I am lining up my winter projects and thought I would barrel my savage long action to the .25-06 and use it mostly for deer and antelope. But as many of you know Montana's deer and elk season are at the same time. So a shot at an elk is a possibility. I know there are better cartidges to shoot an elk with.

Would you take a shot at an elk (within 300 yards) with the .25-06 loaded with a premium bullet?

I wouldn't. A 25-06 is going to be down around 1300-1400ftlbs at 300. While I'm sure that would be enough to kill it isn't enough to make up for a mistake.

My wife uses her 7X57 on elk. But she will also limit her shots to less than 200yds and perfect broadsides.

Just my opinion it and a couple $$ will buy you coffee.

I killed a bull with my 257wby at over 300 yards using the 100gr partition.
Using the 100gr tsx out of the 25-06 at 3300fps would leave 1511ftlbs at 300 yards.Not a lot of energy to be sure,but it would probably do the job if you pick your shot.

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Would you take a shot at an elk (within 300 yards) with the .25-06 loaded with a premium bullet?

yes I would. And all the time I was putting the crosshairs on the bull, I'd be thinking, "you idiot! you could have barreled this thing to 280 Remington."

could have. Didn't, and would not if I again had the chance. But that's just me. roger

25-06 for elk, if that was all I had maybe I would hunt elk w/ it but I would not take a 300yd shot. If you use a good bullet, be patient & wait for the broadside shot under 200yds, maybe. My min. is a .280 w/ 160gr bullets & I wouldn't push that one to 300yds.

A good friend of mine hunts elk (and everything else) with a .257 Roberts. I don't see why you couldn't hunt with a 25-06. Just pick your shots well.

Would I do it, yeah you bet without a doubt and with no reservations.

Been there done that and bought the T-shirt enough to know what I can do with said combo.

25/06's take a boat load of elk in Mt and Wyo every year and in the right hands with the right discipline it will do you right.

I'd load 7828 and or R22 and a 100 TSX or a 115 TSX and get to it.

Mark D

You could kill an elk with a 22mag. The question is is it a prudent thing to do. The answer is no in my opinion. If all you can have is one rifle or if your going to hunt deer and elk at the same time, I'd get something a bit bigger. My bottom line for both would br a 6.5. Either the 6.5x55 or a 260 Rem with either 140gr or 160gr bullets. The guy that said get a 280 probally called a cartridge that's good as it get's for what you want.

Just because it is possible does not mean it is a good idea. No, I would not do that.

I know a couple of guys who have taken more than one elk with 6mm bullets (probably Remington core-lokt factory ammo, knowing them). Does that mean it is a good idea? Not really. I have set my personal minimum as a 6.5x55 with 140 or 160 gr bullets, preferably within 200 yards. When I get my chance at one, I will be carrying my .270WSM loaded with 150 gr Nosler Partitions. The Howa 6.5x55 will be my backup rifle, loaded with either 140 gr Nosler Partitions or the 160 gr Sierra SMP. If I had a 25-06, I would be happy to use it on long range deer, antelope, coyotes and rock chucks.

I would take my .257 roberts elk hunting, but not if I had somthing bigger, A tsx barnes or a 120 grain partition and the right angle for the shot would be key.
But If you have a .308 or evan a .270, its quite abilt better as far as I am concerned.
...tj3006

I really don't have much respect for hunters that use to little rifle. I've seen it. Elk 6MM the animal went down after the 5th shot. Fairly good shots just not enough horse power to get the job done. I used to use a 7MM Magnum myself and after several successful seasons I shot a big bull with a full head of adrenaline at fifty feet he jumped right back off the ground as if to say fooled yah. Was it a good shot? Yes after he tried to climb a tree and came to rest on his back during the process of taking care of him I found out the shot had completely severed the arteries from his heart. That’s when I switched to a bigger gun. I’m not going to be loosing my Elk to another hunter because he ran far enough that someone else take the killing shot. Now I either use my 300 Weatherby with a 200 gr. bullet or my 8MM Remington Magnum with a 220 gr.

If you really must show your disrespect for the animals you hunt pick a Brown Bear or Lion and take your .17 HMR.

even better the 25-06 AI. if u get those 115s going fast enough. neck shots always good aslong as its accurate which 25-06s seem to be! could always go for a head shot :P

The 25.06 is not the right tool for the job. Certainly not at 300 yards unless you're the type of guy that doesn't care whether you wound and lose game, and there are a lot of "hunters" out there that feel just that way unfortunately.

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Originally posted by MThuntr:
I am lining up my winter projects and thought I would barrel my savage long action to the .25-06 and use it mostly for deer and antelope. But as many of you know Montana's deer and elk season are at the same time. So a shot at an elk is a possibility. I know there are better cartidges to shoot an elk with.

Would you take a shot at an elk (within 300 yards) with the .25-06 loaded with a premium bullet?

Yes, IF the rifle was loaded with something like the 115-grain Nosler or a Barnes TSX in a similar weight, AND the elk presented a classic broadside target with adequate time for me to be certain of a hit in the right spot. But I would limit my shots to a shorter range, something under 300 yards.

Well I don't know if it's really a case of the caliber being up to the task or a case of the shooter being up to the shot.
Here is my elk I took with my 25'06 driving 100gr. Partitions at 3400fps.
The shot was at 230yds, and he went maybe 60 yds. before keeling over from the double lunger.
No bullet was recovered.
Would I do it again probably.
Would I plan to do it probably not.

Yes, I believe I would. Given the right circumstances. But, most of the time 300 would be a bit far for me to feel comfortable with on elk.
This is one of those situation possible type scenarios.

I like to take my 7mm RM or even the lowly '06 when I'm hunting with both Elk and Deer tags in my pocket. But, stuff happens. I found myself out on a deer hunt with my .25-06 because my 7mm had issues. I did see a pair of bulls, and tried to get close enough to take one. I blew the cross canyon stalk ( I know nobody's done that before ) and the shot I was presented with was about 350 yards. To far for this round on elk IMHO. I took a nice buck last year at the same distance, using the same ammo, and it performed well, but deer are not elk.

In hind sight, I would just hunt deer with my .338WM. With the .338WM I still would probably not have taken that same shot as I hadn't done enough shooting at that distance with it to be completely sure of myself. That was then, I now practice with it to 400 yards.

This whole thing came back to me only practicing with the 7mm all year. I could hit a 8" plate at 400 yards without hardly thinking about it. Just before season the scope failed. I was left with loading up enough ammo for other rifles to get them sighted in, and me some practice, just two weeks before leaving. Not a big confidence builder.
I have since had a backup plan each year. And will continue to prep several rifles with hunting ammo each fall. That way I will have the confidence should something go wrong at the last minute. Nate

Not a good idea. If I had a good load worked up with a TSX or Aframe bullet, I might take the shot inside 200 yards, but if you have to wonder whether it's enough gun that's a sign that you should have something larger in your hands.

IMO, elk rounds start with the .270, and then only with the heavier premium bullets and a shooter willing to wait for a clean shot. A shooter who respects the game, and isn't trying to impress his buddies by killing an elk with a peashooter, will use something in the 7mm/30-06/300mag class, and drop the animal swiftly.

Dealing with wounded game usually cures the undergunning tendency right away.

Our river boat driver used a Ruger heavy barrel 25-06 for head and neck shots on Elk every year. I used to agree with him it was a great gun...for crows.

Thanks for your responses!! I really appreciate hearing true experiences with the .25-06. I do have a 300WSM and I have an Encore barrel in 7mmRemMag. So the decision is still floating around. I think I might have to buy another rifle

quote:

I think I might have to buy another rifle

We are always happy to help justify a new rifle purchase.

Since you asked whether I would, the answer is no. My personal minimum elk round is a 7x57, 7-08, or .280 class round with premium 160-grain bullets, and at that, I want a clean shot.

If am hunting multiple species on the same hunt, I carry a rifle suitable for the biggest thing I expect to shoot. When I am hunting elk and deer together I either carry a Ruger No. 1S .338 Winchester loaded with 250-grain Barnes-X bullets, a Winchester Model 1895 in .35 Whelen with 250-grain Partitions, or my old tried-and-true Model 70 .375 H&H with either 260-grain Partitions or 270-grain Barnes-X bullets.

if I were good and stable and sure of the shot placement I would sling one out there from a 25-06 but it is well less than ideal. if you could bring them in to 200 id be more comfortable with it but this is why they make bigger rifles

Why not rebarrel that savage into a .338-06? You would have a great deer and elk rifle that is capable of 300 yds easy. With the selection of 165-300 grain bullets available, I think you can find a load you would like. I think something from 180-225 grains would be the ticket on deer and elk. If you are a handloader this cartridge will suit you just fine.

AR has turned into the playground of Armchair Experts who's experience with a 25-06 on elk (or much of anything else) only extends to ruminating over Guns & Ammo whilst perched on the shitter.

Everyone has an opinion but not all opinion's are created equal.

The 25-06 properly loaded is a completely capable elk rifle, and certainly 300 yards is WELL within its limits. My former neighbor, a rancher and elk guide, uses a battered old M77 25-06 as his only rifle, coyotes to elk. He's killed an impressive amount of bulls with his out to 500 yards (the boy CAN shoot) and only uses Rem Factory 100 gr CoreLoct's. That wouldn't be my first choice of projectile but obviously works.

If you're a rancher and elk guide, who is an expert field marksman and who has been killing elk for decades, the situation might possibly be slightly different than if you are someone asking advice on a website.

Don't you think?

quote:

Originally posted by Fireform:
If you're a rancher and elk guide, who is an expert field marksman and who has been killing elk for decades, the situation might possibly be slightly different than if you are someone asking advice on a website.

Don't you think?

Nope... the gent in question is from MT and probably knows a bit more about elk than those offering opinion's formed on nothing other than the plagerizing's of Cragi Boddington.

quote:

Would you take a shot at an elk (within 300 yards) with the .25-06 loaded with a premium bullet?

THIS WAS THE MAN'S QUESTION.

My answer is simple: "YES"

quote:

My answer is simple: "YES"

Because a rancher does it that makes it the right way to go???? Hey I knew a rancher that shot all his deer with a 22RF does that make it right?

Your rancher is free to do what he wants. As is anyone else. Just like everyone here is free to voice their opinion. You would take the shot others wouldn't. There really isn't a right answer.

Each hunter makes his decison. If he never has to second guess himself for not using enough to cleanly do the job then more power to him. I for one would prefer to be comfortable when I pull the trigger.

What part of "elk guide" didn't you comprehend?

I used ONE PERSON I KNOW as an example and panties are twisted. The 25-06 is very popular here and is fully capable of clean elk kills. It is IMO, one of the most underrated cartridges around.

Once again, the armchair experts arise...

Bust the lungs and its over.

Brad, you didn't give a simple answer of "yes" to the man's question.

First, you attacked everyone who gave a different answer than the one you were eventually going to get around to giving, after venting your obviously full-up spleen.

"AR has turned into the playground of Armchair Experts who's [sic] experience with a 25-06 on elk (or much of anything else) only extends to ruminating over Guns & Ammo whilst perched on the shitter."

"Everyone has an opinion but not all opinion's [sic] are created equal."

Then you cite another man's experience, not your own (talk about armchair experts), and hold it up as the model for everyone.

Then you go on the attack again.

"Nope... the gent in question is from MT and probably knows a bit more about elk than those offering opinion's [sic] formed on nothing other than the plagerizing's [sic] of Cragi [sic] Boddington."

"Once again, the armchair experts arise..."

Why do you persist in missing the point and attacking those who don't?

Anyone who uses the minimum or worse, below minimum, caliber for any game animal, and who relies on his own certitude that fate will be kind to him, is engaging in risky behavior, for which the game animal will ultimately pay, sooner or later.

Again, I repeat, because it can be done, does not mean that it should be done. And your certitude is sure as hell not the test of certainty.

Well said mrlexma, thank you.

quote:

First, you attacked everyone who gave a different answer than the one you were eventually going to get around to giving, after venting your obviously full-up spleen

mrlexma I believe that you are in error. It's not his spleen that's full, it's his bladder! Or then it could be his depends!

Mrdislexia, how many elk have you shot or seen shot with a 25-06?

As I said, not all opinions are created equal.

No, Brad, they sure as hell aren't.

quote:

Originally posted by Brad:
Mrdislexia, how many elk have you shot or seen shot with a 25-06?

As I said, not all opinions are created equal.

While living in Grand Junction Colorado I hunted with the 25-06, 6mmx270IMP, and the 22-250. Had bad experiences with each that never would have happened with a 7x57 or 30-06. The super fast smaller caliber rifles are just more prone to produce errotic results. Do you have trouble accepting that ,Brad? roger

My reference to the 2506 being a crow gun was not intended to offend anyone. Our boat driver was a good friend that had time to pick his shots and killed Elk every year with his 25. I've only used the .416 Rem. and 340 WBY. Both worked very well. I personally think a little too much is better than the other way. Do you need 5000 ft/lbs to kill an Elk? Of coarse not, is it handy in a less than ideal situation? you bet.

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MThuntr

To answer your question, YES. The premium bullets today are much better than they used to be. However the shot placement would be the critical thing. With the 25 though, most are inherently very accurate with the longer 115 and 120gr bullets. There are even some newer 130 gr bullets which would make it much more reliable.

Within 300yds I would not hesitate to use my 25-06.

I know a lot of folks that use the .25-06 and similar rounds on elk, and while a lot of elk are killed with small caliber rounds, a lot of well hit elk go a loooong way before they realize they are dead.

Again, the question is "would I shoot an elk at 300 yards with a .25-06?" The answer is "no." Based on my experience, which includes the killing of around 20 elk, I would not personally choose the .25-06 for elk, nor would I recommend it. If I have an elk tag in my pocket I hunt with a more capable round, even if I am only chasing coyotes.