New to NEF w/ a 25-06 question

[ryan q]

I'm right on the edge of buying my first centerfire rifle and I think it will be the 26" handi rifle in 25-06.  I don't want a hard recoiling rifle but one that can handle NE whitetails and a lucky encounter with an Adirondack black bear.  I'd like to be able to sit at the range a little and not get beaten up also.  I don't reload...yet anyway...so factory ammo only for now.  I read that often the NEF rifles prefer lighter bullets, is that true? If so thats a problem for big game.  Am I making a good choice here. Any guidance would be much appreciated.
The only big game guns I've shot much are 50cal muzzleloaders and 12ga slugguns and I'm sick of the feeling bruised, I want more fun and less flinch. What do you think

[quickdtoo]

Welcome! See the FAQs and Help(spend lots of time reading there) link to the Best Factory Ammo thread, the 25-06 does fine with 115gr-120gr bullets, the 115gr Nosler partition Federal ammo for one that would work fine for your application. 

Tim

[jhalcott]

the 25-06 is a fine choice for your needs. the 100 grain bullet does great for deer and the 120 grain bullet is available IF you think you need it. Many people feel that the .243 is as good as the 25-06 for deer because there is ONLY 100 fps difference in the 100(243) and 120(257)bullets. BUT if you can NOT place the bullet where it needs to go,NEITHER would be a good choice. I've used both and several other calibers such as the .260,250 Savage, 7-08 and 7-30 Waters for deer in Maine . They all work when I do MY part!  You Might have to try a few different brands to find the one your gun prefers. You NEED the practice any way!!

[deerjackie]

x10 on the 115 nosler partition.aim,shoot,open the tailgate.

[kennyd]

Mine likes 117 gr. just fine.  I also have a few Barnes XLC's in 115 which I am hoarding.  I just sighted it for antelope and am getting 1.5 inches with no trouble.  This is with OLD eyes and a slight unsteady technique.  Read the sticky stuff, I did have to shim the forearm.

[briannmilewis]

I don't own a 25-06 yet, but I have researched them a lot. The 7mm-08 Remington and the 25-06 are for all intents and purposes ballistic twins, that also produce the same recoil with the same bullets.

My thinking gives the 7mm-08 the edge because you can load heavier bullets than the 25-06, if you want to. In other words, the 7mm-08 can do everything the 25-06 can, plus more.

Don't mean to put down the 25-06, you should read some of the great elk hunting stories using the heaviest bullets.

FWIW

[danwolla]

If you are not a handloader, you may wish to price shells for several of the various calibers.  I am guessing that 25 06 are going to be on the expensive end.  I finally got my first handi in a trade, and will send it in for a couple or three barrels in the not too distant future, and 25-06 is very likely one of the barrels I will get, but shells are not cheap.  If you are looking for cheaper shells, I would check 270 and 308.  I have a 308 in my bolt gun and it is not a hard kicking rifle.  243 is probably cheaper as well, but might be a bit light for the game you are looking to hunt.  dw

[FLNT4EVR]

Maybe you should consider a Handi in 30-30. It is one of the best shooting calibers in a Handi. Low recoil,powerful enough for deer and black bear,and ammo is cheap and can be found everywhere.If you decide to handload,you can even use pointy bullets in the handi rifle.