Author Topic: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT  (Read 1580 times)

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Online Graybeard

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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.


Bill aka the Graybeard
President, Graybeard Outdoor Enterprises
256-435-1125

I am not a lawyer and do not give legal advice.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life anyone who believes in Him will have everlasting life!

Offline orerancher

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2022, 09:58:36 AM »
I agree! 

Online Mule 11

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2022, 10:07:29 AM »
I am intrigued by the 25 06 butt. There is almost always a butt. I choose the 30 cal due to the plethora of bullets available. Not knocking the 25...

Offline Ranger99

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2022, 06:13:03 PM »
Now deceased neighbor used a 25/06
for all his big game hunting.
All his deer, and a big elk he had on the
wall. Had a big west Texas mule deer
on the wall at his old house he'd shot
with his 25/06.  Not sure of what loads
he used for what
18 MINUTES.  . . . . . .

Online Lloyd Smale

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2022, 11:04:06 PM »
its always been in my top 5 of favorite calibers. Ive owned at least one since 1980 and up to 4 of them at one time. I have two today. A wby vanguard and the only custom bolt action i ever have had built (which should show how much i like it) its a interarms mauser action with a Douglass barrel and AAA french walnut I had it build in 1986. Absoulutely beautiful rifle and it even has some marks on it because its been USED. Ive allways had kind of a thing for all the 25s. 250 savage 257 roberts and the 257 wby too. Now my #1 has and allways will be the good old 06 but add in the 280 and the rest of my favorites are 25s.
blue lives matter

Offline Buckskin

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #5 on: January 26, 2022, 01:45:49 AM »
I have a Rem Sendero 25-06, fun shooting, very low recoil, fast and extremely accurate.  I run a 110gr Accubond for hunting and it's going out at almost 3200.

Kinda odd that they don't even list a Remington model in the article...
Buckskin

"I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.   --John Wayne

Offline Dee

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #6 on: January 26, 2022, 02:02:29 AM »
I had a Remington Sendero in 2506. I also had a BDL with a varmint barrel, and a BDL with a standard tapered barrel. All 3 in 2506.
Had 4 Ruger 77s in 2506, one with a varmint barrel.
All shot well I just decided I wanted a lighter rifle and moved to the 22-250.
Had 6 or 7 of those.  All of them shot well also.
Now all I have is a lot of hand loaded ammo for both.
You may all go to hell, I will go to Texas. Davy Crockett

Offline billy_56081

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #7 on: January 26, 2022, 03:30:00 AM »
I've had an interarms Mark 10 Mauser in 25-06 since I was 18.
99% of all Lawyers give the other 1% a bad name. What I find hilarious about this is they are such an arrogant bunch, that they all think they are in the 1%.

Online Lloyd Smale

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #8 on: January 26, 2022, 04:36:34 AM »
ive owned many ruger 77s most for a short time because the were at best mediocre shooters. Had a 2506 markII though that was hands down the best shooting 77 ive owned. Had a #1 b 2506 that was a tack driver too. matter of fact i dont think ive owned a 2506 period that wasnt a exceptional shooter.   
I had a Remington Sendero in 2506. I also had a BDL with a varmint barrel, and a BDL with a standard tapered barrel. All 3 in 2506.
Had 4 Ruger 77s in 2506, one with a varmint barrel.
All shot well I just decided I wanted a lighter rifle and moved to the 22-250.
Had 6 or 7 of those.  All of them shot well also.
Now all I have is a lot of hand loaded ammo for both.
blue lives matter

Offline Dee

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #9 on: January 26, 2022, 06:48:11 AM »
Back in the 70s most of my bolt action rifles were Ruger Model 77s. I always glass bedded the actions, and floated the barrels.
The factory trigger was always crappy, but not hard to slick up.
After all that, I don't remember having a Ruger Model 77 in 22-250, or 2506 that wouldn't shoot under an inch.
You may all go to hell, I will go to Texas. Davy Crockett

Offline mcbammer

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #10 on: January 26, 2022, 12:51:40 PM »
 I pretty much avoid any caliber with the words  wildcat cartridge  ,its  usually  followed by  the words  [ out of stock] .

Offline orerancher

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #11 on: January 26, 2022, 12:55:42 PM »
I pretty much avoid any caliber with the words  wildcat cartridge  ,its  usually  followed by  the words  [ out of stock] .

I'm the other way....I seek out the Wildcats.....

and as far as I see, Everything thats not 9mm or 223, is 'Out of Stock'

Offline mcbammer

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #12 on: January 26, 2022, 01:13:05 PM »
I pretty much avoid any caliber with the words  wildcat cartridge  ,its  usually  followed by  the words  [ out of stock] .

I'm the other way....I seek out the Wildcats.....

and as far as I see, Everything thats not 9mm or 223, is 'Out of Stock'
Nothing wrong with that ,  I reload for 4 calibers now and  an really dont  want to  exceed   that .

Offline Dee

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #13 on: January 26, 2022, 01:20:28 PM »
I reload for only 2 calibers now.
You may all go to hell, I will go to Texas. Davy Crockett

Offline orerancher

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #14 on: January 26, 2022, 01:57:59 PM »
I reload for only 2 calibers now.

I cast and Load for a least 30.....

Offline Dee

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #15 on: January 26, 2022, 02:24:56 PM »
I started reloading in either 1970 or 71. For decades I couldn't get enough of it.
From 223 to 4570 in rifles, and from 9mm to 45 long Colt in pistols. .

Because of my job I slowly lost interest in a lot of the calibers over the years, because I shot so much in training recruits, and SRT teams.

Back several years ago after retirement, I gave my working guns to my boys and settled on one rifle, and one caliber in pistol.

I have 1 center fire rifle, 2 centerfire carry pistols, and 2 shotguns.
Also in 22 caliber, I have 1 rifle, and 1 pistol.

They will do anything I need to do.
You may all go to hell, I will go to Texas. Davy Crockett

Offline orerancher

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #16 on: January 27, 2022, 06:49:39 AM »
Started in 1972, Poundin .243 Brass into a Leeloader...

I like the Oddball and Wildcats...Stuff Ya have to make or Convert Brass for....There is a Whole World of Alloys, Sizes,OAL's, Powders and Combinations of them to Try....

One Rifle?  One Pistol?.......I'm gonna have Nightmares!

Offline Buckskin

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #17 on: January 27, 2022, 07:18:36 AM »
I favor wildcats over traditional cartridges.  At them moment I have Ruger 204, 25-06, 6.5 CM, 7mm-08, 300 RUM all of which I prefer for one reason or another over their parent cartridge.  And I've had them all aside from the 404 Jeffry.
Buckskin

"I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.   --John Wayne

Offline mcbammer

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #18 on: January 27, 2022, 08:06:38 AM »
Started in 1972, Poundin .243 Brass into a Leeloader...

I like the Oddball and Wildcats...Stuff Ya have to make or Convert Brass for....There is a Whole World of Alloys, Sizes,OAL's, Powders and Combinations of them to Try....

One Rifle?  One Pistol?.......I'm gonna have Nightmares!
  Reloading for 30  guns would gives me nightmares .   

Online Lloyd Smale

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #19 on: January 27, 2022, 09:10:02 AM »
i do at least twice that number and lost count many years ago of the ones i loaded for and let go. No big deal. Never do more then two at a time and keep good records.
Started in 1972, Poundin .243 Brass into a Leeloader...

I like the Oddball and Wildcats...Stuff Ya have to make or Convert Brass for....There is a Whole World of Alloys, Sizes,OAL's, Powders and Combinations of them to Try....

One Rifle?  One Pistol?.......I'm gonna have Nightmares!
  Reloading for 30  guns would gives me nightmares .
blue lives matter

Offline orerancher

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #20 on: January 27, 2022, 09:35:34 AM »
Started in 1972, Poundin .243 Brass into a Leeloader...

I like the Oddball and Wildcats...Stuff Ya have to make or Convert Brass for....There is a Whole World of Alloys, Sizes,OAL's, Powders and Combinations of them to Try....

One Rifle?  One Pistol?.......I'm gonna have Nightmares!
  Reloading for 30  guns would gives me nightmares .

LOL,  I Load for at Least 30 Cartridges...there are More then One Gun for many of them....

Offline orerancher

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #21 on: January 27, 2022, 09:38:25 AM »
i do at least twice that number and lost count many years ago of the ones i loaded for and let go. No big deal. Never do more then two at a time and keep good records.

Yes Sir,   That's How Ya Do It....

Offline Ranger99

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #22 on: January 28, 2022, 11:57:34 AM »
. . . .  and keep good records.

The key ^ ^ ^ ^ to the whole thing,  although
many these days dispute it for whatever
reason.  Probably the easiest and most
step to consistent and successful reloading
there is
18 MINUTES.  . . . . . .

Offline Buckskin

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #23 on: January 29, 2022, 03:57:30 AM »
. . . .  and keep good records.

The key ^ ^ ^ ^ to the whole thing,  although
many these days dispute it for whatever
reason.  Probably the easiest and most
step to consistent and successful reloading
there is

I'd say just as important to record keeping is consistency and changing only one variable at a time.
Buckskin

"I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.   --John Wayne

Offline DDZ

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #24 on: January 29, 2022, 03:25:28 PM »
When I was 16 I had saved my money, and bought a Remington BDL in 25-06 for $149. At the same time I bought a 3x9 leupold Vari X ll for $80. If fact after this hunting season I took the scope off the rifle for the first time in 48 years, and sent it back to Leupold because the clarity had declined.
I have used that rifle ever since for varmint and deer hunting.   I have always loaded the 117gr. Sierra pro hunter spitzer flat base. Some say the Sierra doesn't perform well on game. I have found if you put it in the right spot its as good of a killer as any. The boat tail never shot as well in my rifle as the flat base.
I just shot another buck with it this hunting season at just about 200 yards. It went 15 yards and fell.  I think its one of the best all around calibers there is. Its a great bean field rifle. Some claim its to much rifle for varmints, and that may be for some, but it worked great for groundhog hunting.     
Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.    Wm. Penn

Offline Dee

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #25 on: January 29, 2022, 03:57:33 PM »
You should try'em on prairie dogs. Little furry bottle rockets with a a pink vapor trail.
You may all go to hell, I will go to Texas. Davy Crockett

Offline DDZ

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #26 on: January 30, 2022, 01:45:12 AM »
You should try'em on prairie dogs. Little furry bottle rockets with a a pink vapor trail.

I always wished there were prairie dogs here. I always wanted to go west and hunt prairie dogs, but just never did.
Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.    Wm. Penn

Online Lloyd Smale

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #27 on: January 30, 2022, 02:35:52 AM »
Sister lives in MT and i used to go out just about every year to shoot them with my brother in law. Mostly with 22 centerfires and probably 3/4s of them with my 22250. Took my rem classic 6mm along once loaded with 70s and it was jaw dropping how much harder it hit them. cant imagine what a light bullet 2506 would do to them.
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Offline Buckskin

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Re: 25-06 REMINGTON: THE OVERLOOKED ROUND AND 5 SOLID RIFLES CHAMBERED IN IT
« Reply #28 on: January 30, 2022, 03:11:08 AM »
You should try'em on prairie dogs. Little furry bottle rockets with a a pink vapor trail.

I always wished there were prairie dogs here. I always wanted to go west and hunt prairie dogs, but just never did.

No, you really don't.  While fun to shoot, they are vermin which literally carry the plague transferable to humans, they tear up pastures and make holes for cattle to break their legs.
Buckskin

"I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.   --John Wayne