Which Gun ?

[Colorado Cowboy]

Spent some time at the range this morning shooting 2 different rifles. One is my "old reliable" Ruger M77 in 25-06, the other in my newer elk rifle, a custom commercial Mauser in .300 Wby. Both shoot around 1/2 minute groups, both are topped with Leupold VXlll 4x14 optics. I shoot both really well. I have sot over 100 deer & antelope with the 25-06 and 4 elk with the Wby.

I will be hunting deer in the 4th season here. I have worked up a great load for the .300 using a Sierra 150 gr BT Game King bullet. It chronos a little over 3300 fps. The 25-06 is a little slower (3125) using a 117 gr BT Sierra Game King. Either will do the job on deer.

I would kinda like to use the .300 because it is a pretty new rifle, but hate to put down the .25. I'll probably take both and make up my mind opening day. Good situation to have....right?

 

[packmule]

Pretty good situation. I like going bigger & faster (bonded) to have a little insurance in case the shot situation/angle just isn't that great.

 

[Tim McCoy]

As situations go, that is of the good variety for sure. I'd call it one heck of a first world problem! Personally, I'd have a long talk with my 25-06, reassure her of her honored status and ask for her blessing to give the new kid 2 days to close the deal, if he doesn't, then the remainder of the hunt would be hers. I am sure she'll agree to your dalliance with the .300. Should that not happen, old reliable would get the call.

 

[Eberle]

Since it is deer I'd go with the 300, if it was antelope I'd say the 25-06. I always take 2, one for a backup

 

[badgerbob]

Just flip a coin. The deer will be just as dead with either one.

 

[hoshour]

Of course either will do the job and you're comfortable with both, and shooting great groups.

Personally, I like the extra speed and energy and would have the .300 first up. Then again, if it's a little heavier and you're putting in some miles, I might go with the lighter rifle.

 

[Musket Man]

Take the old 25-06, its killed alot of animals for you over the years!!!

 

[Bonecollector]

I'm sure you've faced bigger decisions.
I'd take the 300 since it's newer and "deserves an opportunity". lol

 

[Timberstalker]

This reminds me of my sheep hunt. Do I use my old faithful 25-06 or my .300 win mag? I lugged the win mag around for the first few days, then switched to the much lighter "old meat in the pot", it felt really good carrying my 25-06. By the way neither of my rifles shoot as well as yours, or it could just be me...

 

[xtreme]

Go with the 25. I have read your kill record with that gun, I just can't find a reason to change. Good luck.

 

[Hilltop]

4th season tags don't come around every year. I would take old familiar for this hunt and christen the 300 on a run of the mill hunt next year.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I am planning on taling both with me as I always take a backup if possible. I am pretty sure I'll use the Ruger 25-06. Only change would be if it is really windy, the heavier 150 grain in the .300 would be better.

Thanks for all the input, I pretty much knew the answer, but am always open to someone else's opinion.

 

[badgerbob]

I have almost the same combo. A Ruger 77 in 300 win mag and a Rem. 700 in 26-06. 117 hornaday in the Rem and 180 accubod in the Ruger. Wouldn't hesitate taking either one, whatever strikes your fancy. I usually take both,( 25-06 mainly for deer/300 for elk), the other for backup. Wouldn't it be nice if this was the biggest issues in our lives, which rifle to hunt with.......?

 

[mcseal2]

The old saying if it ain't broke don't fix it comes to mind. I'd stick to the one that has worked in the past unless there is a reason to change.

 

[6mm Remington]

CC I'd take them both so that if something should happen to one you would have something as a back-up. That awesome 300 Weatherby has not taken a deer yet, well that is just plain awful. You need to pack it and use it. If the 25-06 starts getting jealous, maybe take it out one day. Two is one and one is NONE!

 

[Musket Man]

Take the 25-06 and 1873 for backup!!

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Take the 25-06 and 1873 for backup!!

Now that my friend is a plan!

 

[buckbull]

I personally would choose the lighter of the rifles. No use carrying more rifle than you need. IMO, I think the .25-06 is as close to perfect for deer as anything else.