Help with a rifle.

What are you going to use the rifle for...deer...elk...varmints...paper?

Well I just got thinking that before i could edit my thread. It will be a hunting rifle deer possibly elk but I would probably build a different rifle for elk.

I personally purchased a .25-06 last fall to try out on deer and antelope. It is going to have to wait a year since I drew all my muzzle loader tags this year. But that would be my choice for you.

Before I bought the .25-06 I was looking at the 6.5 Creedmore, it is a fantastic round and should be a lot of fun to work up reloads and to shoot. If you want to look at them take a look at this thread. It is a pretty good buy if he still has it.

You also don't mention if you reload or plan on just shooting factory ammo out of it. That would be a big determining on which one I would purchase.

I don't reload yet. Planning on it though.

I would take a hard look at the 6.5mms like the Creedmor, 6.5x47, 260 Rem, etc. What about spending a little less on the rifle and getting your reloading setup for the difference? You will never look back. I think you can get about the same accuracy with a good rifle and reloads vs custom rifle and factory.

280 Ackley.


-DallanC

If you truly intend on getting another rifle for elk, I would go with the 25-06. If you want to hunt elk, I would look at something a bit bigger like the 280 or 30-06. The 25 will surely kill elk, we've hashed that out on here before, but it is far from optimal. They do work very well on deer and might be the best choice for antelope.

The 25-06 is a great choice for hand loading or shooting factory ammo as well. I have a bunch of 25's and I love them all. ----SS

My suggestions would be a .243 for deer or a .270WIN for both deer and elk. Factory ammo availability/selection is generally good for both calibers until you start reloading your own.

Some would say .270 is borderline too small for elk but more people say it's plenty with proper shot placement...my personal experience is the latter when using good quality bullets. Ballistically it is an excellent shooting round with few flaws.

I'd look at a Model 700 or Savage in either caliber as a good starting point and then customize from there.

Are you looking for a heavy barreled rig, or a light weight mountain rifle? Remington has their 700 Long Range in the 25-06 for around $700, for one of the best deals around on a heavy target/varmint rig. Just about every manufacturer has a heavy target/varmint 243. $1000 will buy you a lot of rifle from most manufacturers. Does that number include a scope and mounts? Browning has a cute little mountain/light varmint rifle in 6.5 Creedmore that you might find interesting.

bass2muskie said:

It will be a hunting rifle deer possibly elk but I would probably build a different rifle for elk.

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7mm-08...I seem to be going in the opposite direction these days in that I want a lightweight low kicking rifle without needing the fastest barn burner out there. I bought my son a 7mm-08 and now want one for myself. Great Antelope and Deer gun...which can be used for elk if needed...but you said you'd build another setup for elk....so that takes care of that.

There is a 6.5 for sale on here, he may meet you at the range and let you shoot it to see how it feels, just a thought.

Okay so I am picking up a 6.5 CM today so maybe I should just take that and build it up. I've just looked at everyone who owns a 25-06 and they love it so it makes me want one. The 1k would be for rifle and optics. I do like the thought of getting a little less gun and then getting my reloading setup with it. I know nothing of reloading so anyone that has info on what to get and where would be greatly appreciated.

My Weatherby Vangard in .25-06 and a Leupold VXII 2-9 scope, rings, and 1 box of ammo was less than $700 out the door last year. That would leave $300 for you for a reloading set.

Critter said:

My Weatherby Vangard in .25-06 and a Leupold VXII 2-9 scope, rings, and 1 box of ammo was less than $700 out the door last year. That would leave $300 for you for a reloading set.

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I like that price. Also forgot to mention this will be a hunting rifle so I don't want it to weigh a ton. So more of a mountain rifle.

If you are looking for that mid-range 25 cal rifle. You can't go wrong with a 257WBY. Pushing a 100gr monolithic bullet at 3600 ftps. Awesome. If you are looking for a do it all gun that you could feel confident hunting speed goats, deer, elk, etc. I would recommend a 7Mag, 300 Win, 300WSM. Next step up that probably isn't a good speed goat option would be 300 RUM, 338 RUM, 340 WBY, etc.

Brand-- Winchester, Remington (only the 700 line), Browning, etc

I got a brand new Browning x-Bolt in 300 WSM I'll sell you for $650...Total, no taxes. 300 WSM is absolute great all around caliber. This rifle sells MRSP $950 + taxes.

My own thoughts. I've always used my 30-06 for anything and everything. But in recent years, I've been jonesing for a .308. Not sure why but it seems to be a forgotten but proud cartridge.

On the 25 caliber range though, if you go there, I like the 25-06 choice. but really, if you want a necked down 30-06, then I can't find any scenario where the 25-06 would be superior to something like a .270. But that is just me. And if you go there, then is there anything better, more prettier, classier than a Winchester Model 70 in .270? That rifle makes me want to grill a steak, salute the flag, roll my own smoke, saddle up and salute Jack O'Conner.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/gun-nuts/2012/02/jacks-rifle

I just picked up a brand new T/C venture 300 WSM, and topped it with a vortex viper 6.5x20x44mm. scope, rings, and gun all for about 700. given everything I bought was on sale, but that 300 WSM as mentioned would be a great all around caliber, and the gun is light, and accurate.

GaryFish said:

On the 25 caliber range though, if you go there, I like the 25-06 choice. but really, if you want a necked down 30-06, then I can't find any scenario where the 25-06 would be superior to something like a .270. But that is just me(and me). And if you go there, then is there anything better, more prettier, classier than a Winchester Model 70 in .270? That rifle makes me want to grill a steak, salute the flag, roll my own smoke, saddle up and salute Jack O'Conner.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/gun-nuts/2012/02/jacks-rifle

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