David Petzal's comments about the 25-06

[SuperstitionCoues]

Please follow the link.  It is an expansion of an article in July's issue of Field and Stream. 
Interesting for those (like me) who have become a believer in this cartridge.


http://fieldandstream.blogs.com/gunnut/2007/08/a-few-kind-word.html

[charles p]

I've probably taken 50+ whitetails with my old 25-06.  I shoot 177-120 grain bullets and I handload.  My rifle is also a beanfield rifle (old Browning BBR) and too heavy to lug through the woods.  I think a 25-06 needs at least a 24" barrel.  I lost a nice buck last year that I watched for five nimutes before the shot.  The range was about 50 yards and I was shooting from a rock solid rest.  The shot angle required the bullet to quarter through the buck and exit near the opposite front leg or brisket area.  I don't think the bullet ever exited becauuse I never found a drop of blood.  The deer dropped at the shot then recovered to run away.  A little more bullet might penetrate better for angled shots.  I don't blame the caliber.  I should have waited longer for a better shot placement.

[Zachary]

Actually, you could blame the bullet as well.  I don't know what kind of a bullet that you used, but, at that distance, I can almost guaranty you that if you were using a premium, high weight retention bullet like a Barnes X, or the like, then it would have penetrated both sides.

What bullet did you use?

Zachary

[The Sodbuster]

I picked up a Ruger MkII sporter (laminated/stainless) in March '06.  Matched it with a Burris Fullfield II for a mighty sweet combination.  Killed 2 does with it last fall with 2 shots.  Shooting 117 grain Sierra gamekings, both bullets went in one side and out the other.  One deer dropped in its tracks and the other ran about 25 yards.  Love the cartridge and the rifle.  I'll be taking it with me out into the field again this fall.  I liked Petzal's comment about it being a "poor man's magnum".  It's cheap to load for (especially compared to the .257 Wby), especially if you use .30-06 brass picked up at the range for free.

[nomosendero]

I've probably taken 50+ whitetails with my old 25-06.  I shoot 177-120 grain bullets and I handload.  My rifle is also a beanfield rifle (old Browning BBR) and too heavy to lug through the woods.  I think a 25-06 needs at least a 24" barrel.  I lost a nice buck last year that I watched for five nimutes before the shot.  The range was about 50 yards and I was shooting from a rock solid rest.  The shot angle required the bullet to quarter through the buck and exit near the opposite front leg or brisket area.  I don't think the bullet ever exited becauuse I never found a drop of blood.  The deer dropped at the shot then recovered to run away.  A little more bullet might penetrate better for angled shots.  I don't blame the caliber.  I should have waited longer for a better shot placement.

I agree, you can't blame the caliber. I can tell you for a fact & personal experience that the 100 or 115TSX, 115 or 120 gr. Part, will do ALL the penetration required for even up close at high velocity. Case in point is one nice 7 point I harvested. I was up in a tree, he was up close & I shot at a sharp downhill angle. I was using a 115TSX at 3,250fps. I hit him high in the shoulder, took out the facing lung, smoked the liver, took out the back rib on the other side. His opposite rar leg was stepping forward at the sho, the bullet exited the rib & broke his lower leg in two. I dug for the bullet in the ground, but never found it. I also had unreal penetration with the 120 Nos Pat. Keep in mind the 120 NP has the same const & same sectional density as a 140 gr. Nos Part for a 270. Has anyone ever said the 270 with a 140NP won't penetrate a Deer? No doubt the 100 Nos Part will as well & other conventional cup and core bullets on the heavy side. When you use a 25 cal & have high velocity, it puts alot o strain on a bullet & you choose accordingly. If you are using a softer or lighter bullet, lung  them up close.