Another great cast, thanks. BTW, the nephew of A. O. Niedner (Adolph Otto) was a member of my congregation for a number of years. When A.O.'s father and mother immigrated from Germany, the father changed the pronunciation of his name from the German "long e" to "long i" but kept the spelling. He said that the German pronunciation sounded too close to "needy" and he certainly wasn't going to be that. You can see his legacy in the Niedner Hose Company, one of the largest manufacturers of fire hoses and equipment. I don't know if Seth intentionally pronounced the name correctly in spite of the spelling, but old A.O. and his nephew, Charlie, would be proud. Again, thanks for the many casts.
Been hunting since the 60's. The 25-06 has been my go to rifle for many decades. Hand loading has perfected my 25-06 as a tack driver. Although I have many calibers. My 25-06 is in the field more than any other.
My Grandpa had a Custom Winchester 70 in 25-06 before it was a factory chambering. He shot deer in Eastern Montana with it to feed his family for many, many years. He died in 88 and one of my uncles got the rifle.
I’m uncle Ellis was a gunsmith in St George UT and also a top marksman in the National Guard. In fact he took the trophy win one year receiving the trophy from the President of the US. My first year of hunting I borrowed a 30-06 he built from a Springfield Army rifle with a beautiful Monti Carlo stock out of Birds Eye maple. The second year I wanted to buy a gun and he got me a new Remington 700 in 25-06 and necked down some 30-06 bullets because at the time you couldn’t buy them off the shelf. He touted how much he loved that caliber, playing with it the prior months. That would have been right about 1969. I have hunted a lot with it and have loved it ever since then. Thanks for immortalizing it again for me. You don’t hear much about it these days.
I got my first kill just 3 weeks ago: a cow elk. 101gr LRX out of a 25-06. Went 15 yards and dropped. Full pass through. Fantastic cartridge and I couldn’t have asked for more.
Yeah and if it pass through a cow elk it will pass through a bull elk also so don't listen to some of this crap it's just ppl opinion and seems they downplay it as much as they praise it
You have the answer to the baddest 25 ever. Your 134 is an absolutely perfect fit for the cartridge. 134-06 Hornady. Thank you guys for all your hard work.
Love the 25-06 unreasonably because it was my first big boy rifle. Still hammering medium game with it today. Exciters to fast twist one after this barrel goes
I picked up a left-handed Ruger laminated stock in 2506. Because of a great price point. I haven’t shot it much. But after watching this, it’s going hunting next year.
Pprc,,that's pee pee rc,,,they will take the powder capacity and drop it 10 grains then claim it's faster and hits harder ,,then market it to all the fools that buy anything that someone says is the best,,,,all pprc cartridges are less than the old proven ones ,, people get hooked on the bc bullshit,when nobody should be shooting at anything but targets at long range
After burning out 3 barrels plus 1 barrel receiver in 300 Win Mag shooting exclusively Hornady 130 gr SP’s, sold it to a fella who just had to have it. Back in 81, replaced it with the 25-06 and never looked back. Now 3 barrels, 1 barreled receiver on a new barreled receiver later reloading Hornady 117 gr SPBT which outperforms the 117 SST in wound channel entry and knockdown on whitetails. Now it’s time to bring it up into 2024 technology with the slower burning cooler runner propellants, up the twist up towards 7 1/2 to accommodate much heavier bullets like 133 gr perhaps 136+. This will give the performance to leave cartridges like the 6.5 CM in the dust. Yes, it will have a little more recoil with the 06 sending unit but look at the possibilities. Longer action people don’t like. If you get the adrenaline up they will never know the difference yet alone any recoil. Find a rifle twist to accomadate 100 to 133+ or better yet 115 to 133+ . 25-06 is a cross between a 22-250 and a 270. Just can’t beat it shooting cross canyons of Arizona & New Mexico😎
25/06 does a lot of things very well. Hand loaded its a laser. As mentioned there are better for larger game and better for smaller game. Bullets are just catching up. I love my 25, it’s a rocket ship hand loaded, great pod cast guys. Personal preference is all it is.
Thank you been waiting on a 25-06 cast .I've been hand loading the 25-06 for the past 15 years with 117 gr sst and interlock the sst is one of my favorite and when powder got hard to find I switch to the Hodgman Hybrid 100v and worked up a load that my gun love and .5 percent from being max charged I'm getting an average 3140 fps out of my 24 in barrel. Hoping a 25 prc will make an appearance sometime soon
25-06 was my first rifle (H&R single shot, heavy barrel) and its probably still my favorite cartridge. None of mine shoot the 115-117’s as good as the light stuff. 100 grain partitions (no offense to Hornady) hit like lightning on whitetails!
Bought my mod 700 used in 71. Still have 120 gr spire point flat base bullets that have the price sticker of 6.20 per 100. Those and 4831 have done the job for years
My old Vanguard synthetic 25-06 handloaded with the 117 grain interlocks sitting on top of 50 grains of IMR 4831 puts 3 rounds into 2 holes at 100 yards ain't too shabby. Can't wait for opening day for deer season or an axis to show up.
I have a semi custom Model 700 Varmint, 25-06, mid 1970’s vintage. It replaced another semi custom 700 from the same era , .257 Weatherby. Ammunition availability is one reason, although with handloading it’s not much different. And for a while I had a garden variety 700 BDL in 257 Roberts. The 25’s are just so right for so many different things.
I have 3, 25-06s right now. Ruger 77, Browning Abolt medallion 9 my deer slayer), and a Remington Long Range. Recently built a 25 creedmoor 1in7 for short range fclass, and a 25 prc 1in7.5 bench gun, just because. 134 eldms are awesome in both and cheaper than bergers. You could say I like the 25s. With my browning, never had a Kentucky whitetail take a step, drt. Nosler solid base, Thor’s hammer. Out of those now. I have a stash of interbonds and sst,s for deernow. Great podcast, guys.
Great show. I've hunted Coues deer in southeastern AZ for 40 years. For the 1st 30, I carried always my trusty .30-'06. Fell on an elk hunt and cracked stock. Needed a replacement for a Coues hunt, got a .25-'06 Howa 1500. Fantastic set up. Taken 3 Coues since, all with 117 grain Superformance SST. Literally spun two of them around before they dropped. It's a perfect western deer and pronghorn rifle. Curious to try the 90 grain CX they discussed.
Please never stop doing these. Even if you guys run out of caliber/gun things to talk about, I'd still listen/watch even if you guys just chatted for 30mins about whatever.
I've had a Ruger M77 in 25.06 for about 30 years. Bought it brand new. First rifle that wasn't a hand me down. It has a 24", pretty heavy barrel. About a year after I bought it, I put it in a Boyds thumb hole stock and put a Nikon Monarch 6-24x42 on it and re-zeroed from 100 to 200 yds. I glass beded it and did a little trigger work. I have only shot 110 gr Nosler ballistic tips. It is a sub MOA shooter. It has killed everything it was pointed at. The furthest was 420 yds and he didn't take a step. I absolutely love that rifle. It will belong to one of my Grandsons one day and I'm sure they will be very happy with it. I guess I got lucky and it is a Wednesday gun, because everything about it is awesome. It's tight! Hardly any slop in the chamber or the bolt. I have never shot through a Chrono, but everyone I hunt with, knows when I take a shot. From a distance, they say it makes that quintessential old western, movie sound of a rifle. I have many rifles, but it is by far my favorite. 🥳
I don’t know why I like 25-06, but I do. The reason I say I don’t know why I like it is because there’s a multitude of calibers that will do everything it does(arguably better) in a short action and won’t require a 24”+ barrel like 25-06 does. Still, I own one and is my open country mule deer/pronghorn rifle. The second I think I’m going to encounter a branch of any sort I’m taking my 18” 7mm-08 instead.
I bought the 25-06 to take predators up to elk. Since I've been fortunate enough to get a 7 mag. for the large animals and 223 for the predators. But, the 25-06 is great for antelope, whitetails, and muleys.
Great podcast. My hunting buddies when I lived in TN all used the 25-06, each in Ruger M77. Their setups never let them down. On the idea for another podcast, it may not have a wide following, but I, personally, would love to hear more of your guys opinion of the 257 Roberts. Never owned one but always a cartridge of interest to me. Again, great podcast.
My Remington BDL in 25/06 was my First Rifle . I had the barrel crowned , and floated . I hand load my rounds and have taken 13 Mulies and 14 Pronghorns with this Rifle . I wouldn’t even consider using any other caliber . I sighted mine in at 200 yards and consistently shot groups under 1 inch . I used the 115 gr. Nosler partition . With 51grains of H4831 . Winchester cases and CCI primers . What a combination !
When I started hunting with my dad in the 70s, his main rifle was a 25-06. He's not around to ask now, but I suspect he was using it in the 60s when it was still a wildcat. Years later, I bought a 25-06. The first hunting rifle I bought for myself. Living in the wide-open spaces of west Texas, it just seemed like the right choice. Inside 400 yds, I don't think you can find a better deer and antelope cartridge. But just today, I brought home a 7mm PRC, for when I need to shoot something bigger or possibly further away.
I've been down the fast-twist .25-06 rabbit hole for several months now. It can certainly be done with a new barrel, and to reduce trimming and improve case life it makes sense to get a .25-06AI. According to several articles I've read, factory .25-06 ammo can still be fired accurately in the AI and you end up with fireformed brass as a side benefit while you purchase components to reload. To truly maximize the potential of the extra long 133-135 bullets, and to mitigate the risk of compressed loads, you must have the new barrel reamed well beyond SAAMI 3.25 specs. Taking the base to neck/shoulder measurement + bearing surface + nose length, your COAL is going to be around 3.36". Sending a dummy round with your desired COAL so the smith or manufacturer can include preferred jump is the ticket. The other thing you have to watch out for is internal magazine length of your rifle. For example, my Tikka .25-06 has a published internal maximum of 3.36", but I've not been able to get cartridges longer than around 3.30 to feed reliably due to jamb in the action. The 700 clones, Savage, and others do not have these restrictions with the long actions. So keep this in mind as well. Finally, while the .25-06 has enormous tradition and cool factor, there are several modern cartridges that perform more efficiently inside 500 yards with far less powder and recoil. Staying in the quarter bore family, the 25cm can achieve 3,000 fps while burning roughly 25% less powder in a 26" barrel. In addition, the 6cm shooting 108s can be loaded to the same velocity and virtually the same trajectory with less powder, blast, and recoil. For now, I'm working up a Speer 100 grain BTSP load for my .25-06 for all game species while I save money for a 6cm. Happy New Year!
I had a 25-06 many years ago, it had a 26" barrel and was still like a fire breathing dragon. I didn't reload back then and factory rounds seemed to not burn fast enough (presumed). Besides producing a huge fireball the muzzle blast sound was ridiculously loud, like it had a brake on it, but it didn't. Anyhow I sold it and never looked back.
When the 22 ARC was first revealed, you guys released a few videos comparing it to other cartridges. I'd like to see a comparison to 204 ruger. especially for woodchucks.
If you want a comparison take a look at the 25-06 with a 90gr CX with a BC.273 vs a 6mm Rem 90gr CX BC .418 you will be surprised ! Remington 700 BDL 6mm Rem with a 9 1/8 twist is a flat shooting gun. In Remington Catalog in the 1970’s it was one of the flattest shooting cartridges. I have Shot Whitetails and Mule Deer and Antelope it works excellent.
Was thinking the same on a 25 PRC. Not so much the Creedmoor, it's got a man bun and flip flop aroma to it. I'm always shocked at how little support and following the 25s get, especially for the versatility they offer.
My REM 700 was built back in ‘83 and it is like you said, smooth action and gorgeous! Once I need to replace the barrel I might go with a 7.5” twist and rechamber for 25-06AI. I will have to try loading the 90gr CX, if I can find them, or you can send me some :)
Really wish Hornady would make a 25 Cal 100 grain SST. The 100 Grain Nosler Ballistic Tip handloaded to 3,370 fps is my preferred deer load. Being a Nebraska native I would rather buy Hornady though.
First deer and elk hunt as an teen was with 25-06. Now that im a 50something i much prefer the 270win. Im agnostic in that ive got no real favorites and simply dont care, theyre just tools. My 270win can do much the same as an 25-06 with similar recoil yet can take it up a few notches in bullet weights. Then the big enchilada is the logistics and cost benefit of having an 270win.
Hey guy's, I like the 25-06 and had one many years ago in a Sako. I let a friend talk me out of it. If you like the idea of the quarter bore in an AR 15 platform you should look into the 25-45 Sharps from the Sharps rifle company. In my opinion this is the absolute best cartridge for the AR. It is a medium range deer killer, out to 300 yards. And since it uses the 5.56 brass it is easy to find brass for it. I've loaded 80 grain Barnes bullets to 3000 fps, I couldn't find your CX bullets at the time. I've loaded your 117 interlocks to around 2800 fps and 120 grain Game kings to 2500. I also found some 110 grain flex tips that I think were meant for the 250 savage or that old lever gun. I think it was 25-30, anyway, the 110 flex tips hammer deer. It has about the same recoil as 5.56 so basically no recoil. If you have a youngster getting into hunting this would be a great round and the AR is so adjustable for different size people.
An enjoyable conversation regarding an interesting cartridge. I couldn't help but page between the 25-06 Remington and 270 Winchester load data in the 11th edition Reloading Handbook. An interesting comparison/contrast is that loads for the discussed 110-117-grain bullet designs in the 25-06 Rem exhibit analogous velocities to a 130-grain bullet in the 270 Win, where the .277 bullets generally exhibit higher G1 B.C.s and thus should exhibit better long(ish) range trajectory. Is the greatest detraction from arguing the merits of the 25-06 Rem is that it does not offer anything different from the 270 Win other than slight increases in sectional density and a minor decrease in recoil? Personally, this seems like a redundant cartridge given that I will prioritize frontal diameter over sectional density.
Not sure why, but the small reduction in recoil seems like a decent jump in my experience. A 270 feels more like a 30-06. A 25-06 feels more like a 243. The strength of the 25-06 is the varmint loadings. Can’t go wrong with the 270 or 25-06.
There are very few manufacturers still chambering rifles in 25/06. Mossberg, Savage and Weatherby is all I have found. I just found a Sako A7 Coyote in the Cabelas gun vault online and having it shipped to my nearest store. My first centerfire rifle was a Remington 700 BDL custom deluxe. Have owned Ruger 77 MKII Hunter, MKII Varmint/Target, No.1 and two Savage 110's in 25/06. Recently bought an old M722 in 257 Roberts that I haven't shot yet. I can't wait to get these two quarter bores out to the range and into the deer woods later this fall. I have missed them. Really sad that all the major manufacturers have dropped it. I did see that the 25 wildcats are making a run in PRS.
I really enjoy the podcasts. I know you guys are working down the .30-06 line and you just did the .270 Win but I’d like to know your thoughts on the .280 REM. In my opinion it’s the best out of the .30-06 “children” but you hardly ever hear anything about it.
270 outshines the 280. Good round would have been more popular if it came out before the 270 but that didn't happen. Also the 280 didn't have Jack O'Connor behind it.
The 25 calibers may make a comeback but it's going to be the new crap like the 25 Creedmoor and all the bs so I own a 25-06 and I'm still going to catch crap because I don't reload and I'm not going to, but that being said it is what it is
With numerous field reports of jacket/core separation with ELDX bullets, how will the 110 ELDX in 25-06 work on deer at closer ranges out to 150 yards? Do you recommend a different bullet for shorter ranges? If so, what bullet?
www.hornady.com/support/faqs/since-eld-x-bullets-are-not-bonded,-will-the-jacket-and-core-separate Check out the CX bullets if you personally prefer higher weight retention.
Love the 25 06. Love the 100 grain nosler ballistic tips, but there is always a couple of boxes of hornady 117 gr round nose on my shelf with a bottle of reloaded 22. There is no way to load them inaccurately. Keep making the round noses.
35 whelen doesn’t get enough attention to , thanks men, for all your information? But one last thing ? What is best rate of twist for a 125 grain bullet in 2506 and will y’all make a 125 grain bullets
I’ve actually been learning more about this caliber and its abilities in the wind. I’m actually considering getting one myself but understand the newer bullet weights won’t do well with the twist rates of old, what twist rates are recommended for the 130 plus projectiles? Thanks
I have wondered and researched without any luck about wildcat rifles. Did the wildcatters have any idea for a cartridge and create it, then go to a gunsmith and have the action and barrel machined? Were some wildcatters gunsmiths/machinists themselves?
Im watching this podcast. You commented a lot about wildcat guys. Giving the limited avaabily of suplies or equipment to load and or reload. I would like to see a podcast on what these wildcatters were using and where they would have been able to purchase it. Also, did they have to make their own dies? their own presses? their own Powders? Did any blacksmiths have knowledge on making any of the required reloading equipment?
I have a custom 60's Springfield in 25 aught six My most accurate hunting rifle -BUT-I want to hear a story about the 6.5 -06 If you have one you dont need anything else !
I grew up in areas where most shots at deer were less than 100 yards. When I was young, I met a guy who had a 25-06, and said "with that, you could stand here and shoot deer over in the next county!" It seemed massively overbore to me at the time.
I've been waiting for several years to see Hornady produce 25-06 brass again. When is it going to happen? It's like your interest in this cartridge has fallen off the map. It is good to see you at least talking about it, but we want product!
Are you able to speak a bit about the accuracy issues of the cartridge and how to overcome them? Eg hand loading? I have learnt that Tikka and Sako no longer chamber rifles in 25-06 due to accuracy issues and Browning and Winchester seem to not offer a rifle in this option either.
I love my 6.5 PRC and have thought about going the other way necking it up to a 35 cal to make a modernized version of the 350 rem mag. I think it would be a great hog/bear gun.
@@hornadySo when are we getting a 25PRC by Hornady? I would love one as a WNY hunter that does not have elk but has black bear and deer with shooting spots up to 300 yards. A 25PRC would be my 1 and done rifle for everything I hunt for
Savage and Winchester . What options do you want? Winchester model 70 is an outstanding rifle with one of the absolute best/smoothest actions . Only a Tikka is comparable with the action.
As a wounded Vietnam veteran, how about coming up with better nato class bullet for crappy 5.56 caliber or better yet? I wanted a heavier bullet in jungle of Vietnam? Yet I feel the 6.8spc is much better cartridges than 5.56 ! All soldiers would appreciate what y’all are doing!
Looking to get a simple, straight forward hunting rifle my small wife can enjoy but can also take most game, is affordable and can target shoot (500 yards, if she loves it, out to 1000) Options im considering: 243 6.5 CM 25-06 270 I think the 270 might recoil too much for her. Hypothetically the 25-06 is the perfect cartridge, but it might 5ake a lot of playing with it to get it to perform like the 243 and 6.5 can do out of the box.
Y'all work for hornady so when is actual ammunition going to hit store shelves because I don't see nothing unless ordered direct from hornady website or some other website nothing on any gun store shelves
Why is the 257 Weatherby not at the top of your list? I just got back from the range two days ago and this was my go to rifle. Of course I like the 25-06 but the Weatherby will make all other 257 calibers go in the corner and cry. I won't shoot Hornady bullets either. It is either Berger, Sierra or Barnes. With Hornady you better weigh each round...
Excellent podcast, I have owned two 25-06 rifles, the only problem is where are all the bullets ??????? I still have a small supply on hand, but I can't burn them up if I can't replenish them !!!
The 25-06 is hindered by necking down to .257 diameter. The powder charge has to be backed down to allow the gases to exit the smaller neck. The parent cartridge, 30-06 is actually beeter in almost all bullet choices. The 30-06 will shoot a 120 grain at 3300 fps. whereas the 25-06 will shoot 120 grain 2900 fps. The frontal area or sectional density is higher and makes for a long skinny bullet that lacks impact performance compared to the 30-06. I have shot many deer in the last 40 years. I have used 25-06, 7mm mag, 308, 30-378, 338-378, 338 ultra mag. In every cartridge the biggest bullet is not always the best for respective caliber. In the 25-06, the best performance on deer is positively the 85 grain bullet. Even out to 600 yards it has the best impact performance. It can be loaded to 3600 fps. which offers flat trajectory and great impact performance. I was very discouraged with the much slower 120 grain performance on deer as many passed through and even one deer stood there and continued to eat and then slowly walked away. The 85 grain always dropped the deer even with bad bullet placement. This is from dozens of actual deer shots in the field.
I appreciate you leaving this comment. I've always wondered why the 25-06 wasn't much faster than it is. I didn't know the powder charge had been backed down from the 30-06 charge. I have a better understanding now.
I was going to try the BlackJack Ace 131 grain bullet. I ordered a box and they never came. I thought it was our supply issues. I emailed them at 6 mo., no response. I guess they are out of business. But, they ran my credit card. Don't order from Blackjack bullets!
Someday my dad give up his 243 and give to me and I’ll have the only 3 guns I’ll really ever need 22-250, 243, and 270 those 3 will do about anything in North America all readily available just never been a 06 guy maybe at this point it’s just being stubborn cause why do I need it with all these other options
Another great cast, thanks. BTW, the nephew of A. O. Niedner (Adolph Otto) was a member of my congregation for a number of years. When A.O.'s father and mother immigrated from Germany, the father changed the pronunciation of his name from the German "long e" to "long i" but kept the spelling. He said that the German pronunciation sounded too close to "needy" and he certainly wasn't going to be that. You can see his legacy in the Niedner Hose Company, one of the largest manufacturers of fire hoses and equipment. I don't know if Seth intentionally pronounced the name correctly in spite of the spelling, but old A.O. and his nephew, Charlie, would be proud. Again, thanks for the many casts.
Been hunting since the 60's. The 25-06 has been my go to rifle for many decades. Hand loading has perfected my 25-06 as a tack driver. Although I have many calibers. My 25-06 is in the field more than any other.
My Grandpa had a Custom Winchester 70 in 25-06 before it was a factory chambering. He shot deer in Eastern Montana with it to feed his family for many, many years. He died in 88 and one of my uncles got the rifle.
I’m uncle Ellis was a gunsmith in St George UT and also a top marksman in the National Guard. In fact he took the trophy win one year receiving the trophy from the President of the US. My first year of hunting I borrowed a 30-06 he built from a Springfield Army rifle with a beautiful Monti Carlo stock out of Birds Eye maple. The second year I wanted to buy a gun and he got me a new Remington 700 in 25-06 and necked down some 30-06 bullets because at the time you couldn’t buy them off the shelf. He touted how much he loved that caliber, playing with it the prior months. That would have been right about 1969. I have hunted a lot with it and have loved it ever since then. Thanks for immortalizing it again for me. You don’t hear much about it these days.
I got my first kill just 3 weeks ago: a cow elk. 101gr LRX out of a 25-06. Went 15 yards and dropped. Full pass through. Fantastic cartridge and I couldn’t have asked for more.
Yeah and if it pass through a cow elk it will pass through a bull elk also so don't listen to some of this crap it's just ppl opinion and seems they downplay it as much as they praise it
All 3 of my kids grew up on the 25-05. When my son became a marine I built him a custom in that great cartridge, it is his absolute go to.
The Hornady tech is great . Helped me out many times on reloading inquires. Big Thanks Guys. The 25-06 is a fantastic cartridge. Hard not to like.
Great to hear!
You have the answer to the baddest 25 ever. Your 134 is an absolutely perfect fit for the cartridge. 134-06 Hornady. Thank you guys for all your hard work.
I’ve had 2 25-06 in my lifetime and both are fantastic…superb accuracy, deadly and mild mannered
Somewhere around 20 years ago I bought a Ruger skeleton stock in 25-06 and is still one of my go to guns.. love it..
Love the 25-06 unreasonably because it was my first big boy rifle. Still hammering medium game with it today. Exciters to fast twist one after this barrel goes
I picked up a left-handed Ruger laminated stock in 2506. Because of a great price point. I haven’t shot it much. But after watching this, it’s going hunting next year.
I'm one of the biggest 25-06 fans you'll meet. Let's see the 25 PRC!
😂 biggest fan looking for something else
@@gregstephens8386biggest fan interested to see what the performance would be if they did it.
Pprc,,that's pee pee rc,,,they will take the powder capacity and drop it 10 grains then claim it's faster and hits harder ,,then market it to all the fools that buy anything that someone says is the best,,,,all pprc cartridges are less than the old proven ones ,, people get hooked on the bc bullshit,when nobody should be shooting at anything but targets at long range
After burning out 3 barrels plus 1 barrel receiver in 300 Win Mag shooting exclusively Hornady 130 gr SP’s, sold it to a fella who just had to have it. Back in 81, replaced it with the 25-06 and never looked back. Now 3 barrels, 1 barreled receiver on a new barreled receiver later reloading Hornady 117 gr SPBT which outperforms the 117 SST in wound channel entry and knockdown on whitetails. Now it’s time to bring it up into 2024 technology with the slower burning cooler runner propellants, up the twist up towards 7 1/2 to accommodate much heavier bullets like 133 gr perhaps 136+. This will give the performance to leave cartridges like the 6.5 CM in the dust. Yes, it will have a little more recoil with the 06 sending unit but look at the possibilities. Longer action people don’t like. If you get the adrenaline up they will never know the difference yet alone any recoil. Find a rifle twist to accomadate 100 to 133+ or better yet 115 to 133+ .
25-06 is a cross between a 22-250 and a 270. Just can’t beat it shooting cross canyons of Arizona & New Mexico😎
25/06 does a lot of things very well. Hand loaded its a laser. As mentioned there are better for larger game and better for smaller game. Bullets are just catching up. I love my 25, it’s a rocket ship hand loaded, great pod cast guys. Personal preference is all it is.
Thank you been waiting on a 25-06 cast .I've been hand loading the 25-06 for the past 15 years with 117 gr sst and interlock the sst is one of my favorite and when powder got hard to find I switch to the Hodgman Hybrid 100v and worked up a load that my gun love and .5 percent from being max charged I'm getting an average 3140 fps out of my 24 in barrel. Hoping a 25 prc will make an appearance sometime soon
25-06 was my first rifle (H&R single shot, heavy barrel) and its probably still my favorite cartridge. None of mine shoot the 115-117’s as good as the light stuff. 100 grain partitions (no offense to Hornady) hit like lightning on whitetails!
Part of this podcast that I appreciate is meeting the members of the Hornady family.
Been loading Hornady bullets in my 25-06 for a long time, also 30-06, 308, 243, and 7mm Remington Mag. Never had a bullet failure since 1978.
Will nice to see .25 back on shelves some day. Both ammo and components.
Bought my mod 700 used in 71. Still have 120 gr spire point flat base bullets that have the price sticker of 6.20 per 100. Those and 4831 have done the job for years
My old Vanguard synthetic 25-06 handloaded with the 117 grain interlocks sitting on top of 50 grains of IMR 4831 puts 3 rounds into 2 holes at 100 yards ain't too shabby. Can't wait for opening day for deer season or an axis to show up.
I have a semi custom Model 700 Varmint, 25-06, mid 1970’s vintage. It replaced another semi custom 700 from the same era , .257 Weatherby. Ammunition availability is one reason, although with handloading it’s not much different. And for a while I had a garden variety 700 BDL in 257 Roberts. The 25’s are just so right for so many different things.
I have 3, 25-06s right now. Ruger 77, Browning Abolt medallion 9 my deer slayer), and a Remington Long Range. Recently built a 25 creedmoor 1in7 for short range fclass, and a 25 prc 1in7.5 bench gun, just because. 134 eldms are awesome in both and cheaper than bergers. You could say I like the 25s. With my browning, never had a Kentucky whitetail take a step, drt. Nosler solid base, Thor’s hammer. Out of those now. I have a stash of interbonds and sst,s for deernow. Great podcast, guys.
Great show. I've hunted Coues deer in southeastern AZ for 40 years. For the 1st 30, I carried always my trusty .30-'06. Fell on an elk hunt and cracked stock. Needed a replacement for a Coues hunt, got a .25-'06 Howa 1500. Fantastic set up. Taken 3 Coues since, all with 117 grain Superformance SST. Literally spun two of them around before they dropped. It's a perfect western deer and pronghorn rifle. Curious to try the 90 grain CX they discussed.
So much good information from y’all , I share this podcast with my friends
Thanks for sharing!!
Please make more 25-06 brass and more 134g bullets, the combo = magic
Please never stop doing these. Even if you guys run out of caliber/gun things to talk about, I'd still listen/watch even if you guys just chatted for 30mins about whatever.
I've had a Ruger M77 in 25.06 for about 30 years. Bought it brand new. First rifle that wasn't a hand me down. It has a 24", pretty heavy barrel. About a year after I bought it, I put it in a Boyds thumb hole stock and put a Nikon Monarch 6-24x42 on it and re-zeroed from 100 to 200 yds. I glass beded it and did a little trigger work. I have only shot 110 gr Nosler ballistic tips. It is a sub MOA shooter. It has killed everything it was pointed at. The furthest was 420 yds and he didn't take a step. I absolutely love that rifle. It will belong to one of my Grandsons one day and I'm sure they will be very happy with it. I guess I got lucky and it is a Wednesday gun, because everything about it is awesome. It's tight! Hardly any slop in the chamber or the bolt. I have never shot through a Chrono, but everyone I hunt with, knows when I take a shot. From a distance, they say it makes that quintessential old western, movie sound of a rifle. I have many rifles, but it is by far my favorite. 🥳
25-06 is an exceptional caliber, 26 inch bbl and hand load to full potential and you have a deer antelope rifle2nd to none.
Many elk taken with the 25/06:
100gr TTSX at 3200 fps is a deadly mule deer blaster out to 400 yards.
I don’t know why I like 25-06, but I do.
The reason I say I don’t know why I like it is because there’s a multitude of calibers that will do everything it does(arguably better) in a short action and won’t require a 24”+ barrel like 25-06 does.
Still, I own one and is my open country mule deer/pronghorn rifle.
The second I think I’m going to encounter a branch of any sort I’m taking my 18” 7mm-08 instead.
Nothing wrong with using what works. And a 25-06 works.
😃 I Much Prefer Your 7mm-08 Idea Using Heavier Bullets! I Would Much Rather Pack Around An 18" or 20" Barrel Than a 24" or 26" Barrel Too! 🤔
I bought the 25-06 to take predators up to elk. Since I've been fortunate enough to get a 7 mag. for the large animals and 223 for the predators. But, the 25-06 is great for antelope, whitetails, and muleys.
Great podcast. My hunting buddies when I lived in TN all used the 25-06, each in Ruger M77. Their setups never let them down. On the idea for another podcast, it may not have a wide following, but I, personally, would love to hear more of your guys opinion of the 257 Roberts. Never owned one but always a cartridge of interest to me. Again, great podcast.
Great video on one of my favorite cartridges. If you haven’t already, please do the 280 Remington.
Great suggestion!
@@hornady Thank you, and have a Happy New Year!
My Remington BDL in 25/06 was my First Rifle . I had the barrel crowned , and floated . I hand load my rounds and have taken 13 Mulies and 14 Pronghorns with this Rifle . I wouldn’t even consider using any other caliber . I sighted mine in at 200 yards and consistently shot groups under 1 inch . I used the 115 gr. Nosler partition . With 51grains of H4831 . Winchester cases and CCI primers . What a combination !
I used to have a Ruger model 77 in 25-06 I got as a sweet 16 present. It became one of those guns I registered selling.
When I started hunting with my dad in the 70s, his main rifle was a 25-06. He's not around to ask now, but I suspect he was using it in the 60s when it was still a wildcat. Years later, I bought a 25-06. The first hunting rifle I bought for myself. Living in the wide-open spaces of west Texas, it just seemed like the right choice. Inside 400 yds, I don't think you can find a better deer and antelope cartridge.
But just today, I brought home a 7mm PRC, for when I need to shoot something bigger or possibly further away.
I've been down the fast-twist .25-06 rabbit hole for several months now. It can certainly be done with a new barrel, and to reduce trimming and improve case life it makes sense to get a .25-06AI. According to several articles I've read, factory .25-06 ammo can still be fired accurately in the AI and you end up with fireformed brass as a side benefit while you purchase components to reload.
To truly maximize the potential of the extra long 133-135 bullets, and to mitigate the risk of compressed loads, you must have the new barrel reamed well beyond SAAMI 3.25 specs. Taking the base to neck/shoulder measurement + bearing surface + nose length, your COAL is going to be around 3.36". Sending a dummy round with your desired COAL so the smith or manufacturer can include preferred jump is the ticket.
The other thing you have to watch out for is internal magazine length of your rifle. For example, my Tikka .25-06 has a published internal maximum of 3.36", but I've not been able to get cartridges longer than around 3.30 to feed reliably due to jamb in the action. The 700 clones, Savage, and others do not have these restrictions with the long actions. So keep this in mind as well.
Finally, while the .25-06 has enormous tradition and cool factor, there are several modern cartridges that perform more efficiently inside 500 yards with far less powder and recoil. Staying in the quarter bore family, the 25cm can achieve 3,000 fps while burning roughly 25% less powder in a 26" barrel. In addition, the 6cm shooting 108s can be loaded to the same velocity and virtually the same trajectory with less powder, blast, and recoil.
For now, I'm working up a Speer 100 grain BTSP load for my .25-06 for all game species while I save money for a 6cm.
Happy New Year!
I had a 25-06 many years ago, it had a 26" barrel and was still like a fire breathing dragon. I didn't reload back then and factory rounds seemed to not burn fast enough (presumed). Besides producing a huge fireball the muzzle blast sound was ridiculously loud, like it had a brake on it, but it didn't. Anyhow I sold it and never looked back.
When the 22 ARC was first revealed, you guys released a few videos comparing it to other cartridges. I'd like to see a comparison to 204 ruger. especially for woodchucks.
If you want a comparison take a look at the 25-06 with a 90gr CX with a BC.273 vs a 6mm Rem 90gr CX BC .418 you will be surprised ! Remington 700 BDL 6mm Rem with a 9 1/8 twist is a flat shooting gun. In Remington Catalog in the 1970’s it was one of the flattest shooting cartridges. I have Shot Whitetails and Mule Deer and Antelope it works excellent.
Kudos on the 6mm Rem.
Some of the best of the best comes from y’all
Excellent round, it was my first rifle purchage when I turned 18 in 1973. Still have it and a custom 25-06AI on a Sako action!
Just bought a Browning X-Bolt white Medallion in the 25-06. Lucky enough to find one since Browning discontinued them and other calibers.
Excited for this talk!!!
Waiting for SHOT for them to announce 25 PRC, 25-06 for the modern age. Also 25 Creedmoor needs to be made official.
Was thinking the same on a 25 PRC. Not so much the Creedmoor, it's got a man bun and flip flop aroma to it. I'm always shocked at how little support and following the 25s get, especially for the versatility they offer.
@@stuartmeier240 the ban bun trope is older than Hammurabi's first duece.
Kimda tired of the 308 parent case ngl
More like .257 Roberts of the modern age
25-280ai
Love 25-06
My REM 700 was built back in ‘83 and it is like you said, smooth action and gorgeous! Once I need to replace the barrel I might go with a 7.5” twist and rechamber for 25-06AI. I will have to try loading the 90gr CX, if I can find them, or you can send me some :)
Really wish Hornady would make a 25 Cal 100 grain SST. The 100 Grain Nosler Ballistic Tip handloaded to 3,370 fps is my preferred deer load. Being a Nebraska native I would rather buy Hornady though.
Just use the 117gn sst
First deer and elk hunt as an teen was with 25-06. Now that im a 50something i much prefer the 270win. Im agnostic in that ive got no real favorites and simply dont care, theyre just tools. My 270win can do much the same as an 25-06 with similar recoil yet can take it up a few notches in bullet weights. Then the big enchilada is the logistics and cost benefit of having an 270win.
Great Podcast again for sure
Thank you!
Hey guy's, I like the 25-06 and had one many years ago in a Sako. I let a friend talk me out of it. If you like the idea of the quarter bore in an AR 15 platform you should look into the 25-45 Sharps from the Sharps rifle company. In my opinion this is the absolute best cartridge for the AR. It is a medium range deer killer, out to 300 yards. And since it uses the 5.56 brass it is easy to find brass for it. I've loaded 80 grain Barnes bullets to 3000 fps, I couldn't find your CX bullets at the time. I've loaded your 117 interlocks to around 2800 fps and 120 grain Game kings to 2500. I also found some 110 grain flex tips that I think were meant for the 250 savage or that old lever gun. I think it was 25-30, anyway, the 110 flex tips hammer deer. It has about the same recoil as 5.56 so basically no recoil. If you have a youngster getting into hunting this would be a great round and the AR is so adjustable for different size people.
An enjoyable conversation regarding an interesting cartridge. I couldn't help but page between the 25-06 Remington and 270 Winchester load data in the 11th edition Reloading Handbook. An interesting comparison/contrast is that loads for the discussed 110-117-grain bullet designs in the 25-06 Rem exhibit analogous velocities to a 130-grain bullet in the 270 Win, where the .277 bullets generally exhibit higher G1 B.C.s and thus should exhibit better long(ish) range trajectory. Is the greatest detraction from arguing the merits of the 25-06 Rem is that it does not offer anything different from the 270 Win other than slight increases in sectional density and a minor decrease in recoil? Personally, this seems like a redundant cartridge given that I will prioritize frontal diameter over sectional density.
Not sure why, but the small reduction in recoil seems like a decent jump in my experience. A 270 feels more like a 30-06. A 25-06 feels more like a 243.
The strength of the 25-06 is the varmint loadings. Can’t go wrong with the 270 or 25-06.
There are very few manufacturers still chambering rifles in 25/06. Mossberg, Savage and Weatherby is all I have found. I just found a Sako A7 Coyote in the Cabelas gun vault online and having it shipped to my nearest store. My first centerfire rifle was a Remington 700 BDL custom deluxe. Have owned Ruger 77 MKII Hunter, MKII Varmint/Target, No.1 and two Savage 110's in 25/06. Recently bought an old M722 in 257 Roberts that I haven't shot yet. I can't wait to get these two quarter bores out to the range and into the deer woods later this fall. I have missed them. Really sad that all the major manufacturers have dropped it. I did see that the 25 wildcats are making a run in PRS.
Will the 6.8 western ever be loaded by hornaday?
25-06 = deer slayer... with the correct projectile. Found out the hard way. Lol
What went wrong for you?
I assume heavier soft point?
I miss Joyce's 120gr HP he had for the .257 Wby. It has been phenomenal for me on game for many years, and my stash is about shot up.
Imo 25-06 and .243 win are extremely versatile for where I hunt.
💯 agree
My dang boss forced me to buy a 25-06.
And I’m so grateful.
I like the podcast. Ill submit my request again for the ol' 35whelen.
😃 Agreed!
The Whelen and the 25-06 make a great pairing.
Just had a custom Whelen built. Hopefully they will get to it yet.
👨🏫 My Former Co-Worker Called It a "Thinking Man's Magnum"! Great Choice! 👍😃
@@ronlowney4700 absolutely. Low recoil and magnum performance with 55ish grains of powder.
Another excellent podcast, and on an excellent calibre.
Cheers 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
Glad you enjoyed it
So when are we getting a 25PRC?
I was wondering if you guys talked about the old 257 Roberts that's another cartridge it's in that family that doesn't get much love
Love the 25-06, can yall do a podcast on the 6.5x55 Swedish?
I really enjoy the podcasts. I know you guys are working down the .30-06 line and you just did the .270 Win but I’d like to know your thoughts on the .280 REM. In my opinion it’s the best out of the .30-06 “children” but you hardly ever hear anything about it.
270 outshines the 280.
Good round would have been more popular if it came out before the 270 but that didn't happen. Also the 280 didn't have Jack O'Connor behind it.
because the 280 AI exists
The 25 calibers may make a comeback but it's going to be the new crap like the 25 Creedmoor and all the bs so I own a 25-06 and I'm still going to catch crap because I don't reload and I'm not going to, but that being said it is what it is
I wish that Hornady would get some more 110 grain eldx bullets made haven’t seen any for several years now and that’s a bullet I like in the 25-06
The 25 cal is very under rated
With numerous field reports of jacket/core separation with ELDX bullets, how will the 110 ELDX in 25-06 work on deer at closer ranges out to 150 yards? Do you recommend a different bullet for shorter ranges? If so, what bullet?
www.hornady.com/support/faqs/since-eld-x-bullets-are-not-bonded,-will-the-jacket-and-core-separate Check out the CX bullets if you personally prefer higher weight retention.
You could always try a 257 Roberts
Love the 25 06. Love the 100 grain nosler ballistic tips, but there is always a couple of boxes of hornady 117 gr round nose on my shelf with a bottle of reloaded 22. There is no way to load them inaccurately. Keep making the round noses.
Any chance the 134 ELD-M will be added to the Hornady app?
35 whelen doesn’t get enough attention to , thanks men, for all your information? But one last thing ? What is best rate of twist for a 125 grain bullet in 2506 and will y’all make a 125 grain bullets
It depends on the specific bullet with things like total length, boat tail length and angle, and length of bearing surface.
Would love to see a 117gr SST or Interbond boat tail for better BC in the .257" diameter bullet.
I’ve actually been learning more about this caliber and its abilities in the wind. I’m actually considering getting one myself but understand the newer bullet weights won’t do well with the twist rates of old, what twist rates are recommended for the 130 plus projectiles? Thanks
1 in 8 minimum for the new 130+ projectiles
I have wondered and researched without any luck about wildcat rifles. Did the wildcatters have any idea for a cartridge and create it, then go to a gunsmith and have the action and barrel machined? Were some wildcatters gunsmiths/machinists themselves?
The 6.5 o.6 is awesome
I seriously couldn’t fount the white tail I harvested with 25-06. Excellent cartridge. Would be exceedingly excellent in a short action
Are you guys ever going to make a 150 sst superformance load for the 300 win mag? Ive only ever seen the 180 and even that one haven't found in years
Im watching this podcast. You commented a lot about wildcat guys. Giving the limited avaabily of suplies or equipment to load and or reload.
I would like to see a podcast on what these wildcatters were using and where they would have been able to purchase it. Also, did they have to make their own dies? their own presses? their own Powders? Did any blacksmiths have knowledge on making any of the required reloading equipment?
Kids ! The .25-06 is a laser beam !
I have a custom 60's Springfield in 25 aught six My most accurate hunting rifle -BUT-I want to hear a story about the 6.5 -06 If you have one you dont need anything else !
I grew up in areas where most shots at deer were less than 100 yards. When I was young, I met a guy who had a 25-06, and said "with that, you could stand here and shoot deer over in the next county!" It seemed massively overbore to me at the time.
I like IMR 7828SSC in a quarter bore.
I've been waiting for several years to see Hornady produce 25-06 brass again. When is it going to happen? It's like your interest in this cartridge has fallen off the map. It is good to see you at least talking about it, but we want product!
Are you able to speak a bit about the accuracy issues of the cartridge and how to overcome them? Eg hand loading? I have learnt that Tikka and Sako no longer chamber rifles in 25-06 due to accuracy issues and Browning and Winchester seem to not offer a rifle in this option either.
Wonder what a 6.5 prc necked down to 25 call would be like
Fast, flat, awesome. But you would have to stay on top of cleaning.
I love my 6.5 PRC and have thought about going the other way necking it up to a 35 cal to make a modernized version of the 350 rem mag. I think it would be a great hog/bear gun.
FORESHADOWING: 25 PRC cartridge is coming down the Hornady pipeline.
@@hornadySo when are we getting a 25PRC by Hornady?
I would love one as a WNY hunter that does not have elk but has black bear and deer with shooting spots up to 300 yards.
A 25PRC would be my 1 and done rifle for everything I hunt for
@24kachina a bunch of us have been hoping and waiting😎
I'm currently in the market for a 25-06 rifle but there aren't many options in current production.
Savage and Winchester . What options do you want? Winchester model 70 is an outstanding rifle with one of the absolute best/smoothest actions . Only a Tikka is comparable with the action.
As a wounded Vietnam veteran, how about coming up with better nato class bullet for crappy 5.56 caliber or better yet? I wanted a heavier bullet in jungle of Vietnam? Yet I feel the 6.8spc is much better cartridges than 5.56 ! All soldiers would appreciate what y’all are doing!
My choice is what I have, T/C Encore Pro in 25/06 in a heavy bull barrel. 4x12x50AO. One shot is all ya got, make it count.
Looking to get a simple, straight forward hunting rifle my small wife can enjoy but can also take most game, is affordable and can target shoot (500 yards, if she loves it, out to 1000)
Options im considering:
243
6.5 CM
25-06
270
I think the 270 might recoil too much for her.
Hypothetically the 25-06 is the perfect cartridge, but it might 5ake a lot of playing with it to get it to perform like the 243 and 6.5 can do out of the box.
Y'all work for hornady so when is actual ammunition going to hit store shelves because I don't see nothing unless ordered direct from hornady website or some other website nothing on any gun store shelves
Why is the 257 Weatherby not at the top of your list? I just got back from the range two days ago and this was my go to rifle. Of course I like the 25-06 but the Weatherby will make all other 257 calibers go in the corner and cry. I won't shoot Hornady bullets either. It is either Berger, Sierra or Barnes. With Hornady you better weigh each round...
Do a 35 whelen episode. Also we need a 225gr eldx in .358. Thanks
I believe the .22 high power is still in use in some Scandinavian countries.
Excellent podcast, I have owned two 25-06 rifles, the only problem is where are all the bullets ???????
I still have a small supply on hand, but I can't burn them up if I can't replenish them !!!
The 25-06 is hindered by necking down to .257 diameter. The powder charge has to be backed down to allow the gases to exit the smaller neck. The parent cartridge, 30-06 is actually beeter in almost all bullet choices. The 30-06 will shoot a 120 grain at 3300 fps. whereas the 25-06 will shoot 120 grain 2900 fps. The frontal area or sectional density is higher and makes for a long skinny bullet that lacks impact performance compared to the 30-06. I have shot many deer in the last 40 years. I have used 25-06, 7mm mag, 308, 30-378, 338-378, 338 ultra mag. In every cartridge the biggest bullet is not always the best for respective caliber. In the 25-06, the best performance on deer is positively the 85 grain bullet. Even out to 600 yards it has the best impact performance. It can be loaded to 3600 fps. which offers flat trajectory and great impact performance. I was very discouraged with the much slower 120 grain performance on deer as many passed through and even one deer stood there and continued to eat and then slowly walked away. The 85 grain always dropped the deer even with bad bullet placement. This is from dozens of actual deer shots in the field.
I appreciate you leaving this comment. I've always wondered why the 25-06 wasn't much faster than it is. I didn't know the powder charge had been backed down from the 30-06 charge. I have a better understanding now.
I was going to try the BlackJack Ace 131 grain bullet. I ordered a box and they never came. I thought it was our supply issues. I emailed them at 6 mo., no response. I guess they are out of business. But, they ran my credit card.
Don't order from Blackjack bullets!
The black jack bullets are actually sierra bullets that explains everything ya need to know
@waynemayle865 I'm pretty sure sierra won't return my money!
@@waynemensen4252 I know they won't there's alot of people in the same boat as you not getting there orders filled but were charged
Someday my dad give up his 243 and give to me and I’ll have the only 3 guns I’ll really ever need 22-250, 243, and 270 those 3 will do about anything in North America all readily available just never been a 06 guy maybe at this point it’s just being stubborn cause why do I need it with all these other options
Billy Bob said he grew up shooting the 17HMR. I feel old now. I was working in the firearms industry before that round came out. 😂
Well yeah that was already 22 years ago