Should I stick with my 25-06 or step up to a 270 for a future Mule Deer Hunt?

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Longrifle2506

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Hello everyone, I have sold two of my least favorite rifles; and I'm going to buy one nice rifle soon. I am thinking about a Cooper Excalibur or a Sako model 85. The Cooper is not exceptionally light; it has a very standard weight of 7.5 pounds. One important factor about this decision is that I do not like sharp recoil. That is why I love the 25-06; because it has excellent killing power with very mild recoil. I have been reading, and a lot of hunters use 25-06 on Mule Deer. I've heard that a 100 grain partition will punch through both shoulders and exit on the other side. And that 115 grain partition is even better. But is the 25-06 good enough for shots up to 400 yards? I am figuring on the fact that Mule deer are not easy to get close to; and I need to be prepared to take shots that might fall between 200 and 400 yards. Is the 25-06 still up to the task? Or should I get my new rifle chambered in 270?

I'm hoping the 270's recoil would be tolerable; with 130 grain bullets. I have fired one shot from a 270 before; and it did not seem bad at all. It was a Winchester model 70(New Haven) and I was shooting at a tannerite exploding target. The recoil did not seem bad at all; it seemed very tolerable. And I hit the exploding target at 100 yards with that one shot; and it was not even my rifle. It impressed me. I have fired a 30-06; and in my opinion; the 270 is not near the recoil of a 30-06; I think the 30-06 was 180 grain bullets. I would probably concentrate on 130's or maybe a 140 for a 270 if I buy one.

So what do you guys think; If I want to fulfill my dream of a DIY Mule Deer Hunt; should I bring a 270 winchester into my arsenal. Right now I have a Sako 75 Finnlight in 25-06; and I want to get another good bolt rifle; either another 25-06; or a 270. I figure if I go with a 270, the Cooper Excalibur would be a good choice because it's 7.5 lb and may help with the extra recoil the 270 has that I'm not used to. I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to state their opinion on this. Thanks; I like to hear other points of view when trying to decide something like this.
 
I think the 25-06 will work, but I like the 270 a lot better. Not much recoil either way and there are a lot more bullet options available for the 270. The 25-06 pretty much tops out on large mule deer size game in my opinion. And I'd personally just as soon hunt anything with a 243 as a 25-06. With lighter 130 gr bullets the 270 is not going to recoil much at all, and with 150gr and heavier bullets it is legitimate round for anything in North America.

I wouldn't be hunting with a heavy 7.5 lb rifle. Lots of good choices at a full pound lighter that will not hurt you in 270.
 
The 25-o6 is plenty of rifle for a 300 lb mule deer buck at 400 yards. The most limiting factor will be the shooter.
 
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I've been a fan of the .25-06 for over 30 years. Very close to a .270 but you admitted it, less recoil. I like the .270 but not that much.
 
I'd stick with the 25-06 although it never hurts to take a back up gun on a hunt like this.
 
Not knowledgeable enough to jump in on the caliber thing, but if you do step up power, thus recoil, a LimbSaver recoil pad is a good thing. I replaced the factory pad on my Tikka T3 Lite 30-06 with one, and it was major. I can now shoot the 30-06 from the bench without pain.

Good luck with your new rifle, I mean decision.
 
Stick with what you know...

The .25-06 should work just fine with the proper bullet type and weight. The limiting factor will be shot placement - can you reliably hit the kill zone at 200-400 yards? The .270 will have plenty of power, but again the crucial factor is shot placement. Unless you feel you have a real need for the .270 Winchester, I'd just stay with the .25-06 Remington. Happy hunting! :)
 
If you can afford a new rifle then try the 270. You may like the 270 better.
 
I bet it will kill just as good. Thanks to modern bullet designs and powders.
 
I'm really glad to hear these responses; I was expecting an overwhelming response in favor of .270. My favorite caliber is the 25-06. I say 400 yards; because I've made a dozen shots on live targets at 325 to 350 yards. I've always been able to connect out to 350 yards; on coyotes, ground hogs, and even several prairie dog kills; two of them were consecutive shots at 358 yards. So I am fairly confident that I can maintain good shot placement at least out to 350 yards. And I've made several shots between 200 and 300 yards; which is still a long distance. I know it's possible to make shots even farther; but my confidence goes way down past 400; although in the military I did hit 7 out of 10 chest size targets at 550 yards(open sights) I just think that it's more practical and ethical to keep it inside 400. With the 25-06; I was going to hunt with 100 grain partitions; partly because I already got two boxes of Nosler Custom Trophy Grade ammo that I got for Christmas; it's 100 grain partition; 3,300 feet per second at the muzzle. I've read some a lot of good reviews on 100 grain partition's ability to kill deer; by googling discussions on forums. Some guys just flat out think you should go with a heavier bullet. I've read that the 1 in 10" twist favors the 85 to 100 grain bullets; but you have many cases where someone's rifle WILL shoot 115's and/or 120's accurately.

However, Ever since I shot that 270 about 10 to 12 years ago; I have always thought it would be awesome to have a rifle in that caliber. It seems like it would be fun to own one; and even more fun to shoot. I'm going to get a new rifle no matter what; Why have one 25-06 when I can have two? I just love good hunting rifles; and like I said; I just sold two; I have to replace them with one very nice rifle.
 
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Longrifle, I have hunted both whitetails and mule deer and I have used the 25-06, 270 Winchester and 30-06. The 25-06 is adequate for mule deer but I would use either a 115 or 120 grain bullet and try to keep my shots under 300 yards. The 270 is even better with a 130 grain bullet at ranges out past 300 yards. Best of all would be the 30-06 with either the 150 or 165 grain bullets. Also, I would stay away from the premium controlled exansion bullets that shoot through the animal. The perfect situation is for all of the bullets energy to be expended inside the animal. Unlike a whitetail a big mule deer buck can soak up a good hit without any reaction, only to fall over when you are getting ready to shoot again. BW
 
If I went heavier; I was going to try the 115 grain partition which Federal loads in their Premium ammo(25-06). Really about 350 yards at the most; is realistic for me; and I bet a 270 would fit that range well. I don't know though; I'd love to let this thread go on and hear from some additional experienced hunters; I appreciate hearing from all of you; and especially from those who have hunted mule deer with one or both of the mentioned calibers(25-06, 270).
 
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Double-Tap sells 25-06 loaded with the 110 grain Nosler Accubond as well. Just something to consider. 400 yards is a possibilty but not exclusive. It isn't impossible to get closer to muleys if you use the terraine and the wind to your advantage. I've walked up on them in their beds walking through draws. Where are you planning on going?
 
Since 1971 I have been shooting a .25-06 exclusively for deer from Alabama to Montana including mule deer. I also have exclusively used 115 Nosler Partition handloads for all that time. I have around 50 kills and only 2 ran off and both of those went less than 40 yards. I also don't take risky shots but would not hesitate to take a shot at a mulie at 400 yards if I was confident in being able to make the shot. I have no experience with the 100 Noslers.

I have several other rifles in other calibers including .30-06 and .308 but come fall the old Rem. 700 .25-06 is what goes to the field with me. It works too good to change.
 
WYOMan, I've been looking at the Missouri River Breaks area; including Fort Peck reservoir. There is a lot of BLM land there; looks like a lot of room, especially if I'm willing to hike a few miles; and I like the fact that Whitetails are in the area also, and with Montana's general deer tag, if I see a monster whitetail, I can take him. The General deer tag is good for a buck of either species is what I've read. I already have BLM maps of the area. Other than that, I have a big state Map of Wyoming showing BLM land; and there is a LOT of BLM land in Wyoming; I would love a hunt in Wyoming. Last but not least; I would love a New Mexico hunt; but I hear it takes ages to get drawn.

John, that's good news to hear about the 115 grain partitions; I may end up going with the 115 grain if I stick with 25-06. I think I'll feel more equipped with them versus 100 grain. I'm sold on the partition; it's been a proven bullet for decades. Thanks guys
 
.25-06 gets my vote.
I've used mine for cow elk for some time now. I use Barnes Triple Shock 100gr and they make a small hole going in and a slightly larger hole going out at all ethical ranges.I have dropped a cow elk in her tracks at approx. 430 yds. Good shot placement is the key.
 
If you can hit out to 350 yards constantly with your 25-06, then stick with it. Mule deer can be hard at times to knock down on the first shot, but if you shoot accurately out that far, dance with who you brought!
 
Get a rifle in 25-06. You know you can shoot it well, so stick with it.

I would consider a lighter synthetic stock for a hunting rifle. Don't worry so much about recoil and the rifle weight. You'll hardly notice the recoil when shooting at a deer. So keep it light and easier to carry for miles.
 
It's a shame the Cooper excalibur weighs 7.5 pounds in long action. I have been thinking about the Sako model 85 finnlight; I think it would be great to have another Sako; There's a lot to choose from. I would be happy with a 6.5 pound rifle.
 
25-06 is every bit the deer rifle the 270 is, but the 270 does win on larger game without a doubt, 40gr more bullet weight, larger caliber, and a higher SD with a higher level of energy really adds up.
 
you already have a 25-06. why not expand your horizons with a win 270 and start saving up for that colorado elk hunt?

just a thought.

murf
 
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