I am interested in purchasing one in 25-06 for my sons 1st big game rifle. Also thinking of a 257 WBY in the same rifle but concerned about recoil. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!

Diff in recoil with same weight rifle and bullet, 100 gr., is about 4 foot pounds. Not really enough to notice. 10 Vs. 14. Just think of the cool factor for your son. Also if you handload ther is no diff.

BhB,

Well, a Witherbee S2 in pretty much any Big Game chambering will be a real nice 1st rifle for a young Nimrod. Way to go Dad!

I've got the 25-06 Remington & my Buddy the .257 Witherbee.

I agree w/T-Jay 100%. Recoil between the 2 is a Moot Point - period.

Between my Buddy & myself we've kicked this football back & forth across the playing field so often that the Ball's deflated.

As an aside we'll both be taking the 2 rifles to Namibia this year for some long range head-shot Springbok culling. Personally, I doubt we'll end up with too many issues over the virtues of each cartridge.

A coupla angles I'd take into consideration are, Reload? Factory Ammo? Type of Game? Amount of shooting? Level of confidence & expertise with a rifle as a young Nimrod?

If it's gonna be a sit in the Gun Safe and get taken out for Deer season rifle; it's a toss-up.

If it's gonna be a primary Boomer for a young Nimrod to cut his teeth on and do alot of shooting to build up shooting skills & confidence levels then between the 2 options the 25-06 Remington is the way to go simply for a myriad of reasons.

Both cartridges heat up barrels very quickly, too for someone who may desire to do alot of practice shooting.

257 Weatherby ammo & brass can be difficult to locate and spendy. O.K.; once you've got a stash you're good for awhile in comparison 25-06 Remington is a Dime-a-Dozen although no where as common as 308 & .270 Winchester or .30/06 Sprg.

The 257 Witherbee is the Cool Factor cartridge personified - period, then toss on another heaping dose of glamour on top of that, too. Is that important to you or your Son? If, so, you pay the premium price for barrel heat, expensive ammo, brass & powder costs. All non-issues for a true premium Big Game rifle but not if it'll be a learning platform.

Having said all that; without knowing all the answers, and while the 25-06 or the 257 Weatherby are great cartridges in their own Rights; and Yes, this response is completely unsolicited ..... you want Steak; not Pork Chops. Unless recoil is the primary consideration - I'd get him a .270 Winchester because it's alot more things than the 25-06 Remington ever meant to be.

Have fun with your choice.

Thanks for the replies. Leaning towards the ROY now!

It's true there isn't alot of difference in recoil to grown men, but depending on the size, age, and sensitivity of your son the difference may be noticeable. The Roy will have more rap on the shoulder and from a 24 inch barrel the muzzel blast off the bench along with recoil may produce some bad habits. I have 3 of four kids that much prefer the 240wby or 25-06 to the 257 and they range from 11 to 15 years. They are all taller than they are thick. The only one that shoots the 257 well is my daughter (15), but even she shoots the others much better. I would get the Bee for you and the 06 for him.

.270 and 25-06 almost identical in recoil--get him a .270.

Between the two, I'd go for the .257 Weatherby.