25-06 or 6.5-06

[bearhunter338-06]

I have a Mauser action in need of a barrel. I can't decide between a 25-06 or a 6.5-06. what do you think.

 

[240gord]

Depends on what you are going to use it for.6.5 gives you heaver bullets.
Gord

 

[JEC]

There is a good variety of target/game bullets avail for the 6.5---not so many for the 25 cal.

 

[Pathfinder]

I vote for the 6.5 for versatility. 85 to 160 gr. bullets.

 

[NAA]

6.5 all the way.

NAA.

 

[6.5x55mm]

have both...6.5mm all the way

 

[horseman2]

I have seen 2506 in gun stores but never 6.5-06's.
A little more detail would help.
I prefer the 25-06

 

[bearhunter]

If you go the 6.5-06 route, stick with a faster twist rate, no slower than 1-9. It will stabilise the 140 grn VLD and other boat tail bullets well. The list of components available for reloading is lengthy as well. Be careful though, with this cartridge. There are many different reamers out there and they may or may not match the commonly available reloading dies from Hornady or RCBS. They can vary in shoulder angle and body taper. I like the standard 30-06 case necked down to 6.5, no other modifications. I makes life a lot cheaper and easier. Any gain garnered from a minor modification is negligible.

The 25-06 has its merits as well, the major one being off the shelf availability.

 

[Qc_BearHunter]

6.5-06 would be my choice.

 

[Mudpherson]

6.5 bullets tend to have high BC's; plus the caliber is just plain cool to own and easy to load.

 

[dan belisle]

If you handload the 6.5, if you don't, the 25 would be your better choice. Also, although it pains me to say it, if resale value is any concern, wildcats (or semi wildcats in this case) generally don't move very quickly. FWIW - dan

 

[Beater]

haveing used/ owned both, its no contest. 6.5-06 is a very good round