Author Topic: 270 or 25/06 for (Read 7113 times)

3leggedturtle · « **on:** November 16, 2009, 06:49:14 PM »

Groundhogs, antelope and deer?

Which of these do you use and why? Am going to buy one long range bolt rifle just for fun. I have leverguns that will cover and take care of anything in U.S. and Alaska up to 200 yards.

JASmith · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2009, 07:20:56 PM »

I have a .270 BLR and would be hard pressed to recommend the rifle for groundhogs only because of the trigger pull.

Having said that, a good .270 will work fine for all three classes of game. There are many who believe the 25-06 works well on animals up to and including elk.

A lot will depend on which is your most common shooting. If you plan to shoot more than about 100 g'hogs in a year and you want to use the same bullet for the longer ranges with elk, the 25-06 might be a more comfortable choice since the 120 grain bullets may not be too heavy for g'hogs while being almost adequate for elk.

On the other hand, if you plan to use different bullets for varmints and big game the 85gr .277 bullet is not much heavier than the lightest .257 varmint bullet and any bullet of 130 grains or larger is more capable on elk. Furthermore, more choices of factory ammo are available.

Good luck -- I'm also curious about how the conversation you've started will go!

Grumulkin · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2009, 11:34:39 PM »

Quote from: 3leggedturtle on November 16, 2009, 06:49:14 PM

Groundhogs, antelope and deer? Which of these do you use and why? Am going to buy one long range bolt rifle just for fun. I have leverguns that will cover and take care of anything in U.S. and Alaska up to 200 yards.

They're both very adequate for the game you propose to take. Which one would I use? That would depend on which barrel I had on my Encore at the time. I usually leave a barrel on my Encore until I get bored with it and then change to another one so, I guess boredom would be my guide. I've taken deer with both cartridges by the way.

The 25/06 is probably a bit flatter shooting than the 270 Win. but barrel life in the 270 Win. is probably a bit better than in the 25/06. Brass in 270 Win. has better availability at good prices than does the 25/06.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2009, 12:42:07 AM »

For ground hogs I'd prefer the .25-06 and a .243 or .22-250 would be better still. For deer and antelope I'd prefer the .270 to the .25-06 but as stated both will do the job just fine. My compromise is a .257 Whby. Mag. which spits those same bullets out about 300 fps faster than the .25-06 for flatter trajectory but to me requires premium bullets just in case a close up shot is presented. The velocities this rascal delivers is hard on bullets and up close I'd not trust a conventional cup and core bullet to do the job for me.

I'd love to see how much of a ground hog would be left after a hit with a Nosler 100 BT or 110 AB leaving out about 3500 fps or 3600 fps. Talk about over kill.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #4 on:** November 18, 2009, 04:42:11 AM »

Today, with the ammo shortage, I think I'd stay with a common caliber.

I'd pick the .270, simply because of ammo availability of lack there of..... if for no other reason.

Siskiyou · « **Reply #5 on:** November 18, 2009, 05:57:19 AM »

I like the 25-06 but my only association with it has been in the hands of another. I have seen it do the job on varmints and deer.

I have already showed my hand in other post, and I have used the 270 on everything from digger squirrels to bear. When I was a kid shooting Rock Chucks I was using the same 130-grain Bronze Point or Cor-Lock as I used on deer. It had the red splat effect on Rock Chucks. It also made me a better shot when deer season opened.

If you are a reloader the ammunition supply is not an issue, if not you are going to have to do a little digging.

I have found that the 270 Winchester shoots 110, 130, 140, and 150-grain bullets out of the same barrel without a problem. If you go looking for 100 or 110 grain factory ammunition for the 270 Winchester the search becomes a little more challenging. The last 100-grain factory ammunition I bought for the 270 Winchester was fifty years ago. Since then I have loaded 110-grain Sierra bullets for it. I still have a couple boxes of the 110-grain bullets on hand and loaded some last spring.

For many years the 270 Winchester was my combination rifle. After twenty years I purchased a .243 Winchester for varmint/coyote hunting. In raw numbers the 110-grain bullet out performs the .243 Winchester 80-grain load. But the 80-grain bullet requires 30% less powder, and the bullet cost about a penny less than the 110-grain 270 bullet. Recoil and muzzle blast is less with the .243 Winchester. Cost advantage of the 25-06 over the .270 Winchester is more difficult to define. The 25-06 is a fine caliber but I think the .270 has a slight edge when it comes to long range shooting or windy conditions. If you factor in an occasional black bear that runs from 75 pounds to 600 pounds I give the edge to the .270 Winchester.

The .270 Winchester makes a lot of noise for shooting Rock Chucks on small farms; it can be heard a mile away.

84Jim · « **Reply #6 on:** November 18, 2009, 06:29:48 AM »

I had the same choice some years ago and chose the 25-06 (Rem 700 BDL). But practicaly, theres not alot of practical difference between the 2 cartridges. The 25-06 is probably a better choice for varmits, and the 270 allows 150 grainers which are better for elk and bear if you ever want to hunt those. Both make the same noise so that probably isn't a deciding factor.

My 25-06 is super accurate with 87 gr. hollow points, and I've shot a bunch of hogs out to about 250 yds. Head shots at 125 yds. or less usually totally remove the head. Nice

My sporter weight barrel, 4 x 12 scope, and hunting trigger make longer shots difficult. I now use 120 gr. partitions for deer after a few cup and core bullets blew up at close range on deer. Interestingly, a buddy has had some failures with 130 grainers in his 270.

I think whichever route you take, you won't go wrong.

Good luck!

Jim

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2009, 11:49:44 AM »

The .25-06 is perhaps the best dual purpose cartridge available. I use a .257 Roberts at +P velocities for the same purpose.

By contrast, the .270 Win is perhaps the best cartridge available for a dedicated deer rifle.

Lone Star · « **Reply #8 on:** November 21, 2009, 05:33:14 PM »

Considering the targets the OP wants to shoot - groundhogs, antelope and deer (not elk or bear) - then the .25-06 wins over the .270.....by a tiny bit. And that is because it is a better varmint cartridge than the .270. I developed some very accurate long range .270 varmint loads for a Ruger #1 some years ago and they worked great - but recoil was higher than I liked for the trajectory. In a similar .25-06 belonging to a friend, the 85/87-grain .257" bullets were just as accurate and shot just as flat as the .270, but recoil was notably lower. You will shoot better from prone positions with lower recoil, something that "long range hunters" seem to forget about when they imagine themselves shooting at varmints at incredible ranges.....

No one needs more than a 120-grain .257" bullet for any antelope or deer, and it will do anything that a 130-grain .277" bullet will do. Like GB I shoot a .257 Weatherby for antelope and long range deer (actually two of them...). I sold the .270s.

.

JASmith · « **Reply #9 on:** November 21, 2009, 06:56:07 PM »

Quote from: Lone Star on November 21, 2009, 05:33:14 PM

Considering the targets the OP wants to shoot - groundhogs, antelope and deer (not elk or bear) - then the .25-06 wins over the .270.....by a tiny bit.

Good point!

Also, the 85 gr 25 caliber bullets should shoot just a little flatter than 85 (Barnes & Sierra) and 90 (Speer) gr 270 bullets.

Truly, if there is no interest now or later in larger game than deer, the 25-06 will work fine. I still lean toward the 270, however, because the difference in trajectory is so small. The lightest bullets weigh the same in both calibers means that the recoil should be the same for similar muzzle velocities.

Being able to go all the way to 150 gr bullets (Nosler offers 160 gr partitions if you are serious about penetration) gives the 270 significant flexibility.

Lone Star · « **Reply #10 on:** November 22, 2009, 06:00:51 AM »

Quote

...The lightest bullets weigh the same in both calibers means that the recoil should be the same for similar muzzle velocities.

IME the lightest weight .277" bullets (90-100 grains) don't fare well past ~200 yards, with their groups' moa sizes increasing alarmingly by 300 yards. The only ones I'd shoot at long range were the 110-grainers from Sierra and Hornady as these maintained their accuracy and reduced the wind drift over the shorter bullets. OTOH .257" bullets in the 85/87-grain range worked very well at long range from both an accuracy and drift standpoint. The .270 certainly works, but the .25-06 is far more pleasant to shoot with equally-performing long range varmint loads.

.

JASmith · « **Reply #11 on:** November 22, 2009, 07:09:18 AM »

Quote from: Lone Star on November 22, 2009, 06:00:51 AM

IME the lightest weight .277" bullets (90-100 grains) don't fare well past ~200 yards, with their groups' moa sizes increasing alarmingly by 300 yards. The only ones I'd shoot at long range were the 110-grainers from Sierra and Hornady as these maintained their accuracy and reduced the wind drift over the shorter bullets. OTOH .257" bullets in the 85/87-grain range worked very well at long range from both an accuracy and drift standpoint. The .270 certainly works, but the .25-06 is far more pleasant to shoot with equally-performing long range varmint loads.

.

Your points are well-taken!

nomosendero · « **Reply #12 on:** November 22, 2009, 05:41:27 PM »

Quote from: Lone Star on November 21, 2009, 05:33:14 PM

Considering the targets the OP wants to shoot - groundhogs, antelope and deer (not elk or bear) - then the .25-06 wins over the .270.....by a tiny bit. And that is because it is a better varmint cartridge than the .270. I developed some very accurate long range .270 varmint loads for a Ruger #1 some years ago and they worked great - but recoil was higher than I liked for the trajectory. In a similar .25-06 belonging to a friend, the 85/87-grain .257" bullets were just as accurate and shot just as flat as the .270, but recoil was notably lower. You will shoot better from prone positions with lower recoil, something that "long range hunters" seem to forget about when they imagine themselves shooting at varmints at incredible ranges.....

No one needs more than a 120-grain .257" bullet for any antelope or deer, and it will do anything that a 130-grain .277" bullet will do. Like GB I shoot a .257 Weatherby for antelope and long range deer (actually two of them...). I sold the .270s.

.

Spot on!!

I shoot both & like both & have shot the 25-06 for many years, currently a 25-06AI which is basically about
100-125fps faster than the 25-06 & 100fps slower than the Wea. Yes, the 25 is a better Var choice & great for Deer & probably about the best you can get for Antelope. And yes, the 120 will do what the 130 270 will do, if fact, the SD for the 120 is roughly the same as a 140 in the 270.

Savage .250 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 23, 2009, 01:40:25 AM »

Nothing wrong with the 25-06 but for me it would be the .270. Just a personal choice.

whsk · « **Reply #14 on:** November 23, 2009, 03:45:18 PM »

flip a coin on those calibers or get the do it all 257 weatherby and be ready for anything!

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #15 on:** November 24, 2009, 03:35:12 AM »

For what it is worth, I saw a nice 6x6 bull elk, a cow elk and a 4x4 mulie buck hanging when I went elk hunting earlier this month.

The bull was shot twice, although the second was probably unnecessary, the others were one-shot affairs. All were taken by a 12-year old girl from Michigan with a .25-06 and a 117g Hornady bullet.

GradyL41 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 28, 2009, 12:20:48 PM »

I reload for both 25.06 and the .270-- --have seen both used at about 350 steps on deer-- based on recoil and accuracy -- I use the 25.06 --their ability to put bullets close together is a marvel to me-and yes I have used a 6 mm Remington, a 26" 22-250 Winchester- on ground hogs-- still for all around use I am good to go with my 25.06 Remington--I made my brass from nickel ed 30.06 and with the blue tipped Nosler BT the round looks real good - and it does well on deer up to a 251# KY 11pt and no I did not shoot him my friend who had never hunted in his life got him at 175 steps with one shot-is it better than a 270 not really --it is what you like and shoots well for ya-- and every young hunter (girls too)will shoot my 270 and go back to 25. with out fail -- 115-120gr @3100

-- I have a friend who runs a pheasant farm and chases trophy Mulies-- in his camp the largest elk taken was a 5x5??? anyway he said it was huge --one shot 25.06 factory rounds -- and around here ammo is easy to come by- you will likely be happy with either-

nodlenor · « **Reply #17 on:** November 29, 2009, 06:58:51 AM »

I have both and both would work fine for what you want. Ammo for the 270 would be more plentiful but if you reload that wouldn't be a problem. I think you will be happy with either, but both would be better.

shot1 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 05, 2009, 09:11:34 AM »

I have shot both for years. If I went to just one rifle for varmint through deer it would be the 25-06. 87 gr Sierras for varmints and 117 Sierras for deer size game. I would not hesitate to shoot an elk with my 25-06 inside 400 yards with a 120 gr Speer Grand Slam bullet. If it will shoot through a big buck deer from chest through it's ham taking the ball socket out with it at a close 40 yards with the high muzzle velocity and still hold together, it will put an elks lungs out of working order quick.

jro45 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 27, 2009, 03:00:08 AM »

For Ground hogs I use my 22-250 shooting 55gr HP. I have killed them up to 200yds.

For deer I use my 30/06 or my 7mm Mag.Or of course my 270 Win Mag.

rickt300 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 28, 2009, 05:01:15 AM »

In the same weight rifle I've always felt between the two I'd rather have a 270. I consider neither cartridge exceptional for varminting but have shot more coyotes with a 270 than any other cartridge. For groundhogs, prairie dogs and gophers a 22 centerfire is much to be preferred. My favorite is the 22-250 with the 223 a good close second.

3leggedturtle · « **Reply #21 on:** January 25, 2010, 12:26:10 PM »

Well y'all can laugh or shake your head at me, BUT was ready to buy a 270 Ruger M77 Left hand, started driving truck again and dang if I didnt find an octagon barrelled M92 in 25/20 so i bought that and a 16" Contender carbine barrel in 9mm Luger.

rickt300 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 26, 2010, 02:49:59 AM »

And now you can still get a 25-06 or a 270, your a slick gunnie you are.

Three44s · « **Reply #23 on:** January 26, 2010, 08:40:41 PM »

Dat slick!!!

You could get yourself a Savage or Stevens and switch barrels between the .270 and the .25-06.

Three 44s

Justin10mm · « **Reply #24 on:** April 22, 2010, 07:11:00 AM »

I use a 270 with 130gr winchester power points for everything, from coons to hogs, just because the rifle it is chaibered in is my beater gun that I'm not afraid to scratch or ding. But if I had to pick just one caliber it would be the 25-06 rem., just use a 115 or 117 grain SP or balistic tip bullet and blast away. If you go after tougher game than deer, swith to a partition os the same weight.
I once shot a large hog quartering away at about 25 yards with my 25-06 loaded with 115gr partitions, and pulled the bullet from under the off side skin after the bullet broke the off shoulder. A lesser bullet would not have performed near as well on such a tough animal at such high impact velocity.

magnum308 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 10, 2010, 02:31:17 PM »

I am definitely a .270 Win fan, thought the 25-06 is a fine calibre.

Though I have not had any experience with the game you mention, on a recent Tahr and Chamois hunt in the alpine areas of New Zealand's south island my Winchester pre 64 M70 featerweight in .270 win using 140 gr Hornady SPBT interlocks driven at around 3,044 fps accounted for these two animals admirably.

Chamois (a bit smaller than antelope size) taken at 200 yards at around 5,500 feet elevation. The 140 Hornadys interlocks opened nicely in a shoulder shot from above (exit wound visible in lower chest in photo).

kudzu · « **Reply #26 on:** June 12, 2010, 08:26:11 AM »

270wsm for larger and 22-250 for smaller. Never liked a one gun question

thetrio · « **Reply #27 on:** June 24, 2010, 07:12:50 AM »

I personally like the 25 06 better than the 270 as I shoot more varmints than big game.

JASmith · « **Reply #28 on:** June 25, 2010, 10:24:30 AM »

Quote from: thetrio on June 24, 2010, 07:12:50 AM

I personally like the 25 06 better than the 270 as I shoot more varmints than big game.

Good Choice!

I've seen others make the same decision. Folks seem very happy with the choice and have heard few complaints.

The rifle will still have a place in your gun cabinet even after you decide you want a big banger (caliber probably larger than .30) and a dedicated varmint rifle (.223 or smaller).

texbell · « **Reply #29 on:** October 30, 2010, 07:54:50 PM »

270 rules,,, ive had a 270, 3006, 243, 303, 7.62x54, 7.62x39. 270 was the best of all of them?