question for .25/06 shooters?

[thelaw]

i have an old ruger m77 with the tang safety that shoots the hornady 120gr. HP loaded to about 3100fps with excellent accuracy. the load has always performed flawlessly on deer and such, but i've never had to shoot anything over 200 yards with it. this fall i will be going to wyoming on an antelope hunt and will be using this same load. my question is, does anyone have any experience with the hornady 120gr. HP and what do you think about how it will perform at lower velocities at longer ranges? on whitetails and coyotes its always blown clean thru, no matter what angle with devestating results.

[michbob]

Never used that particular bullet in my .25, but if it is adequate for whitetails, it should do fine at longer ranges for antelope, which are a bit smaller species.

Michbob

PS:  Ahhh, Wyoming....

[Val]

I use the Nosler Partition 120 grain for my 25-06 deer load. For longer ranges I would use the 100 grain Nosler BTs which shoot more accurately in my 25-06 than the Partitions.

[Gregory]

I don't see any need for a partition type bullet for deer sized critters.  Your current load should be fine.

[new wildcatter]

I shoot a 100 gr nosler solid base at  about 3350 fps, and it has taken countless kansas whitetail, and coyotes.

[Lawdog]

thelaw,

I have been shooting the .25-06 since long before Remington adopted it and gave it their name(over 40 years).  I too have a older Ruger tang safety M77V(varmint model) .25-06 that is my favorite .25-06(got two others in the safe).  For Wyoming Antelope I wouldn’t use anything heavier than 100 gr. bullet.  And unless you want your Antelope tore up badly stay away from Ballistic Tips and SST bullets.  Me, I‘m loading 100 gr. Barnes TSX’s for Antelope in my .25-06’s.  Lawdog
 

[thelaw]

i'm just curious to see how the hornady 120gr HP i use on deer will work at extreme ranges on antelope. i'm wondering will there be adequate velocity to make the bullet open up and perform properly.

[Lawdog]

thelaw,

On an animal as small as an Antelope(80+/- lbs. live weight) I believe you will get incomplete expansion using the Hornady 120 gr. HP bullets.  Thus the chance of wounding one is greater due to a smaller wound channel.  I mean you are traveling how far for a chance at a trophy why scrimp on the one item that connects you with your trophy?  Switch to a suitable premium bullet if you reload or buy a good premium factory load like Federal with premium bullets suitable for the game you’re hunting.  Small groups and tight lines to you.  Lawdog
 

[Mike in Ct]

I used to use the speer 100 gr HP in my 257 roberts only for varmints. The Hornady 100 gr. spire point was a good choice for deer & had a flatter trajectory..I'd look for a more effiecient shape for long range work...Hornady makes many good non HP designs in the 115 & 120 weights..Good luck & enjoy your hunt..I hope you get to practice at 300 yds before you go..Try some chuck hunting with the loads you decide on..mike in ct