love all guns as well. Some just a lot more than others.
Love my .25-06; have three of them. Tack drivers all! Bought my first one in '85, a Ruger 77 heavy barrel. The others are Sako's, one a laminated stock blued barrel, the other a hunter model. Nosler bullets work fantastic on deer and elk.
I wish they would come out with better projectiles for the .25-06. Love my Ruger M77
I agree. I use tsx bullets myself. I think that the barrel twist rate is too slow for any heavier bullets.
I have an M77 I have had great success with 117 nosler partitions
Theres plenty now. Try 100 gr swift scirrocco,s or 120 gr nosler part. Shot 4 whitetails last year with 120 gr NP,s and all 4 dropped where they stood.
JLK bullets has a mono VLD 140gr and Works in 1 in 10 !!!
Got a 25-06 back when the Browning A bolt first came out, never shot any factory ammo out of it but with all my hand loads it shot everything well. A little rough on fur for coyote, with a sturdy hunting bullet it flattens deer like a big hammer.
For coyote use full metal jacket. It keeps the bullet from expanding and keeps damage to the fur to a minimum
Ron thank you for introducing me more to the 25-06!!
thank you for the great video....very well put together and presented. a friend of mine had a 25-06, i have a 6.5CM. he is constantly trying to tell me that his round is better in every aspect. of course, not wanting to try and explain all the subtleties of downrange ballistics and such to him, i just reply that ive never missed a deer or had to track one yet. and whats even funnier, he thinks that zeroing that rifle at 25 yards will let him shoot "forever" (his exact description). i took the time to zero mine at 200 yards. he refuses to shoot reload ammunition, where i wont shoot factory ammo, as i am i die hard reloader and have several very accurate loads worked out. so we agree to disagree. for my needs, my little old 6.5 does exactly what i need it to do.
Tell your friend to zero his creedmoor 3 inches high at 100 and you do the same , watch his jaw drop when you hold on the top of a milk jug at 400 while he has to hold a ft over.LOL
I can't stop watching your videos Ron, I've learned more about calibers in the last month than I have in 30 years
25-06 is a reloaders dream
In what way
@@garywoodlief1976 a wet one! 😂😂
Have mine reloaded with 100gr match kings and Barnes tsx .... that imr4350 .5 moa all day 3300fps
I love my 25-06 they are all great in my opinion. I am partial to the more obscure rounds. Enjoyed the video. My choice is the 250 Savage Ackley Improved or 257 Ackley Improved.
Everyone i know who shoots a 25-06 reloads for it religiously.
I love your knowledge and easy going nature when explaining cartridges. Thank you for the effort in making this videos. I have a Ruger M77 in 25-06 and I’m sad to say I don’t shoot it as much as it deserves...but you’ve given me a new desire to get it out again!
Shoot ! That's what the bullets are for !!
I have the same gun and sits in the gun case unused, Ron's video makes me want to get it out and start shooting it again, i was thinking about a 6.5 creedmoor but why, i basically already have one in a 25-06, thanks Ron for your view between the two cartridges
I agree, I've been saying since the 70's that the 25-06 and the 280 mag were very under rated and with the proper twist rate both are monsters! Happy New Year Ron and what a very good new year video !
What was the 280 mag?
The 280 rem or the 7mm express.
@@tbjtbj4786 I believe the 280 rem and 7mm express are one and the same cartridge. Definitely not mag cartridges. Maybe referring to the 280 Ackley Improved? The next one up is the 7mm rem mag- don't think anyone would say it is underrated! :)
@@slatsgrobneck7515 yes they are just like the 244 and 6mm remington.
Yep I got to admit the 280 mag has me stumped.
Is there is one I would like to learn about it.
I had a 25-06 ruger #1 out of all the guns I have had I regret selling that one more than any other I loved that gun , but I was young and raising kids and unfortunately needed the money.
@@slatsgrobneck7515 280 Rem, 7mm Express Remington and 7mm-06 were all used by Remington to market this necked down 30-06. The 7mm-06 never really made it to market, but a few cases have shown up with that headstamp.
So many great old and new rounds. Just goes to show that what we really need is a bigger gun safe!
Love my 25-06 with a Hornady 117 gr Interlock!
Thank you Ron. I’ve been a fan of the 25-06 for more than 20 years and love it. I’ve come to appreciate the 6.5 Creedmoor as well. I would like to see more bullet options for the 25-06. Glad you shared the fur and varmint charts. I would love to see a 25-06 with a 1:7.5 twist!
Id like to see mainline rifles in 25-06 with 1:7.5 twist. Keep bugging them and maybe it will happen.
The 6.5 needmoor is what it’s referred too where I live haha I’ve harvested deer with both rounds and let me tell you the deer weren’t anymore dead with either. Like anything with good marketing it will sell.
My Dad used to take down 400 lb white tail buck with a 22-250 round. His 30.06 was the bear gun.
6,5 crudmore
LOL. Funny, Josh. I have several hunting guns. Last Oct. my son shot his first buck with a 6.5CM. Thing dropped dead on the spot. Not one step. I was previously worried if it would have enough power. When I got in and butchered the thing, holy heck! Massive damage. I was glad I didn't hit it with my 7mm Rem Mag.
No comment just 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 for 25-06
I love the 25-06, been using it for years and it was the caliber I used on my very first hunt many years ago. Watching this video has just made me wish I ordered a 1 in 7.5 inch twist barrel from shilen instead of the 1 in 10. I am making a new hunting rifle out of some nice English walnut and a mauser 98 action and ordered the barrel a while back without knowing about the 131 grain ace bullets. If i had known I would have defiantly gone for a 1 in 7.5 twist rate.
I took my first blacktail deer with my Remington 25-06 and have taken several others since then. I've also blown up a goodly number of ground squirrels and that rifle continues to be my favorite caliber. Thanks for making this comparison!
Mr Spomer, i really appreciate you and all your insight! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us! 25-06 and the 280 Rem are two of my favorite calibers!! Really amazing hunting cartridges!!
I own a Winchester model 70 in 25-06. Absolutely love it.
What's your twist rate on that barrel?
@@dougi1967 I believe 10”, but I am not sure.
I have been shooting the 25-06 for about 12 years now and I have found it to be an absolutely amazing hunting round. I have shot coyotes, antelope, deer and elk with it and I have never had to track an animal further than 15 yards. If you load an appropriate bullet for the game you intend to hunt you will be well served. Two years ago I was hunting mule deer here in Montana and had the good fortune of running into a herd of elk. A 110 grain Accubond at 350 yard went right thru a cow and she went down in less than 10 yards. I think the higher velocity of this round was a huge asset because the way she reacted you'd think she was hit with nothing smaller than a 30-06. I never feel under gunned when I have it slung over my shoulder!
I had a ruger #1 heavy barrel 25-06 head shotgun groundhog were not uncommon that thing was a laser.
It's a legit cartridge that is often overlooked, but a lot of hunters in the know are familiar with just how awesome it is. Especially if you hunt medium game in fields, clear cuts, and open spaces.
My friend shoots a Remington 700 Sendero in .25-06. That rifle has taken more game than I can count, usually one shot.
Ron, I have to say that even as an experienced hunter and shooter, one who knows most of this info by rote...I *STILL* just enjoy the heck out of your show!
I have taken to sending links to friends who ask me the questions you address.
I like that the comments section here has been mostly full of friendly and knowledgeable folks. Folks are fun to talk guns and hunting with!
Definitely a fun place to hang out.
I have used the .25-06 since 1982. My favorite cartridge!
I have a Marlin MR-7 in .25/06. It was a great shooter from the time I purchased it, used. The first owner only shot one factory load through it, hated the 4" groups at 80 yards he got, and sold it to me. The first handload I put through it shot around 3/4" at 100 yards, consistently.
Cool. I inherited an almost perfect Marlin MR-7 in 30-06 a couple of years ago. It’s an excellent rifle but almost impossible to find mags or other parts for since it was only produced three years. I’ll never sell it.
If someone forced me to choose just one cartridge as an antelope only cartridge, the 25-06 would win by a full cartridge length. IMO one of the best videos on your channel is your antelope hunt with a 25-06.
I have shot antelope with a 25-06 years ago at over 350 yds. Wish i still had that gun.
I love when people ask what I use for pronghorn hunting when I say 25-06 they say what is that .When I’m done explaining they always say I think I’ll look into getting one
And then they consider barrel life and then they don't
@@Najsnwjsbdn I'd say 95% of shooters/hunters will never shoot out a barrel. Possibly more than that.
Ron is one of the most knowledgeable people on the history of firearms. Thank you sir
I never went to Woodstock, I was too busy trying to stay alive in War Zone C during the Vietnam War.
You should have gone to Woodstock instead.
@@Scepticalasfuk Would like to have been at home, being safe, eating, sleeping regularly in a bed, watching TV and ignorant of what American teenagers were living through at the time, like the rest of the U.S.
Thank You Sir! My brother was there in 68/69. I corps, con thien, cam lo, and the rockpile. He moved around a little as a combat engineer in the Marines. Thank You again!
Thank you for your service.
@@NicholsonDR There was no 'duty' to make war, which wasn't even declared and which wasn't even meant to be won. It was just another excuse for the MIC that runs the USA to keep getting more and more money for the military. Those boys got bodybagged for Wall Street profiteers.
Wall Street suffered not one fatality during the entire conflict but did make shittons of money. Go figure.
I bought a 25-06 recently. Always wanted one, never got around to getting one until recently. Haven't tested it on game yet but I doubt it'll let me down.
I have an old Sako that I've got about 2,500 rounds through. Most of those were with speer 75 grain hollow points running about 3,700fps. It was rated R on prairie dogs out to around 350 yards. With the new VLD bullets I'm going to rebarrel it to a 1-8" twist and set it up for a long range shooter. That Sako action is smooth a silk and the trigger breaks like an ice sickle. The 25-06 with the right barrel and the high B.C. bullets will be unbeatable.
I’ve used the same Remington Model 700 BDL 25-06 since 1993. I own several other calibers in the same chassis. The 25-06 has been the most versatile and deadly accurate weapon that I have used. I use the 25-06 for every large game animal except moose and brown bear within 350 yards. I have fired the Creedmore in anticipation of a purchase. After the test and review of ballistics, buying a Creedmore did not make sense because I have had great success with the 25-06. Fast, accurate and kind recoil.
What’s your impression of the 700 BDL rifle?
You are 100% correct, why by a Creedmoor when you have a 25-06.
I just bought a 25-06 this morning. I have known about the cartridge since I was a teenager a couple decades ago but I haven't owned one. I caught a good deal on one, so I figured it was time to give it a try. I already own a 30-30, .308 and .270, so I am curious to see how this one shoots.
Hooked on it yet?
Good purchase, once you get used to it and see what it can do YOULLE NEVER PART WITH IT.
Ron thanks for posting this. Maybe more people recognized this cartridge.
Thank you sir for shedding the light on the best quarter bore out there. I've been a huge fan of the 25's for almost 30yrs and I've owned several, actually killed my first elk and pronghorn with it. Currently have a couple pet Remington's in a BDL detachable box magazine in 25.06 sporter and a CDL in .257 weatherby, I'll be looking to build my next gun in a 25.06 with a 1in7.5 twist medium contour 26" length so I can reload those ACE 131GRN.
long live the 25.06 for another 100+yrs.
I miss the old Speer Nitrex 120gr loads. I have about 10 left from 30 years ago. My dad’s old Remington 700 loves that load.
i took my first NV mule deer at 720 yds with a 25-06 with a single shot. love that cartridge!!
And you are a fool for taking that shot. Congratulations!
First video I have watched of yours and my man you are excellent. You knowledge, presentation skills, and chronological video skills are amazing. Great video. I’m a 25-06 shooter and love this!
I really think the .25-06 is an excellent deer round! I’ve hunted with it the last 4 seasons and g to fund it to be accurate and deadly.
I’ve had three rifles chambered in 25-06. I bought my first one after my Uncle complained that his new 25-06 shot through his mule deer and blood shot both front shoulders, costing him beloved deer meat. That perked my interest and a year later I had one. Maybe one of the best deer/antelope cartridges ever produced. I’ve taken a lot of game with it. That being said I have a Creedmoor too, it does a good job too. I do wish we had more bullet options for reloading quarter bores but they are a favorite of mine. Anybody who try’s a 25-06 is gonna be pleasantly surprised.
Thanks Ron I got my first. 25/06 at 16 a rem 700 Bdl varmint I now at 48 own 2 and. A ackly built for the ace 131
My Dad lived in Wyoming. Carried his Remington 700 25.06. scoped, and nylon 66 in back window of Dodge Truck. Flat shooting .
I have had a 25 06 for years. I love this caliber. Its a shooters dream machine and a deer slayer.
And it's also deadly on varmint size critters here in easter Canada..
Ron, I was left a Winchester model 70 in 25/06, and my Dad took his only buck with it, before he passed in 1989. I have taken a number of deer with it, and 2 doe this year on the 1 st day of Pa season. I do have a special place in my heart and gun safe for this 25/06. Absolutely love it
257 Roberts is my favorite ctg. And if I wanted more speed, then the Weatherby 257 mag would be my choice.
I had a 6.5 creed before it was in style. Now I like it because of the availability. But great video, very informative.
The 270 is also one of the best! No need to get a 6.5 if you have a 270!
Wrong Don Croker , shot TOO many deer ,heart shots , deer keep running with 270 . Even with hot reloads , I've loaded all kinds ...
Of all deer rifles , as well as a varmit gun the 25-06 with reloads are hard to beat...
@@kenbardwell6267 whats your bullet? I use 130gr hornady interlocks, of the past 3 deer and 10-12 hogs only one has went past 15 yards
@@piggyslayer1999 I use the same load, been shooting deer for years with that load and have 3 run past 100 yards out of the many that I’ve killed.
@@kenbardwell6267 Stop shooting them in the heart. They'll run a ways more often than not. A .270 high shoulder or double lung puts them down. Don't couple a rapidly expanding bullet with high velocity. If anything, back off on the velocity if you hunt deer at short range.
@@leifhoklin2681 Well truthfully I'm a head shot man ,they drop everytime , U know ears are all left . That's with 7MM mag or 25.06 reloads....Heart shots are usually running , critter CAN'T run to far with heart trouble , lol.
I only load hot Boat tails an BTHP's....
NOW I RATHER USE MY BOW !!!!!
26-06 was my first hunting rifle and 20 years later its one of my favorite guns to shoot in my collection
I’ve had a 25-06 since 1973, has never let me down, still using it today here in Pa…...excellent cartridge,
I have a 6.5cm but I'm not a "fan boy" by any means (very open minded) love my 308 30-06 and 6.5cm they all have their own job but in this comparison I think I'd still go with the 6.5 just because it's not a big enough difference for me and it's cheaper to handload the 6.5 and more bullet selection because it's so popular right now but that's just my 2cents
I know it was not on purpose. That is mm (1/1000 of a meter), not cm (1/100 of a meter).
@@davidsolyom5604 cm is creedmoor doofus
Lesson learnt.
@@davidsolyom5604 good on you for being able to be corrected without stomping your feet
Nope I completely agree: I have a friend keeps trying to sway me, and his arguments are all valid, there are a lot of rounds that do one thing or another better than the 6.5CM, but what good is a rifle if I can't find the ammo or can't afford to shoot it?
Great comparison! Lots of hype over the 6.5 Creedmore for no real reason as the 6.5X55 will do it all. And the 260 Remington too. The 26-06 is almost a magnum in a sense and it a terrific caliber. Wolf, deer, antelope and coyotes (at a very long range) have fallen to mine.
I've hunted with a 25-06 my whole life and when I first looked at the ballistics of 6.5cm I thought they were very close. You hit the nail on the head because the 25-06 is at a disadvantage because the largest readily available selections are 117gr. where the 6.5cm is 145gr and selection is important to most hunters. I own both now and I can tell you that they both have their place and I wouldn't hesitate shooting any North American game within 250 yards with my 25-06 and I've taken a 840lb Nilgai with it and dropped it where it stood, but outside of the 250 yards I'm going with my 6.5cm out to about 600 yards and I have a 7mm rem. mag for anything further than that and all of them are extremely accurate and I never need to worry about making a bad shot because of their incredible accuracy. Use the right tool for the job and you want need to worry whether or not you can get it done!
I bought my wife a Remington 700 CDL in .25-06 and I find myself using it more than she does. What a wonderful cartridge!!!!
Ron ! You’re giving the kids a history lesson, the poor darlings are getting a terrible headache . 🤣😂🤣🇨🇦
Thank for the info Ron great show and happy new year your best my friend
6.5 Creedmoor fits well in short action rifles with the high BC bullets. Think 6.5-250 Savage AI. Not much different than Creedmoor. Nothing new under the sun. 25-06 great.
Thanks a lot for doing this Ron!! I actually have a 270 that needs rebarreled and been wanting to do it in 25-06 but that slow twist with a heavier bullet was a downfall. I think I know which direction to head!!
Just now coming accross this video and I love it. Anyone who's familiar with the .25-06, especially if they've handloaded for it, knows how incredibly versatile it is. I've always loaded primarily with 75 grain bullets but I'm about ready for a new barrel and you can bet that it will be one that can shoot that 131 grain bullet.
Love my 25-06 because as a reloader i can make brass for it out of .270, .280, and .30-06 which are all plentiful to find.
I have used my 25-06 Winchester model 70 sporter for many years and can testify its a death laser. Lots of dead deer and coyotes as a result of using it. I shot a doe at 315 yds no problem , 1 shot 1 kill.
Ron how dare you! The Creedmoor boys will take their ball and go home because of this! 🤣
No they will mostly just assume that there is largely a whole generation that misses the point of what they see in it. Long range low recoil cheap easy predictable. Also fits in a magazine and runs semi-auto. Isn't a stretch to use the high BC bullets. Gun isn't worn out about the time you have your load and data and dope notes made... 65 is 1,000 yd easy mode. Spend a thousand bucks on the gun 400 bucks on the scope and a buck a shot for factory ammo and you can legitimately do thousand yards without a ton of experience. And the guns made for it tend to be modern with modern steels that don't have as much impact shift as they heat up...
You can do all this stuff with 25-06 except for the semi-auto the low recoil the commonly available ammo, guns with the right twist rate for the type of bullets people want, modern form factor of rifle, box magazines. And if you're saying well why not just be a man and take more recoil than you sort of get into the issue of carrying that to logical extent. Well if you're considering 25 aught 6 why not 338lm, 460 cheytac....? Because recoil and cost matter.
@@GunFunZS where are you getting factory ammo for a buck a shot?
@@Holgrinator 2019
@@Holgrinator but more seriously, i rarely use factory anmo any more. I was listing the reasons why the cartridge has broad appeal.
I am a creedmoor shooter and that 25-06 looks damn nice truthfully, would own both.
25-06 is a great cartridge. It's my favorite all-round cartridge for Blue Ridge hunting. Virginia has a .25 cut-off for anything larger than Coyote... so it's the flattest shooting cartridge without gaining a ton of recoil or weight. It's proven itself reliable in my use, but having only used it in bolt action rifles, that's pretty much a given.
Fantastic video and comparison Ron 👏
I have had my ruger M77 Chambered in 25 06 for years
It has a 1- 9 twist barrel. End is free floated and pillar bedded !! My favourite loads use hornady 117 grain SST bullets and H4350 powder And she shoots sub MOA groups at 200 yd all day long
I have shot several white tails Between 2 and 300 yd And wood chucks at 400 !! BOO HOO FOR 6.5 CREEDMOOR FANS !! Thanks for your fantastic videos Matt from central New York 👍
What a informative video. I’m an old school guy, so this is right up my alley. Thanks for your time man.
Finally! Thank you for a proper “apples to apples” comparison.
Bullet choices in .257 have always been the issue for shooting at distance. Hopefully the market shifts in that direction sooner than later.
I always shoot 120 gr
Both are great cartridges
.25-06 will be my next firearm purchase. Love flat shooting cartridges with moderate remand plenty of punch. I have a 7mm-08 that I really like, but it is my son’s rifle. I will get a .25-06 to replace it.
Pat Chitwood I have both n absolutely love them
same. i looove .270.
Frigglebiscuit yes got browning A-bolt in .270, from mid eighties, love it,haven't shot it in yrs, won in a raffle for 1$ lol
I bought my grandpa’s custom 25-06. He had it custom made back when it was still a wildcat. I love the rifle, it shoots incredibly well and I’ll pass it down to my kids one day
I studied ballistics and outdoor mags recommendations carefully when I was 18. Bought a Winchester model 70 in 25-06. Added a Redfield 3×9 scope. It was my only deer rifle for years. It always dropped them on spot as long as I hit the heart lung area. Still have it and a few more rifles of other cals. Still my favorite, I am now nearly 60.