25-06 load
- Thread starter Twabbis
- Start date
RELH
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 17,479
You are asking a lot of that caliber for shooting black bears at 400-500 yards. As for bullet selection, use the Nosler 120 gr. Partition and I have had my best luck for accuracy with that caliber using IMR-4350 powder. Go to the Hodgdon load data web site and you will find the loads using IMR-4350 powder and work up a good accurate load.
RELH
RELH
4
440sixpack
Guest
Partition or 117 gr Hornady interlock. but like RELH says you're streching a 120 gr bullets limits.
Stay thirsty my friends
Stay thirsty my friends
sageadvice
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 11,849
I won't say that i went full circle because i never ventured into the bigger magnum cartridges but now i'm back to my roots, hunting with my 25-06 once again and loving it.
Currently i'm using Factory 100 gr Barns TTSX ammo but at the distances you are talking, i'd seriously look into your options with the 110 gr Accubond bullet.
I'd change right now to the regular old Accubond but our State is soon facing a lead free bullet law in effect so it may remain Barnes for me with little if any concerns.
Joey
"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"
Currently i'm using Factory 100 gr Barns TTSX ammo but at the distances you are talking, i'd seriously look into your options with the 110 gr Accubond bullet.
I'd change right now to the regular old Accubond but our State is soon facing a lead free bullet law in effect so it may remain Barnes for me with little if any concerns.
Joey
"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"
The reason I am not afraid to use my 25-06 is because I have done some pretty impressive damage to 3 cow elk at over 400 yards with the barnes TTSX bullets. I was just wondering if there was other bullets that someone else might have had luck with as well. I think I will look into the accubonds. Thanks.
4
440sixpack
Guest
A 22 hornet will work on cape buffalo too. if everything goes perfect.
You said you wanted a long range elk bullet in 25 caliber, it doesn't exist. don't take my word for it call Nosler , I doubt they're going to give a thumbs up to a .25 accubond or any bullet they make as a long range elk killer.
Just because you can get away with something part of the time doesn't make it a good idea.
Stay thirsty my friends
You said you wanted a long range elk bullet in 25 caliber, it doesn't exist. don't take my word for it call Nosler , I doubt they're going to give a thumbs up to a .25 accubond or any bullet they make as a long range elk killer.
Just because you can get away with something part of the time doesn't make it a good idea.
Stay thirsty my friends
I'm not here to argue with anyone or start anything. I've shot at 3 cows at over 400 yards and took down all of them. I like the way I can shoot the gun and I like the results. I never said I wanted a long range gun, I just want to find the best option for shooting out to 500 yards.
BuzzH
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 6,046
The 3 most important things in regard to killing game are:
Shot placement, shot placement, and shot placement...roughly in that order. A distant 4th is bullet selection. But, that's gotten so much easier these days with the great bullets on the market today. Pretty tough to find a bullet that wont work.
Don't let anyone bullchit you, a 25/06 is a capable round for things up to and including elk for the ranges you specified. I believe the accubond is also a fine bullet for your specified application and I would use it on elk, black bears, etc. without even giving it a second thought. I've used and have seen the various .25's used on a variety of game (elk, deer, pronghorn, oryx, etc.) up to 600 yards, they work and they work well.
The only thing the .25 suffers from is low BC, but velocity can trump some of that.
I would much rather see a hunter using an accurate rifle they shoot well, than using something that the peanut-gallery thinks is "better"...
Shot placement, shot placement, and shot placement...roughly in that order. A distant 4th is bullet selection. But, that's gotten so much easier these days with the great bullets on the market today. Pretty tough to find a bullet that wont work.
Don't let anyone bullchit you, a 25/06 is a capable round for things up to and including elk for the ranges you specified. I believe the accubond is also a fine bullet for your specified application and I would use it on elk, black bears, etc. without even giving it a second thought. I've used and have seen the various .25's used on a variety of game (elk, deer, pronghorn, oryx, etc.) up to 600 yards, they work and they work well.
The only thing the .25 suffers from is low BC, but velocity can trump some of that.
I would much rather see a hunter using an accurate rifle they shoot well, than using something that the peanut-gallery thinks is "better"...
I couldn't agree more BuzzH. The bottom line to me is the fact that I can shoot my 25 better than any other gun I have. And from the research I've done, the accubonds should have no trouble breaking a big bears shoulder out to 500 yards. And obviously no problem doing some major lung damage.
4
440sixpack
Guest
I love this place, if you wanted to hunt a rino with a 243 someone would tell you they'd killed 47 of them at 1200 yards with one so go for it.
Most people figure 1200 lbs of energy is a good number to provide a humane kill on elk and I'd agree. your 25-06 with a 110 gr accubond at 500 yards will be around 800 lbs. not too impressive , so you better damn well be a Quigley like Buzz with perfect shot placement 100% of the time or you're in trouble. or should I say the elk that runs off leaking is.
Do what you're going to do but don't do it because you got bad advice from some underinformed experts.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/elk_cartridges.htm
Stay thirsty my friends
Most people figure 1200 lbs of energy is a good number to provide a humane kill on elk and I'd agree. your 25-06 with a 110 gr accubond at 500 yards will be around 800 lbs. not too impressive , so you better damn well be a Quigley like Buzz with perfect shot placement 100% of the time or you're in trouble. or should I say the elk that runs off leaking is.
Do what you're going to do but don't do it because you got bad advice from some underinformed experts.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/elk_cartridges.htm
Stay thirsty my friends
Like I said before, I'm not here to argue with you. And I'm not even talking about elk, I'm talking about a bear hunt. If you prefer a bigger caliber then good on you. I like accuracy and I've had very good luck with this gun on several deer and elk. That's all I have to say about it.
RELH
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 17,479
If you were so sure of the load you were using on the cow elk, why in hades did you come on here and post your question about wanting a best load for that long range?
I have been shooting the 25-06 for over 25 years and I feel it is too light of a load for 500 yards unless you have the perfect shot and a good shooting position. I have used it for long shots of 400-600 yards on about 7 occasions and all one shot kills on mule deer and I still feel it is to light for some elk or bear shots at that distance.
RELH
I have been shooting the 25-06 for over 25 years and I feel it is too light of a load for 500 yards unless you have the perfect shot and a good shooting position. I have used it for long shots of 400-600 yards on about 7 occasions and all one shot kills on mule deer and I still feel it is to light for some elk or bear shots at that distance.
RELH
I loaded about 200 bullets several years ago and I just wanted opinions on if there's better options since then. I appreciate you giving me your input without being rude or disrespectful, it's much more helpful when you just give your honest opinion without assuming the other person is just an idiot.
BuzzH
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 6,046
Twabbis,
Do your own research, I don't know where some people pull their ballistics from, but I think its thin air. In particular when they try to correlate ballistics to killing animals. Ballistics are fun to talk about, but the reality is, they don't mean much of jack chit when it comes to how a given caliber will perform on game.
Case in point is the bullchit about 1200 foot lbs being the minimum to kill elk...pure hogwash. Bullets kill by doing internal damage causing blood loss and associated drop in blood pressure. Of course, central nervous system damage to the spine or brain will also kill an animal or incapacitate them allowing for a follow up shot.
Further, the information provided to you about your 25/06 and 110 accubonds is a joke. I would reckon that the dud that posted that assumed a MV of 3K or less. If you aren't pushing a 110 at 3100+, you're leaving performance on the table. Assuming 3100, you would actually have over 1,000 ft/lbs at 500...more than enough to kill an elk, bear, deer, etc. All that's needed is enough energy to allow the bullet to reach vital organs and expand the bullet.
I also really enjoy a good chuckle, from those giving advice, that you better make sure the animal is broadside and you're only taking a good shot at extended range (thanks for that captain obvious). As if to say, its OK to take a bad shot with something bigger. A bad shot is a bad shot, doesn't make a chittin' bit of difference what weapon you're using. Bullet placement matters most...period.
Allow me to burst a few bubbles and myths...
Cow elk, 7-08, 140 AB, MV 2850 629 yards took a half dozen staggering steps, dead in seconds. Bullet exited on a slight quartering away shot.
Same rifle, load, yada yada...486 yards again slightly quartering away. Recovered the bullet on the off-side, just under the hide of a broken shoulder (you can see the blood from the entrance side just in front of mid-body):
Recovered 140 AB from that bull:
Finally, if you shoot your 25/06 well out to 500, use it and make sure you have a good pack, knife, wrapping paper, and freezer space...you'll need all those things.
Do your own research, I don't know where some people pull their ballistics from, but I think its thin air. In particular when they try to correlate ballistics to killing animals. Ballistics are fun to talk about, but the reality is, they don't mean much of jack chit when it comes to how a given caliber will perform on game.
Case in point is the bullchit about 1200 foot lbs being the minimum to kill elk...pure hogwash. Bullets kill by doing internal damage causing blood loss and associated drop in blood pressure. Of course, central nervous system damage to the spine or brain will also kill an animal or incapacitate them allowing for a follow up shot.
Further, the information provided to you about your 25/06 and 110 accubonds is a joke. I would reckon that the dud that posted that assumed a MV of 3K or less. If you aren't pushing a 110 at 3100+, you're leaving performance on the table. Assuming 3100, you would actually have over 1,000 ft/lbs at 500...more than enough to kill an elk, bear, deer, etc. All that's needed is enough energy to allow the bullet to reach vital organs and expand the bullet.
I also really enjoy a good chuckle, from those giving advice, that you better make sure the animal is broadside and you're only taking a good shot at extended range (thanks for that captain obvious). As if to say, its OK to take a bad shot with something bigger. A bad shot is a bad shot, doesn't make a chittin' bit of difference what weapon you're using. Bullet placement matters most...period.
Allow me to burst a few bubbles and myths...
Cow elk, 7-08, 140 AB, MV 2850 629 yards took a half dozen staggering steps, dead in seconds. Bullet exited on a slight quartering away shot.
Same rifle, load, yada yada...486 yards again slightly quartering away. Recovered the bullet on the off-side, just under the hide of a broken shoulder (you can see the blood from the entrance side just in front of mid-body):
Recovered 140 AB from that bull:
Finally, if you shoot your 25/06 well out to 500, use it and make sure you have a good pack, knife, wrapping paper, and freezer space...you'll need all those things.
springvilleshooter
Active Member
- Messages
- 209
I have had great luck killing things with the 25's. I currently have a 25-06 Ackley, a couple of 25-06's, and a 257 Roberts Imp. My favorite Combo is the 25-06 AI shooting 100 grain Nosler E Tip bullets at 3485 FPS. This load has taken whitetail, mule deer, blacktail, antelope, and cow elk cleanly with one shot a piece at distances from inside 100 yards out to about 500 yards. I have yet to recover a bullet and the exit holes often look like broad head wounds.
I would seriously consider the E Tip for bears. It means a lot to know that you can draw a straight line through an animal wherever you hit it. Combine that with the surgical accuracy of most 25's and it's pretty understandable why this caliber has such a strong following. -------SS
I would seriously consider the E Tip for bears. It means a lot to know that you can draw a straight line through an animal wherever you hit it. Combine that with the surgical accuracy of most 25's and it's pretty understandable why this caliber has such a strong following. -------SS
4
440sixpack
Guest
Wow, I didn't believe it but now that I've seen a picture of a dead cow I stand humbled . and if they do run off leaking who cares, Buzz's wolves need to eat to.
Stay thirsty my friends
Stay thirsty my friends
springvilleshooter
Active Member
- Messages
- 209
>
>Wow, I didn't believe it but
>now that I've seen a
>picture of a dead cow
>I stand humbled .
>and if they do run
>off leaking who cares, Buzz's
>wolves need to eat to.
>
I bet more animals run off leaking as a result of a piss poor shot from a magnum than ever do as a result of being shot by a minuscule caliber. In my years of experience I have found that people overwhelmingly shoot smaller caliber weapons far more accurately than big magnums. The trick is to find a happy compromise between precision shooting, enough power, and the right bullet. This varies by individual shooter as we all have different abilities.------SS
>Wow, I didn't believe it but
>now that I've seen a
>picture of a dead cow
>I stand humbled .
>and if they do run
>off leaking who cares, Buzz's
>wolves need to eat to.
>
I bet more animals run off leaking as a result of a piss poor shot from a magnum than ever do as a result of being shot by a minuscule caliber. In my years of experience I have found that people overwhelmingly shoot smaller caliber weapons far more accurately than big magnums. The trick is to find a happy compromise between precision shooting, enough power, and the right bullet. This varies by individual shooter as we all have different abilities.------SS
Thanks to you guys that have given some helpful insight. I now know not to post on mm forums anymore because no matter what it is someone will just be a d-bag and start an argument over his own opinion. And yes, it is an OPINION. Absolutely ridiculous, I'm 26 years old and I have more respect for others than a lot of "sportsmen" in their 40s or older. Good day to you all.
You're right mtmuley, I shouldn't let it get to me. Just drives me nuts the way people that are all passionate about the sport can't just respect one another and if you don't agree just say why and leave it at that without resorting to calling eachother names or being rude and disrespectful. But you are right, I will continue to post things and let people say what they will 
4
440sixpack
Guest
Free advice is worth what you pay for it. some of the advice you're getting here they should pay you.
Try to find another place besides MM where 110 gr bullet is considered a great long range elk choice. god I love this place you never know when someone is just jerking your chain or serious. peace out.
Stay thirsty my friends
Try to find another place besides MM where 110 gr bullet is considered a great long range elk choice. god I love this place you never know when someone is just jerking your chain or serious. peace out.
Stay thirsty my friends
Hey 440, not for me but elk don't like little bullets at LR it seems. mtmuley http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/5900111/1
Zeke
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 10,603
The two-bit-ought-six is one of my all-time favorites but I avoid larger (elk, bear) with it although my first bear was killed with one using a Partition.
Will it work? sure.
Will I use one on bear at 4-500 yards? No, I don't have to since I have other cartridges/calibers which I (me, myself and I) deem better suited.
My vote for a bear bullet, with the 25-06, would be the TSX or TTSX. They penetrate better than most and seem to turn a smaller caliber gun into a step bigger performer.
It's all just gum-flapping anyways since you seem to have your opinion already set. No problem.
We should all have an opinion. It's just some are more impressive than others.
Zeke
Will it work? sure.
Will I use one on bear at 4-500 yards? No, I don't have to since I have other cartridges/calibers which I (me, myself and I) deem better suited.
My vote for a bear bullet, with the 25-06, would be the TSX or TTSX. They penetrate better than most and seem to turn a smaller caliber gun into a step bigger performer.
It's all just gum-flapping anyways since you seem to have your opinion already set. No problem.
We should all have an opinion. It's just some are more impressive than others.
Zeke
L
Lochsa
Guest
The 25-06 is fully capable of taking deer, elk bear etc.. at those ranges. I'd would use a 115 Partition or similar bullet. You are still getting over 2000 fps and nearly 1100 ft/lb energy at 500 yards. With a 200 yard zero, you will be about 3 feet low at 500.
Your Input Variables
Ballistic Coefficient .389 Velocity (ft/s) 3100 Weight (grains) 115
Maximum Range (yds) 1000 Interval (yds) 25 Drag Function G1
Sight Height (inches) 1.5 Shooting Angle (degrees) 0 Zero Range (yds) 200
Wind Speed (mph) 10 Wind Angle (degrees) 90 Altitude (ft) 2500
Pressure (hg) 29.53 Temperature (F) 59 Humidity (%) 0.78
Ballistics Results - 115 partition
RANGE (YARDS) VELOCITY (FPS) ENERGY (FT.-LB.) TRAJECTORY (IN) COME UP IN MOA COME UP IN MILS WIND DRIFT (IN) WIND DRIFT IN MOA WIND DRIFT IN MILS
Muzzle 3100 2454 -1.5 0 0 0 0 0
25 3042 2363 -0.4 1.6 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.1
50 2985 2275 0.4 -0.8 -0.2 0.2 0.4 0.1
75 2929 2190 1 -1.3 -0.4 0.4 0.5 0.1
100 2873 2108 1.4 -1.3 -0.4 0.7 0.7 0.2
125 2818 2028 1.5 -1.1 -0.3 1.1 0.8 0.2
150 2764 1951 1.3 -0.8 -0.2 1.5 1 0.3
175 2711 1876 0.8 -0.4 -0.1 2.1 1.2 0.3
200 2658 1804 0 0 0 2.8 1.3 0.4
225 2606 1734 -1.1 0.5 0.1 3.5 1.5 0.4
250 2554 1666 -2.5 0.9 0.3 4.4 1.7 0.5
275 2503 1600 -4.2 1.5 0.4 5.4 1.9 0.5
300 2453 1536 -6.3 2 0.6 6.4 2 0.6
325 2403 1474 -8.7 2.6 0.7 7.6 2.2 0.6
350 2354 1414 -11.5 3.1 0.9 8.9 2.4 0.7
375 2301 1356 -14.8 3.8 1.1 10.3 2.6 0.8
400 2257 1300 -18.4 4.4 1.3 11.8 2.8 0.8
425 2209 1246 -22.4 5 1.5 13.5 3 0.9
450 2162 1193 -26.9 5.7 1.7 15.3 3.2 0.9
475 2115 1143 -31.9 6.4 1.9 17.2 3.5 1
500 2069 1093 -37.3 7.1 2.1 19.2 3.7 1.1
525 2024 1046 -43.3 7.9 2.3 21.4 3.9 1.1
550 1979 1000 -49.7 8.6 2.5 23.8 4.1 1.2
575 1935 956 -56.8 9.4 2.7 26.3 4.4 1.3
600 1892 914 -64.4 10.2 3 28.9 4.6 1.3
625 1849 873 -72.6 11.1 3.2 31.7 4.8 1.4
650 1807 833 -81.5 12 3.5 34.7 5.1 1.5
Your Input Variables
Ballistic Coefficient .389 Velocity (ft/s) 3100 Weight (grains) 115
Maximum Range (yds) 1000 Interval (yds) 25 Drag Function G1
Sight Height (inches) 1.5 Shooting Angle (degrees) 0 Zero Range (yds) 200
Wind Speed (mph) 10 Wind Angle (degrees) 90 Altitude (ft) 2500
Pressure (hg) 29.53 Temperature (F) 59 Humidity (%) 0.78
Ballistics Results - 115 partition
RANGE (YARDS) VELOCITY (FPS) ENERGY (FT.-LB.) TRAJECTORY (IN) COME UP IN MOA COME UP IN MILS WIND DRIFT (IN) WIND DRIFT IN MOA WIND DRIFT IN MILS
Muzzle 3100 2454 -1.5 0 0 0 0 0
25 3042 2363 -0.4 1.6 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.1
50 2985 2275 0.4 -0.8 -0.2 0.2 0.4 0.1
75 2929 2190 1 -1.3 -0.4 0.4 0.5 0.1
100 2873 2108 1.4 -1.3 -0.4 0.7 0.7 0.2
125 2818 2028 1.5 -1.1 -0.3 1.1 0.8 0.2
150 2764 1951 1.3 -0.8 -0.2 1.5 1 0.3
175 2711 1876 0.8 -0.4 -0.1 2.1 1.2 0.3
200 2658 1804 0 0 0 2.8 1.3 0.4
225 2606 1734 -1.1 0.5 0.1 3.5 1.5 0.4
250 2554 1666 -2.5 0.9 0.3 4.4 1.7 0.5
275 2503 1600 -4.2 1.5 0.4 5.4 1.9 0.5
300 2453 1536 -6.3 2 0.6 6.4 2 0.6
325 2403 1474 -8.7 2.6 0.7 7.6 2.2 0.6
350 2354 1414 -11.5 3.1 0.9 8.9 2.4 0.7
375 2301 1356 -14.8 3.8 1.1 10.3 2.6 0.8
400 2257 1300 -18.4 4.4 1.3 11.8 2.8 0.8
425 2209 1246 -22.4 5 1.5 13.5 3 0.9
450 2162 1193 -26.9 5.7 1.7 15.3 3.2 0.9
475 2115 1143 -31.9 6.4 1.9 17.2 3.5 1
500 2069 1093 -37.3 7.1 2.1 19.2 3.7 1.1
525 2024 1046 -43.3 7.9 2.3 21.4 3.9 1.1
550 1979 1000 -49.7 8.6 2.5 23.8 4.1 1.2
575 1935 956 -56.8 9.4 2.7 26.3 4.4 1.3
600 1892 914 -64.4 10.2 3 28.9 4.6 1.3
625 1849 873 -72.6 11.1 3.2 31.7 4.8 1.4
650 1807 833 -81.5 12 3.5 34.7 5.1 1.5
