Author Topic: Another stupid "What's the best XXX question"... (Read 837 times)

BusterNW · « **on:** August 17, 2004, 05:34:59 PM »

I realize this is largely a matter of opinion, but I'd like to ask you all what premium factory loads out of a 25-06 you recommend for big game. I had been using standard Federal 117 grain Hot-Cor loads out of my Tikka T3 with good results up until last year, when I had a bullet essentially "blow up" on a nice muley's shoulder from about 80 yards. We almost lost the buck -- we were lucky enough to track him down the following morning -- but the situation left enough of a sour taste in my mouth to not want it to happen again.

We've got some pretty good-sized muleys out where I hunt, and I will use the same rifle on a cow elk hunt this season. I do not handload. Of course, I will try 3-4 different loads and use the ones that shoot best out of my rifle.

So, what factory loads do you recommend for large deer and smaller elk from a 25-06. Some of the choices I've looked at are from:

Federal: Nosler Partition, Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, Barnes Triple Shock (100gr)
Remington: Premier Core-Lokt Ultra
Hornady: Interlock (L. Mag)
Any others?

Thanks for your input. I realize there's not definitive answer here, but I appreciate everyone's experience.

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2004, 02:52:32 AM »

As for the Interlock, it's a great whitetail bullet, but I wouldn't use it on elk. The IL is essentially just a little bit better than conventional bullets, but it's not premium bonded like others.

You can't go wrong with the Partition, and the Trophy Bonded is certainly the most premium of those mentioned and within the 115 grain weight range. Although I love the Barnes X, in the .25-06 it's only 100 grains and thus I wouldn't use it on mule deer and elk. I don't have any experience with the Remington Ultra, but with the Partition and TB out there, why use anything else?

Zachary

Questor · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2004, 02:57:12 AM »

For game larger than is normally intended for the 25-06 I would look at the Barnes X bullets.

Zachary · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2004, 04:58:04 AM »

I like the barnes X too, but Federal only makes it in a 100 grain. I sure wish it could be available in factory ammo in a 115 grain.

Zachary

Lawdog · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2004, 10:27:31 AM »

BusterNW,

Go with the old reliable Partition. Been working for hunters ever since Nosler bought it out. The new Barnes TSX 100 gr. is works fine too. Took a nice eating hog, 88 lbs. dressed, about a week ago using one out of my .25-06. Range was 211 yards, according to the range finder, and the sow dropped at the shot. Complete pass through with a nice 2" exit wound. Love them Quarter Bores and the .25-06 for over 40 years. Lawdog

SHW · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2004, 05:07:44 PM »

Another vote for the Nosler partition

7mm MAGNUM · « **Reply #6 on:** August 19, 2004, 12:09:33 PM »

I personally like and use the Hornady Interbond. My rifle just does NOT like the Partitons. :eek: :roll:

gunnut69 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 20, 2004, 09:14:00 PM »

The 25-06 is hard on bullets and need the best you can use to be a reliable killer. I have used the Nosler partition for nearly 30 years and can find little to fault. The older Partitions had their jackets turned on a screw machine and were perhaps less than target grade but the new ones are impact extruded as are the spentacularly accurate BallisticTips.. I'd use the heaaviest bullet available in a light caliber like the 25-06 so the 120 Partition would get my vote. I don't know if Federal loads them or not but that would be my choice.. Any single core bullet can fail. I had a 200 Speer HotCore bullet blow up on the rib cage of a nice Missouri buck. Only fragments crossed the ribcage. I recovered the deer but was less than happy. The range was less than 100 yards(barely) and the rifle a custom 300 WinMag. I switched to 200 grain Partitions and haven't recovered one since..and always get an exit wound.