Browning X-Bolt in .25-06

[Wesson Smith]

I just picked one of these up NIB, as I'm thinking of returning to the
field this fall, after a long haitus. I'm not concerned about the rifle
itself but would welcome some feeback on the round/caliber regarding
effectiveness and useage. A local here who I greatly respect, who has hunted
just about everywhere on the continent swears that the .25-06 is probably
his favorite, and he rarely leaves that gun behind when headed out for a trip.

Any helpful information or anecdotes out there regarding this round for all-purpose hunting?

 

[Ridgerunner665]

The 25-06 is very capable round for game up to and including elk...

I have taken deer at a little over 400 yards with it...it shoots flat, hits hard, and kicks mildly.

I recommend 117 grain bullets for deer size game and 87 grains for varmints. For varmints the 25-06 is capable of some extreme range shooting (500+ yards).

For elk I would use the Barnes 115 grain TSX (I bet that one would work good on some of the smaller varieties of moose too).

You have chosen a truly great round...IMO.

 

[rangerruck]

hard to improve on the above statement. Plus the xbolt is a fabulous weapon...

 

[Shawnee]

Don't have a huge amount of experience with the .25/06 but what I do have has been very positive. Was always mystified a little by the sensation that the bullet arrived on target at the same instant the trigger left the sear... regardless of range ! Downright spooky !

I don't know much about that particular rifle but I'd bet you're going to like that cartridge a lot. I would probably lean on the Hornady 87gr. bullet for both varmints and deer, and then look at the heavier premium bullets for bigger game. Best to use what's really accurate in your particular rifle though.

Mind telling what you had to pay for it ?

 

[critter]

You are well equipped for anything but Africa!

 

[JESmith]

It is a little old school, but I really like the 120 grain Nosler partition for mule deer. I guess it gives me a little more confidence to take those longer shots and know I can deliver a one shot kill.

 

[Wesson Smith]

Thanks for the replies, and sorry it took me a while to respond.

As usual, I can expect great feedback from my THR peeps.
It looks like this may be the perfect choice for me getting my
feet wet (so to speak) once again, back out there in the field.
Much appreciated, and I feel real good about the purchase!


As for the price, I picked it up for well under dealer cost, as that
is one of the perks I get for being the webmaster for a local
shop's website.

 

[George Hill]

You picked a fantastic combination. The new X-Bolt is my favorite new design... and it's in a great caliber for North American hunting.
Your only left now with picking the right scope.
Good luck with that.

 

[Wesson Smith]

George -

I feel I may have "under-scoped" the rifle.
I went with a Burris Fullfield II 3-9X 40MM.
Should I have maybe put a little more into the glass?