.25-06 v 6.5

[alberta boy]

I guess the scientific proof would be sectional density? Pass through with the 6.5 is almost guaranteed on a lot of game. The SD of a 160gr 6.5 is .328 - that's up there with the best of them when it comes to penetration.

That's probably why it's been popular here for decades . The Swede , when using 160 gr bullets , has always had a great reputation for reliable penetration on larger animals . One older friend of mine has used a 6.5X55 on big game pretty much exclusively for about 45 years . He's taken more Moose with that combo than I can accurately remember . Granted , he doesn't take long shots with it , but he is also a very experienced outdoorsman and knows the capabilities , and limitations of his rifle .

AB

 

[Foxyboy43]

I wasn’t being defensive, I was just setting your misinformation that they were capable of the same straight. Nosler’s data is equally readily available but is better for comparisons as you are not limited to 1 manufacturer’s powder choices.

I personally would choose a 6.5x55 over a 25-06 any day of the week.

Happy with this - except “misinformation” - maybe not the best choice of word for an honest effort to help a fellow stalker in his considerations.

 

[NigelM]

Sectional density has to be taken into consideration alongside bullet construction. Years ago when all that was available was cup and core bullets it was an important measure for penetration, but today when you look at all the constructions available to us it's not as relevant.

As an example take two 120gr 6.5 bullets, one an SST, the other a TSX. Same sectional density, but the SST is going to loose 60% of it's mass and may or may not exit, the TSX will retain 100% and is almost guaranteed to exit. Construction is far more important when considering penetration. In fact a 100gr TTSX would probably penetrate better than a 120 SST, the TTSX exiting with 100gr against the SST trying to exit with just 50gr.

Sectional density is no longer a reason to champion the Swede over similar calibres.

In the UK with monolithics around the corner for all of us we really are going to have to get over this sectional density thing.

 

[25 Sharps]

Happy with this - except “misinformation” - maybe not the best choice of word for an honest effort to help a fellow stalker in his considerations.

Possibly, incorrect information then? stating the 25-06 tops out at 2900 with a 120 is selling it short when it’ll do 3100 FPS

 

[Dickie]

I thought I’d read that a 26” was the optimum barrel length for the .25-06. The REM Sendero had a 26” barrel and shot great but was a lump with a T8 on the end.

 

[deeangeo]

I have both, 6.5x55SE & .25-06Rem... both do exactly what I want. But on open hill in the Highlands, .25-06 every time.
The 110gn Nosler AB is absolutely man enough for red stags in the rut & works with authority.
As for weight, well, it's a K95 no mod & no bipod.... don't need either!
22" barrel on the K95 with Viht N560 produces 3120fps with more than enough Ft lbs

Correct or not... it's the formula I use to calculate ME
25-06 Remington - 110 Grain Load Data : 110x3120x3120 = ? .... divide the number by 450400 gives 2377 ft/lbs

 

[rem284]

I thought I’d read that a 26” was the optimum barrel length for the .25-06. The REM Sendero had a 26” barrel and shot great but was a lump with a T8 on the end.

I had one, great to shoot but a pig to carry, i was younger then so it was do able but still not a joy

 

[rem284]

I think Nigel has some good points. With non toxic stuff a cartridge that can drive bullets a bit faster may be more future proof

 

[njc110381]

I think Nigel has some good points. With non toxic stuff a cartridge that can drive bullets a bit faster may be more future proof

A very sad outlook. Slow and heavy has always been my preferred choice for shooting edible quarry. Although the non toxic bullets do seem to do less carcass damage when driven faster.

 

[Dickie]

I had one, great to shoot but a pig to carry, i was younger then so it was do able but still not a joy

Yes it was a handful for sure and you certainly knew after carting it on the hill for a day but it was very accurate and sweet to shoot.

 

[Acm]

I shoot a 6.5x55 .222 and a .30-06. And I feel well armed for everything I’m likely to encounter.
My brother only has a .25-06 and he’d say he feels the same, through luck he finds the 75grn v max shoots 1.5 inches higher than the 117grn interlock so you need no change in zero to go after fox or deer. I find it a bit much for anything smaller than fallow, burning an unnecessary amount of powder. He’s not madly keen on deer stalking anyway and if you don’t mind burning lots of powder it’s an unparalleled foxing calibre. We used some 90grn blitz kings in it for a while and they where savage. However, I prefer my .222 and 40grn noslers.