Tikka 25-06

[peckprice]

I have recently acquired an older Tikka, Model 695, in 25-06 caliber. I haven't had a chance to "range" it yet. I will be shooting commercially available ammo. Any of you 25-06 shooters have any recommendations for bullets weights and/or manufacturers?

[canemaker]

Mine always liked the cheap stuff, "less expensive" ammo. Winchester's 120gn white box ammo. It was a older Savage with a reworked trigger, and would shoot them into a 3/4", 5 shot group @ 100, providing I did my part.

[Brawny]

Great dual purpose cartridge, I prefer the heavier loads for deer hunting. I've had good luck with 120 grain Remington Core-Lokt, 117 grain Hornady BTSP, and Winchester 120 grain PEP. The Remington Core-Lokt 100 grains work well for woodchucks and coyotes. If your average shot on whitetails is 100 yds or more then the 100 grain stuff does well. The lighter bullets tend to be more destructive on meat at close range, and I personally want a tough bullet that will hold together on the close shots. Think of it as worst case scenario the buck of your dreams meets you head on in a thicket at 25 yards. You want a bullet that will penetrate the shoulder bones if necessary and plow on into the vitals. I have'nt tried them yet but Federal offers Nosler Partitions in this caliber, a good option if you really want a tough bullet but don't reload but the price is a good bit higher than the loads I have used. I would buy a few boxes of different loads and check for accuracy, every rifle is different but most will shoot certain loads better than others. I would avoid the lightest loads such as the 87 grain loads for deer hunting. 100 grains and up depending on terrain hunted. Hope this helps.:)

[peckprice]

'preciate it, The 100 grain bullets seems to be the most commericially available (Wal-Mart), but you all have answered my question perfectly. It won't be any trouble to pick up some heavier bullets before November rolls around. I am hoping that I won't need a deer rifle, bow and muzzleloader seasons come in first, but I want to be ready. The 25-06 has been a caliber that I have always had a "crush" on. I got a great deal on the rifle and I needed it like I needed another hole in my head, but hey, does one ever have enough rifles (pistols, shotguns, etc.)?

[jeffb]

I have taken several deer with the winchester ballistic silvertips. Including a 215# buck. I think shot placement is still important with this round. It is my rifle of choice for deer and a pleasure to shoot. Enjoy.

[25-06]

115 gr.Winchester Supreme Ballistic Silvertips..........When you open them up it looks like they have swallowed a hand grenade!!!! I have killed 11 deer with my 25-06 and havent lost one yet!!

[peckprice]

Great info fellows, keep it coming. I appreciate the input.