25/06 or 7mm-08 for NY black bear

[Gregory]

I own only two center fire big game rifles and will hunt with one during the upcoming deer / black bear season here in upstate NY.  A bear has been spotted in the area I'm hunting so I want to be prepared.

Choice #1 7mm-08 with 170 gr Sierra RN bullet.

Choice #2 25/06 with 115 gr Nosler Partition.

Both guns shoot MOA or better.

Will be hunting in the woods, or edge of field, expected shots 50 - 150 yds.

Please resist your urges to suggest other calibers.  Not in the cards for this year, maybe next.

What's your pick?

[Redhawk1]

7mm08 would be my choice hands down. A heavy bullet is better than a lighter one and plus the 7mm08 makes a little bigger hole. I am all about making a big hole.

[corbanzo]

7mm08 would be my choice hands down. A heavy bullet is better than a lighter one and plus the 7mm08 makes a little bigger hole. I am all about making a big hole.

Agreed.  My look on the .25-06 is that it is a great varmit round, and a good medium deer round.  When you are talking about stuff that gets over 300 lbs, you need something bigger.

[victorcharlie]

7mm08 would be my choice hands down. A heavy bullet is better than a lighter one and plus the 7mm08 makes a little bigger hole. I am all about making a big hole.

Yep......make big holes........

[sixshooter]

I'd go with the 7mm-08.  I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Cranberry Lake with my Marlin 30/30 loaded with 170gr Core Lokts.

[Gregory]

Thanks for the replies.  You're confirming my choice too.  I'll be loading the 25/06 as a back up to the 7mm08.