25-06 versus 'the Swede'

[SussexFallow]

Hi All

Can anyone convince me which calibre is the right one for me??

I own a 308 and have a provision for 243 on my ticket. I want a good round for foxing and fallow/roe . Looking to swap the 243 slot for either of the above..

Got the chance of tikka t3 stainless with ase in 6.5 or sako 75 stainless in 2506 for the same money

Just wondered what the pros and cons were to each calibre

ATB Steve

 

[splash]

Without entering the caliber debate .

Sako 75 is a better rifle than the t3

 

[Claret_Dabbler]

Without entering the caliber debate .

Sako 75 is a better rifle than the t3

Exactly right.

 

[swede]

The 6.5x55 fires a wider selection of bullet weights than the 25-06 up to 160 grain if you home load, and has a greater sectional density so greater penetration, but the 25 is slightly flatter shooting,

Both are good calibres for all deer species in the UK, as is the 243,

I have a 6.5 and love it, but I have shot many deer with the 25 also, but if i were you looking at your gun selection GO FOR THE SAKO!!!!

Rgds

Swede

 

[Daft Dog]

Without entering the caliber debate .

Sako 75 is a better rifle than the t3

Exactly right.

I've not fired either rifles but have handled both and agree with the above comments.

I've not fired a 25-06 but understand it is a flat shooting round, which may be better on the hill (???) whereas the 6.5 (which i have) is a little more loopy but would be suitable for most situations.

I would go with the better rifle rather than the calibre as both will probably be fine for your needs....get as much rifle for your money as you can...go for the Sako.

 

[Thar]

The 6.5x55 fires a wider selection of bullet weights than the 25-06 up to 160 grain if you home load, and has a greater sectional density so greater penetration, but the 25 is slightly flatter shooting,

Slight correction there Swede, the 25-06 bullets have better sectional density for any given bullet weight than the 6.5X55.

As said I would look at the rifle and the Sako would get my vote.

Swede you are not the original Swede from MS are you?

ATB

Tahr

 

[Thar]

The 6.5x55 fires a wider selection of bullet weights than the 25-06 up to 160 grain if you home load, and has a greater sectional density so greater penetration, but the 25 is slightly flatter shooting,

Slight correction there Swede, the 25-06 bullets have better sectional density for any given bullet weight than the 6.5X55.

As said I would look at the rifle and the Sako would get my vote.

Swede you are not the original Swede from MS are you?

ATB

Tahr

 

[swede]

Thar,

Sorry I should of been clearer, The 6.5 can handle heaveir bullets than the 25-06, you are correct that the 25-06 with a 115 grain bullet has an SD ~.249, compared to the 6.5 120grain bullet with an SD of ~.247. but look at the 140 & 160 grain bullets with an SD of ~.287 & ~.328,
But as (to the best of my knowledge) you cant get 25-06 bullets above 120gr.

{Swede you are not the original Swede from MS are you?}
Dont think so mate, so probabley no,,

Rgds

Swede

 

[Brithunter]

Hmmm neither the 25-06 nor the 6.5x55 swedish is a bruising cartridge to shoot but a thing you might consider is the amount of powder burnt each shot. Now I don't know if you reload or not but the 25-06 uses more powder.

I doubt if the deer would notice by which bullet they were hit providing the shot was good that is.

I would buy which ever rifle felt better to me. I seriously doubt you will be dissapointed by either cartridge .

 

[SussexFallow]

calibre

Thanks for the replies !
Are both these calibres close ballistically ? Not sure if they are knocking on the 308 door or 243 end of the scale!!
Want a flat shooter with low recoil!!

ATB Steve

 

[JC275]

Without entering the caliber debate .

Sako 75 is a better rifle than the t3

Exactly right.

Exactly right again, I know the T3's are really popular but I struggle to see why. One look at the 'one size fits all' plastic mag put me off straight away. Can't comment on the calibre choice as I don't have either but don't discount the .270 Win if you want a flat shooting long action round. JC

 

[Brithunter]

Re: calibre

Thanks for the replies !
Are both these calibres close ballistically ? Not sure if they are knocking on the 308 door or 243 end of the scale!!
Want a flat shooter with low recoil!!

ATB Steve

Hmmm let me see both shoot larger bullets and heavier bullets than the .243. The 6.5mm has bullets from 77 grain up to 160 grain, the .25 cal seems to go from 70 grain to 120 grain, not such a range of course. The 6.5x55 is a lower pressure round of course but the lighter bullets of 100 grains and less reach 3000fps the 25-06 is much faster with a similar weight.

Of course the .308 moves up in both weight and bullet diameter and we start getting into the fields of BC's and flight trajectory.

None of them are a bad choice as I said before the calibre and chambering is really a moot point they will all do what yout want just choose the rifle you like the feel of and which fits you the best then go and sight it in and practice with it

 

[enfieldspares]

If it is for foxing then you need high velocity to give a flat trajectory. If for fallow then I'd suggest at least 100 grains bullet weight. 117 may be better.

The "Swede" can't compete with the 25-06 on velocity terms with any equivalent weight bullet. So for foxing I'd say use the 25-06. The flatter shooting the better.

The "Swede" may be an excellent deer cartridge. That is without doubt. But I don't know of anyone who makes it first or even second choice as a fox calibre.

An "all around" cartridge should be master of all the roles it is put to. Not just about near enough to get by. IMHO.

Fallow? Are you happy with 120 grains as a maximum - after all it is only 10 grains below the 270 Winchester? Or do you really think you might need a 160 grain "pill" for fallow medicine?

The 257 Roberts is an excellent deer cartridge. Your 25-06 is all that and more if you hand load.

There is another route. 6mm Remington. Would give you velocity that little bit extra, say 200 fps, than the 243. So it is your call. At least you'd not have wasted any surplus bullets left over from your 243.

But I think for what you want then probably 25-06 will be best. It is good enough to stand alone in BOTH roles. The "Swede"? Can't see it as an ideal fox rifle.

With a 100 grain bullet a 25-06 should be no more unpleasant on the shoulder than the same weight in your 243. But it'll achieve that 3100 fps of the 243 with less pressure.

 

[SussexFallow]

2506

Thanks for all the replies certainly gave me something to think about!!
Decided to go for the 25-06
My decision was based on the low bullet weights I wanted to shoot and the flatter trajectory.
The only thing that was putting me off was the recoil but using a 308 I cant really complain about that!!
especially with 18 stone stuck behind it
To top it all off I just found out the price is 50 quid cheaper than I thought so a bonus 8)

ATB Steve

 

[Brithunter]

OK ..................... you do realise we want to see piccies of it once you get all set up don't you .

And I find the recoil of the 25-06 to be quite pleasent although to be honest I cannot really tell the difference between it and the .270 Winchester .

 

[SussexFallow]

25-06

Brithunter

is the recoil ok only shot it once found it pretty punchy perhaps it was just a bad memory as the weather was pretty horrendous!!

ATB Steve

 

[flytie]

I think you have made the right choice. I think the sako 75 is a great rifle. And although i am a 6.5x55 user I think the 25-06 is a great round. I could not source ammunition locally, and i did not reload then, so i did not consider buying one. But for roe and fox it would be brilliant.
ft

 

[admin]

25.06 everytime over a Swede for me. Shoots as flat as a table top and still has the knock down power.

Next time you are out with me Bordersman you can try my 25.06

Cheers

Sikamalc

 

[Brithunter]

Re: 25-06

Brithunter

is the recoil ok only shot it once found it pretty punchy perhaps it was just a bad memory as the weather was pretty horrendous!!

ATB Steve

Sorry for the delay in answering. Darned computer and ISP problems

Anyway I find neither punishing to shoot and the .270 rifle I am using at present weighs only 7lbs 2oz with the scope fitted. Of course shooting it prone is more noticable. The 25-06 weighs 2lbs 6oz more hence the recoil should be less but it's not enough really to notice, either that or I am so used to it now , I still say get the rifle that feels best to you then just set it up and shoot it neither cartridge will let you down.