.25-06 vs 7mm .08? Which to buy?

I own a 7-08 and love it, and I've always toyed with buying a 25-06.

I also own a 220 Swift, so that's my go-to varmint rig.

IF I didn't own the Swift, and IF I didn't already have other big game rifles, and IF I wasn't going to be going after anything larger than deer, I'd lean towards the 25-06. And for whatever it matters, I don't use my 7-08 on anything larger than deer either - I've got more suitable calibers for that.
 
At the time I chose my 25/06(last year) there were no 7mm/08 shells to be found, anywhere, any weight. This also weight-in on my decision. 25/06 still isn't overly popular(couldn't find it at the local Cdn tire) but there is more over the counter support for it from what I've seen.
 
If you already have a .308, then without question the .25-06 fits your lineup of rifles better. I already had a .308, a .22-250, and a 7RM, and I went with a .25-06 for my next rifle. I'm glad I did.
 
if you already have a .308, then it would make more sense to get the .25-06 - less overlap.

*edit: ugh, JS had to say it as i was typing it :(


also - the .25-06 is just about the most devastating varmint round. i was getting disappointed with the .223's lackluster performance on obese Ontario groundhogs. i switched to the .25-06 and its like hitting them with an RPG :D
 
My daughter shoots 25-06 and loves it. I have used that gun 20 years hunting deer never had a prob with taking down the animal just use good bullet choice.
 
I have both a .257 & a 25-06 (as well as others)

To fit the criteria you ask for ( son/wife/recoil/multi-purpose)
I think the 7mm-08 would do just fine, however.... I'd take a hard look at
both the 260 Rem. and 6.5x55 and the rifles chambered for them.
 
Well, I've decided that the .25-06 gets my vote too, and since nobody here has stepped up and made any donations and I get to pay for it, my vote is the only one that counts.:D

I appreciate everybody's input. Now, all I need to decide is if I should get the Tikka T3 in laminate/SS, or a Remington 700 in same, or maybe a Ruger or Savage??.......decisions, decisions....
 
Definitely Tikka. Smoothest bolt action, only 60 degree throw and detachable mag, plus out of the box accuracy that isn't beaten by any other gun make it easy favourite.
 
proonur said:
Definitely Tikka. Smoothest bolt action, only 60 degree throw and detachable mag, plus out of the box accuracy that isn't beaten by any other gun make it easy favourite.
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Yeah, that's pretty much what I decided too (why I mentioned it first)....gotta have one. OK, now all my decisions are made, what ammo should I shoot......:D
 
proonur said:
Definitely Tikka. Smoothest bolt action, only 60 degree throw and detachable mag, plus out of the box accuracy that isn't beaten by any other gun make it easy favourite.
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just thought id show you what a real rifle looked like. note the complete lack of plastic and manufacturing shortcuts (making all rifles a long action with a bolt stop, no recoil lug, etc etc).

yes the Tikka is accurate - guess what? so are Rugers and Remingtons and Savages. you can expect more for your money.

the Ruger M77 MkII Target is available in .25-06 for $870 at LeBarons, in Target Grey stainless.
 
Made the same caliber decision myself just last week. Personally I don't like the way Remingtons and Rugers feel. I keep reaching to them,instead of settling down like I do with my Scandinavian guns. So I sent the $$$ off Monday for a T3 Hunter.
 
it depends were you live or hunt if in southern ont the 25 06 is the best choice as you can shoot it here for yotes and pasture hoggs .and still shoot deer up north and even elk .a few mooses have fell to the 25 06 as well .great alround cal DUTCH
 
manbearpig said:
just thought id show you what a real rifle looked like. note the complete lack of plastic and manufacturing shortcuts (making all rifles a long action with a bolt stop, no recoil lug, etc etc).

yes the Tikka is accurate - guess what? so are Rugers and Remingtons and Savages. you can expect more for your money.

the Ruger M77 MkII Target is available in .25-06 for $870 at LeBarons, in Target Grey stainless.
Click to expand...

The M77 is actually a pretty sweet rifle, I've shot my friend's .270 a number of times and actually was very impressed with it, so it is definately not out of the question. It will probably come down to which .25-06 is local when I actually go shopping, but I do lean towards the Tikka, Ruger, and Remington, in that order....Savage, not really so much, just a preference. I agree with you though, that the Scandinavian guns are not the be all end all of good craftsmanship. But they are nice!
 
Twisted Canuck said:
Well, I've decided that the .25-06 gets my vote too, and since nobody here has stepped up and made any donations and I get to pay for it, my vote is the only one that counts.:D

I appreciate everybody's input. Now, all I need to decide is if I should get the Tikka T3 in laminate/SS, or a Remington 700 in same, or maybe a Ruger or Savage??.......decisions, decisions....
Click to expand...

Don't forget about CZ and Thompson center. If You do not plan on using the rifle for a build ever I would look at a Tikka, Thompson Center, CZ, Savage, Remington in that order. If you want to upgrade it some day I would go Savage, Remington. If you want to drop some big $$$ Look at the SAKO.

What are you looking at for Optics?
 
Like you I'm looking to fill the gap between the 17hmr and for me 7mm-08. I'm thinking .243 dont know if it was brought up on here yet . My father and grandfather both used this caliber for deer and all around everthing gun. there is a much better bullet selection then the .25 and you get the short action.
 
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