https://www.wideopenspaces.com/25-06-remington-the-overlooked-round-and-5-solid-rifles-chambered-in-it/
Browning/Weatherby/Winchester
Posted by Travis Smola
The 25-06 Remington is often a forgotten hunting round.Shooters today have more options than ever when it comes to rifle cartridges for hunting medium sized big game like whitetails, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and varmints like woodchucks, prairie dogs, and coyotes. Unfortunately, quality rounds like the 260 Remington, 7mm Remington Magnum, and others get overlooked for the big, buzz-worthy rounds like 6.5 Creedmoor.
Yet another example of this is the wildcat cartridge 25-06 Remington. This round has been around for decades and has proven itself in the field time and again over the years. Yet it is still relatively unknown despite the fact so many companies produce great bolt action rifles chambered in it.
Today we'll examine why you might consider picking up a 25-06 Remington as your next hunting gun. We'll also recommend some of the better options on the market right now for this old and reliable round.
25-06 Remington the round.Technically, this round has been around since 1915 when firearms enthusiast Charles Newton first necked down a .30-06 Springfield to a 25 caliber, creating what was then known as the 250-3000 Savage. Five years later, around 1920, gunsmith Adolph Otto Niedner experimented further with a necked-down .30-06. The only real difference was Niedner's design didn't change the case length, which allowed the case to hold more powder, thus creating what then became known as the .25 Niedner.
Even though there were some rifles floating around chambered for this round, it wasn't until 1969 that Remington made it part of their line and changed the name to .25-06 Remington. This round uses a .257 bullet. Although it's a little faster than the 257 Roberts and slower than the 257 Weatherby.
If there's a disadvantage to the 25-06 Rem, it's that you are somewhat limited on bullet weights. They top out at around 120 grains. There are some 130-grain projectiles out there, but they do require a custom barrel, so it's probably best to stay beneath that.
That's not to say this round isn't effective for hunting though. Nosler Partition Trophy Grade factory ammo has a muzzle velocity of about 3,300 fps at the muzzle that only slows to 3,031 fps at 100 yards. Remington Core-Lokt soft points give similar performance. You're looking at 3,230 fps at the muzzle and 2,892 fps at 100 yards. Hornady has a new 90-grain CX Superformance that's travelling 3,350 fps at the muzzle and 2,980 fps at 100 yards while delivering 1,774-foot pounds of energy.
For mule deer, antelope, and coyotes this is a highly effective hunting round. It's just a shame more hunters don't know about it. Especially since so many manufacturers produce rifles in this caliber, as you'll see from our list below.
Browning X-Bolt White Gold Medallion
Browning
We love an old-school hunting rifle, and the X-Bolt offers lots of modern features while still retaining an old school look. Browning keeps the weight of this beauty down to just six pounds, 14 ounces despite it having a beautiful black walnut stock with a gloss finish. This rifle features a 24-inch free floating barrel with a 1:10 twist rate. Browning gave this rifle their adjustable feather trigger system that allows you to adjust it from three to five pounds with a simple turn of a screw. This rifle is fed through rotary magazines and features a short 60-degree bolt life that allows you to cycle quicker for faster follow ups.
Winchester Model 70 Extreme Hunter Strata MB
Winchester
This one was just introduced this year and is brand new for 2022. This rifle has a 22-inch barrel with a 1:10 twist rate and features a flat dark earth Cerakote finish on both the fluted barrel and receiver to help protect it from whatever nature throws at you. This rifle has Winchester's famous "Pre-'64 action" and a three-position safety to make it a safe handling firearm. The weight is manageable at seven pounds, two ounces. Winchester gave this rifle a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad, hinged floorplate, and a jeweled boat body. If you are planning on hiking deep into the backcountry for your buck, this rifle will handle it like a pro.
Savage Axis XP Stainless
Savage Arms
This rifle is an excellent option for the deer hunter on a budget. You get a lot of great features for just under $500 new. That's not bad for a rifle with a stainless steel barrel. It has a 22-inch length with a 1:10 rate of twist. This rifle features a synthetic stock that helps keep the weight just over seven pounds. Savage's XP packages come with a factory-mounted and already bore sighted 3-9x40mm Weaver scope attached. No extra time mounting yourself or waiting for a gunsmith. Just hit the range and start sighting it in.
Weatherby Vanguard Synthetic
Weatherby
Another solid budget option, this rifle gets high praise from users for fit and finish. It doesn't feel like a budget gun in any way. The 25-06 Rem option has a cold hammer forged 24-inch barrel with a 1:10 twist and Weatherby guarantees a sub-MOA group at 100 yards using Weatherby factory or premium ammo. Despite being a budget option, this gun has a fluted bolt body, an adjustable two-stage trigger, and a fully enclosed bolt sleeve. It's always good to see companies like Weatherby who are known for premium-grade stuff making a quality rifle that is more affordable for us average Joes like this one.
Mossberg Patriot Walnut
Mossberg
If you prefer a more traditional wooden stock without breaking the bank on a more premium brand, the Patriot is one to consider. This rifle has a walnut stock and a matte blued finish. The 22-inch barrel is fluted to help keep the weight down to seven pounds. This rifle features Weaver style bases ready for the optic of your choice. With an MSRP just over $600, this rifle is highly affordable. That means more money for all your other hunting gear.
