New rifle for the wife
- Thread starter Grantbvfd
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Musket Man
Veteran member
bluedunn0
Member
I have a .25-06 Love it. Shot everything from coyotes to elk withe no problems. My Mom has also taken a moose with a 25. Reloading is fun with the .25 lots of different options in bullets and powders.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
I might sound like a broken record on these threads, but I think the 7-08 is the best all-around low-recoil cartridge. My seven year old can shoot it.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
I've been a 25-06 fan sice I built my first one as a wildcat in the 60's. Shot a Ruger M77 since 1975 and it is my deer & antelope rifle. Nuff said!!
mav_7mm
New Member
I agree with Colorado, I own three Ruger M77's and I can't wait to get another. I personally love the 25-06, I plan to begin construction on one in a year or two.
Hard to beat a 7mm/08 for deer and elk under 250yd. If just a deer gun, you can't go wrong with a 257 Roberts. If you handload you can get close to 25/06 vel with a lot less recoil and powder burned and they make one in the Ruger hawkeye.
I shoot a 257, 6.5x55 and a 7x57 which I handload for. I never felt I was underguned with any of them. I've shot bear, deer, antelope, one Mt goat, 8 caribou and 10 african antelope with them. I have a 338/08 for elk and moose, if only I could get draw here in WA.
I shoot a 257, 6.5x55 and a 7x57 which I handload for. I never felt I was underguned with any of them. I've shot bear, deer, antelope, one Mt goat, 8 caribou and 10 african antelope with them. I have a 338/08 for elk and moose, if only I could get draw here in WA.
jenbickel
Veteran member
I agree with Fish... I absolutely love my .257.. It is by far the best gun I have ever owned.. Enough punch to kill whatever but not too much recoil to where you dont want to shoot! You cant go wrong 
Big Sky
Active Member
I bought my wife a 25-06 a couple of years ago and we both love it. It is now my favorite rifle to shoot.
hvfd21walker
Active Member
Timberstalker
Veteran member
I've been hunting with my 25-06 for 30 years, my favorite rifle for sure. I don't ususally use it for elk however, it gets the job done , but it doesn't quite have the energy my Ol' 300 win. mag has. If your planning on using it for elk better plan on tracking them a little ways unless you hit the sweet spots.
sjsmallfield
Veteran member
I have a 257 weatherby myself and I love it. The shells are starting to get a little pricey though. With that said it is still my favorite deer and antelope cartridge out there and I wouldn't hesitate to shoot an elk with it either.
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
You should try reloading. You can reload for that for less than $1.00 per round, probably closer to 1/2 that.
Joe Hulburt
Active Member
I know nothing about the 25-06 but would go with a 7mm-08 over a .243 everyday. I have bought my kids one of each and looking back I see absolutely no reason to go with the .243. I'm mostly and archery hunter so take that advice lightly but from what I see the ballistics tell the story....
Musket Man
Veteran member
Deer, I'm leaning towards a flatter shootin gun. The 7mm-08 is a great round. I have shot it and it is very impressive. Just not really what we want for her.
Musket Man
Veteran member
I would go with the 243.Its all you need for deer and there is more factory ammo avalible for it. I have killed many deer with mine.
I picked up a 270 auto for my wife last year. She loves it. Very low recoil with the auto and recoil pad and with being auto it's easier for her to stay on target if a follow up shot is needed.
Drhorsepower
Veteran member
Very good point, they also aren't packing it deep into the back country So weight isn't a huge issue ( most I should say!)