barrel questions for 25-06

[louie the fly]

Gentlemen,
I'm 90% sure my next purchase is going to be a 25-06 (that 10% uncertainty exists because the 243 does! ). Ive been thinking about what type of rig i want, and since i have a HB 204, which is specifically used for varmints, I was thinking i wouldn't mind having a 25-06 that is light enough to walk around with and do a little hunting. Not full on, going bush hunting, but general walkabout stuff. However i would still use the 06 for long range varminting in windy conditions etc.

I have read that a 26'' barrel on a 25-06 is ideal as it gets out its full potential, velocity wise. Any truth?? would a 24'' barrel make any difference??

My next question: would a sporter barrel that is 24'' (even a sporter barrel of 22'' for that matter) still give sufficient accuracy for long range sniping?? (accuracy: 1/2'' 3 shot groups, as its a sporter barrel, Long Range: 300-500yds).

In terms of what rifle: i was thinking of either getting a rem sps in 25-06, getting a light/medium weight barrel, and hs-precision/ mcmillian stock. i don't think it would be too heavy??

Or would I just be better off getting something like a tikka t3 hunter and putting a bio-pod on it for long range sniping???

ATM i would rather go for the semi-custom option, but if someone can provide me with enough evidence of it not being worth it, i would be very happy to reconsider.

cheers lads

[Con]

I'd stick with 24", quality thin barrels are as accurate as quality HBs ... for 3 shots or walkabout varminting ... why carry a HB rifle?

Just a thought ... if you were okay with a 4kg rifle total weight ... you could get your heavy barrel and 24" with a MOA guarantee by going the T3Varmint in 25-06 and fitting a lighter weight 3-9x or 4-12 scope. It should come in at under 4kg. The T3 varmint isn't really into the heavyweight category.
Cheers...
Con

[doidge5781]

Tikka t3 varmint will give best of both worlds HB that weighs under 7 lbs

[Con]

Tikka t3 varmint will give best of both worlds HB that weighs under 7 lbs

T3 Varmint isn't that light is it? They list at 3.6kg ... but if lighter and you could have a biggish scope at a weight of 3.6kg ... PURRFECT!
Cheers...
Con

[andrewk]

remington sps's are pooh. there i said it

go for a tikka

[louie the fly]

yeh i have a tikka t3 super varmint....i thought it was still quite heavy. Since i already have a varmint model tikka, i was thinking something different.

What do you think about the tikka hunter? The only thing it has a 22'' barrel i think. Ruger 77?

I like the idea of the H-S Precision rifles. There light weight hunter rifles seem cool. with a good stock, and light fluted barrel. Although they cost a shit load.

[doidge5781]

After handling a 12+ lbs howa varmint the tikka t3 sems like a feather weight when i pick one up in the shop. Cz also make a nice rifle i nearly bought one in 6.5x55 till i bought a mauser 98 in .25/06 built by jack miller heavy barrel but still easy to carry with a 3-9x40 sightron on it

[tassie223]

Why not go for a new Savage , they are probable the most underrated rifle out there

[Rinso]

Well here we go again
http://www.ausvarmint.com/forum/viewtop ... f=5&t=8867

Lets see Featherweight rifle ... 25.06 ... proven shooter at lets say 1/2 MOA (although its probably really about a 1/4) at 100. Has competed at 300 with good results ...
All the brass, projectiles etc load data ... dies ... choice of 6.5-20 scopes

What do you blokes need to see ?????
All the hard work is done you just need to buy and shoot.

[deadkelly]

hahaha

[andrewk]

i'd be tempted into a 260rem or 6.5x55

personally the 06 family of cartridges have never excited me but then again never did the 308 although now i have one i love it.

i'd still buy a t3. you know how good they are

[louie the fly]

yeah, i guess the 25-06 just has sex appeal. 75gr v-max @ 3700 f/ps. Thats pretty sexy. And then the 100gr @ 3155 f/ps, again sexy. But yeah i see your point andrewk.

I think for the game i want to shoot a 25-06 covers it very nicely. I would be keen to get another tikka T3 but maybe a hunter and get a longer barrel on it. I just dnt want another super varmint. I think they are great awsome rifle, just want something different.

cheers.

[andrewk]

i know a few blokes who shoot and stand by their 25-06 too. one in particular is owner of a very nice rig and it shoots like stink. the 25-06 makes an excellent long range varminter too, out guns the 243 but personally i don't want one... yet. overbore rings in my mind, noise will ring louder in your ears

louie, if you want one i'm more than sure it will fit your requirements

[wadcutter]

.25-06..........Outstanding.

I've had three .243's and one .25-06 The .25-06 does everything that the .243 will do but a lot more.

If you have just one .25-06 you can hunt everything from Rabbits to deer with ease and never need another rifle unless you are going after the bigger stuff. Apart from the humble .22 It's the only rifle that I use nowdays under .338 calibre. Even the .222 is now gathering dust in the safe.

[Rick1970]

Bought a new Ruger 25/06 not long ago and i'm fast becoming a big fan of the cartridge. 100gr Sierra pro-hunter over a case full of 2213sc seems to work pretty well on most things.

I went the Ruger for its 24" tube and hinged floorplate mag. Personaly don't like detachable mags and the T3 just dosn't sit right for me. They do seem to shoot consistantly well tho.