Comparing 25 & 6.5 calibers

[@craigschaefer8764]

There’s only a few people I will listen to regarding hunting ballistics, and you are one of them. Although I’m a life long hunter / reloader, I consider my knowledge to be on the amateur level. It’s good to listen to a professional.

[@TheRealGunsmith]

Thanks so much! We are humbled and gratified by all of our followers. God bless. Stay well and safe.

[@sergiolazzaro7970]

Sorry for the inconvenience, I'm from Argentina, I don't have 243 or 25 barrels here, and I use 270. I'm thinking of building a 22/270 with the 29 barrel of my valmet 22 lr, I only have hornay and sierra tips available of 55, I do it?????? thanks for the answer, post data I will only use it to slaughter somestic sheep at 600 yards

[@joseywales8257]

​@TheRealGunsmith I recently picked up a 257 Cheapskate, although I have reloaded most of my life, I no longer have the free time to take on this big a chore. Is there anyone that you can refer me too? Thanks

[@gtzmwt]

​@TheRealGunsmith Yes, but the moment you disagree with anyone else, you are immediately unhumbled and you yearn to disprove, when really you haven't done anything like that. Lol

[@SeedFiddler-kp4eg]

I've wanted a .25-06 for 30 years but haven't been flush enough to pull it off. Now that I'm a bit more blessed financially, I'm concerned about getting one and finding brass at the same time. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge. I'm new in reloading and I'm certainly open to guidance on the subject of finding brass. May God bless you. Miles

[@johnbarrett7534]

You could neck down .30-06 or .270 brass and trim to length.

[@SeedFiddler-kp4eg]

@@johnbarrett7534 Thanks so much for the advice. I do appreciate it!

[@petersweetman5245]

Hi Randy I had my Husqvarna HVA changed to .25/06 26"long about 30 years ago, it's great for most hunting here in Australia foxes, goats, pigs, hog deer, chital deer, fallow deer and red deer. I spot and stalk with my longest shot around 200 yards.I use. CCI 250 primers, 58gns ADI 2217 powder (sold in the USA as Hogdon H1000) Hornady 117SBT this load gives me 3050fps and 3/8" groups at a 100yds, I've not fallen for the hype about the 6.5 Crudemore as I simply don't need one, love your clips as our views are the same keep them coming and as suggested maybe a loading book. Cheers Peter

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

The old quarter bore still has a huge following among knowledgeable open country hunters. 25-06 is still king of those of us like flat shooting, low recoil and the smell of sage brush in bloom. 100 grain @3,300fps to 117 grain@ 3,100fps.

[@thecheapshot1065]

I'm considering 25-06AI or 280AI when I rebarrel my 270AI or bud my new rifle

[@leftyeh6495]

I'm pushing a 120 at 3300 and still not flattening primers. My load is far beyond the book, but the book stops at compression, not pressure.

[@stephenbaker7499]

Hello Dave,,, I'm 62 years old, retired and I've had a love affair with the 2506 and the 257 Roberts AI for most of my adult life. I'm mostly from the south and can tell you plenty of areas to stretch out and really enjoy the attributes of the quarter bore. May it live a long life. PS... God bless Randy for keeping some of these issues alive and front and center. He is one of a kind.

[@browndogstt8546]

Glad to see you back. I have taken deer and elk with a 264 win mag. 140 grain noslers at about 2850fps. I have never wounded an animal with this load. The key is not shooting past the effective range. The farthest shot I have taken on a large animal was about 280 yards. There is a lot to say about knowing your limits. I think I know mine. 😁

[@johnnash5118]

You are a hunter. They are unethical target shooters in the woods.

[@davidfornkahl8374]

Thank you! My next Elk hunt, I'm taking one of my .264's. After reading your comment, I'm now decided on it.

[@lovethehuntOutdoors]

@@johnnash5118 Did I read this correctly? If you don't like hunting don't come to a hunting forum.

[@johnnash5118]

@@lovethehuntOutdoors I’ll just stick to what I said, if you’re on a road cut and can see elk across a clear-cut or canyon, and you shoot one instead of using any hunting skills, such as stalking or still-hunting, are you a hunter, live target shooter or wannabe sniper?

[@terrycalvert7812]

Absolutely right I love when this man talks!! I have hunted with a 25-06 since around 13 years old and am now 37 years old hundreds of head of deer and always with the 120 partition and 99% DRT and the other 1% never ran out of sight. Would take something pretty amazing to get me to switch my deer rifle to something else!!

[@atomicwedgie8176]

Barrel length? Thanx

[@twolak1972]

You bet. My 25/06 in rem 700 bdl is the bees knees when I'm after deer. Shooting across 40 acre fields or down long powerline stretches is nothing forf this great caliber. If there ever was a award for necking down the excellent 3006 case it should go to NEIDNER , the man who gave birth to one of the greatest long range antelope whitetail , mule deer and black bear rounds ever. It just gets it done just like its DADDY.

[@garyjones6288]

I agree with Randy, the people who knock the .25-06 usually have no real experience with it and have limited knowledge of adequate hunting rifles. As some wag once said, the .25-06 is good from mice to moose.

[@Master-di4di]

Most important is where the bullet hit to drop the target.

[@twolak1972]

No it's not. Fine cartridge that it is , it's still not a elk or moose cartridge. A 120 gr nosler is still too small for a big bull elk or moose.I Have a 25/ 06 and love it but for elk & moose. I,M reaching for my 7mm mag.

[@nathanadrian7797]

@@twolak1972 I agree, although a 25-06, 6.5x55 or 270 will cleanly take elk, moose and grizzly, there are cartridges more suited to larger game.

[@richardstone5241]

Yep, on point! I love the 06 case and its versatility. It's all I use (25-06, .270, 30-06, 338-06 and 35 Whelen) My all around favorite? The .270 with a 140 gr bullet and a 24 inch barrel.

[@NC-xk1eg]

You have to respect this man's knowledge. He doesn't talk opinion -- he talks knowledge & experience. He's probably forgotten more than most of us will ever know. Nothing but respect!👍

[@jkeverline1]

Well said Randy! I’ve been shooting a 25-06 Ackley Imp. Built by Bob Murphy since the late 1980’s. Mine has a 27” Hart barrel and I get 3300FPS with 120gr Noslers. Love it!

[@tylarhaugan7908]

I'm wanting to build 25-06 ai and use 131 black jack or 135 berger for 1500 and in steel shooting

[@MrJtin69]

I get 3900 fps with 120 grain from my 28 nosler on a 26 inch barrel

[@MrJtin69]

@@tylarhaugan7908 2000 yards

[@redrock425]

​@@MrJtin69800 round barrel life?

[@toddswogger5445]

Wanted to thank you for all the podcasts and the knowledge you impart on them. Especially this one. I am a PA whitetail, predator, varmint hunter. I would never ever be without my 25-06 and my accubonds. It is an incredible combination. I believe the 1/4 bores are some of the best calibers you could ever own. Thanks again.

[@WilliamStihl]

Thank you Cathy & Randy for sharing another very important video with all of us !!! God bless you !! Can't wait for the next one !

[@bullhunter20jw33]

I couldnt agree more! Im 43 years old and I got my 25-06 Remington 700 when I was 15. That rifle has killed every deer and antelope that I have harvested since. It has also killed a couple elk too. It is easily my favorite rifle for deer and antelope size game. It has never let me down, and most all of those animals were one shot kills. Most of those kills were with factory remington corelokt 120gr bullets, because I didnt get into reloading until about 10 years ago. Today I load a 117gr bullet to 3100 fps for that rifle with good accuracy. I own a lot of various caliber rifles suited for deer/antelope size game, but I always grab my 25-06 to get the job done. I can say many years ago when the 6.5 creedmor was released, I couldnt understand its appeal as a hunting cartridge over tried and true calibers (270 WIN, 25-06, 280 REM) given its terminal performance. However, I do see its appeal as a good youth hunting cartridge, given its higher bullet weights and low recoil, and that most kids should not be hunting at long distances. I myself do not own a 6.5 caliber rifle. I own a 25-06!

[@zebrobson2639]

Sorry for the late reply. I'm 45, got my .25-06 when I was 19 and put 94 rounds of Rem 120 gr corelokt through it(it's the load my grandpa first bought for it and I've got 6 left😂) and I've since kept all the brass and reloaded 117, 110, and 85gr loads. My friends always know if they hear more than one shot from me, that means I took more than one animal.

[@christophersmith4300]

I was given a 25-06 when I was 11 years old. Still top 2 of my favorite rifles. Flat shooting, and effective on deer, with mild recoil. Great caliber.

[@marytarango1919]

I’m currently building my M98 Mauser in 25-06 AI at TSJC, thanks for bringing up the underrated 25 calibers. Keep up the great content & God Bless..Lou

[@jasonthomas8535]

I really wish you would write a few books, a loading manual, some of your hunting stories, and some of these various topics that you cover on subjects like this. Always informative, and to the point. Thank you, and God bless.

[@steverando4154]

Good idea. A book would be nice

[@TheRealGunsmith]

From Cathy, The Real Gunsmith's Wife: It is a consideration, just not sure how to fit it in with his busy work schedule. But know it is an idea on the "back burner" to perhaps come about in time. Thanks so much!

[@steverando4154]

Cathy if you all do write one I'd buy it

[@3006USMC]

Yes ! A book series would be awesome.🇺🇸

[@joshhorn5131]

Yes, I do believe that would be amazing

[@timothycoupe2738]

Wonderful advice as always, from a man who knows what he is taking about through experience, I must admit to chuckling when Randy said, "they think the BC is responsible for killing the animal rather than the energy" 😂 fantastic sir.

[@leftyeh6495]

Spoken as someone who never shoots past 500 yards. 😂

[@cwvereyken]

Thank you Randy and Cathy . It is so good to listen to words of wisdom. And unbiased truth.

[@Me2Lancer]

Thanks for your post. One of my favorite calibers is a 25-06 round loaded with a Remington 117 gr BTSP InterLock.

[@wyowolf69]

having just purchased a Weatherby 257 WM, i am simply astounded at the accuracy and low recoil of this round. it seems like it barely drops at all! The muzzle brake really does make a difference! thank you for all the informative videos!

[@shayneyoung5394]

Great video. Last two elk I killed were with a 25-06 and 120 partition, one at 150 yds and the other at 400 yds. Both dropped within a few seconds after being hit. Light recoil and accurate.

[@twolak1972]

Can,t argue with success, the 120 bowler partition is without a doubt the standard all new bullets are measured by these days. John Nosler really knew his stuff and all us hunters owe him a debt of gratitude for making our already deadly calibers even deadlier.

[@jacobcoons9712]

I just finished my 280 ai now you’ve got me really wanting a 25-06 ai lol, I love your no bs videos about bullets and calibers

[@timhruby1013]

I would love to sit around a camp fire with this gentleman, his knowledge and common sense are legendary!! When Randy speaks you listen!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@jonfranklin4583]

Thanks for the great insight Randy. I've been shooting a 25-06 Browning A-bolt since 99 and taken many deer and antelope with it, never needed more than one shot for any of them, just love this cartridge. It is amazing how many folks get sucked in by marketing, I will never get rid of my 25-06, might have to get an Ackley improved to add to the collection however!

[@terrellstandefer6646]

Never been a fan of barrel burners, that's why I like the 257 Roberts. It's perfect for about everything where I'm at and if elk or oryx get involved 270 or the old 06 will do it. My dad loves the hot rods, 22-243 middlested, 6mm -06 ai. It's cool shooting a coyote running at 400 just by holding on neck but man it's hard on barrels. Just to keep it simple a 270 or 30 ai is hard to beat for game, and the old rob will mostly do the every day things. Great information I enjoy your time and videos!

[@twolak1972]

The 25/06 is hardly a barrel burner. It's possible to burn out a tube but that's a lot of rounds down the road. If you're using a 06 for varmints try getting a 22/250 and save your deer guns barrel for sheep, goats, pronghorn and deer.

[@450ktm520]

I love this guy. My uncle made me a 25 06, 40 yrs ago... always felt out of place around my friends with what I thought were more modern and cool rilfes/calibers.

[@MrBarramundi]

G'day from Australia. I am so happy to hear you talk about the .25 calibre. my old 303/25 is a far cry from the velocities you mentioned but I haven't found a hog yet that can run away from a head/neck or shoulder hit from a 100gr Speer hot cor round. Granted, the ranges are usually 70 to 150 yards but cartwheeling dead hogs are the norm, not the exception. thanks again. by the way, my hunting mate uses a 6.5 creedmoor and my rifle kills them just as dead as his does.

[@garyb1434]

I love my two 25-06s but I’ll be keeping my 6.5 creedmoor as well!!!!! 130 Sierra gamechangers or 140 SSTs are whitetail killers!!!

[@randyeliason6471]

Thank you for helping me get better understanding of these. I love firearm history and I am always amazed by the facts when they relate current state of our availability.

[@BigRedPower59]

A few weeks ago I have the opportunity to sit down at the bench with a friends 25-06AI and I was very impressed. Flat, fast and very mild recoil even out of a 7lb rig. I’ve been using 270 Winchester, 243 Winchester and my beloved 7mm-08 Remington for many years and now I think a 25-06AI has moved up to the top position on my wish list.

[@jeffcooper5789]

The first centerfire rifle I owned was a 25-06. Still have it.

[@droberts73543]

Use to shoot the 25-06 and found it to be a superior round

[@Peter-od7op]

I love randy selby. His info is so clear and accurate. I wish others on you would watch and learn. We no who we are talking about.

[@LegacyOutdoors88]

Thanks for the video! My go to rifle has always been my 6.5x55. I have taken many head of game with it including Caribou and Elk and never had an issue. I use 140gr Accubonds that are traveling 2950-3000 fps. The .264 calibers have great bullet sectional density. I don’t see a need to go up to a .284.

[@Siskiyous6]

Well said! The longer I hunt elk the more larger rifles I see. Many of my friends have moved up from the 7MM Remington Magnum to 300s and 338s.

[@outinthesticks1035]

Seeing more and more 9.3x62 for elk , maybe it's cause importers are bringing in a lot of them used at very competitive cost

[@borkwoof696]

And Randy Newberg is still using his .308 and 7mm-08 without problems.

[@phild9813]

Meh. I started using a 270wsm over 10 years ago and still use it and a 6.5 creedmoor to this day, depending on the situation

[@repairfreak]

Nice video, I would love to hear your opinion on the .243 Win and .270 Win cartridges if you haven’t done videos yet. Thanks for sharing you knowledge with us sir.

[@bobjohnson7207]

That's telling the nimrods. Great videos 👍 your a national treasure. I agree the Nosler Partition performance has to be seen to be believed. believe the flat base is far superior to a boat tail in terminal performance. As a canoe glides through the water with hardly a ripple and a small aluminum boat drags along causing all kinds of disturbance. It's this disturbance which is beneficial to the overall terminal performance. It's not that the boat tails don't work it's that they half work. Anyways always enjoy your channel good luck always you've worked for it.

[@andytillack6998]

As always, thanks for sharing your knowledge Randy. Another great video of info.

[@randyvannatta6523]

Thank you Randy and Kathy, keep up the great work!

[@mattyv7499]

I just want to let you know randy that I'm a young bloke i guess at 31. I see a lot of young blokes preach the info you advise against all the time. Iv taken in every drop of information you have put out and applied this to how i hunt. I have friends now that dont even question my decisions on loads and bullets that i decide on for what we are doing hunting whys. All this has come from your teachings. We use .308 Win, .270 Win, and 30/06. And the 30 cals run 165gr bullets (Accubonds, Partitions, Norma Oryx) the .270s run 130gr Barnes LRX or 150gr Woodleighs, Normas, or Partitions. Iv followed your advice and load to full performance. Seat bullets correctly, run full pressure loads, and constantly look to improve or test bullets that WILL work. Every thing you have taught me has worked! Your a wealth of knowledge and I WISH I could be your apprentice in another life. From an Australian fan. Matty.

[@richardfitzsimmons5244]

I don't have an Ackley improved, but I do have a 25-06 that Im rather fond of.

[@rickyflinchum2909]

Me too. Love the 25-06.

[@Bearsmith23]

Nice plain and informative information once again. Thanks for the latest. It seems the continuing moral is knowing both your chosen calibers limitations and capabilities, and your own limiterions and capabilities. Up here where I'm at in Canada, it seems to be the old Parker Hale Enfield in .303 with 180gr bullets takings my game. Works wonders in within 300 yards on deer and Bear.

[@davidhayes7596]

My uncle in greenwood south Carolina swor up and down by the ..25 ackly. Kept his freezer full of deer meat. I've never talked to anyone with a .257 Bob, 25-06 Remington or the 25 Ackly or the 257 Weatherby that ever thought that there was anything else. All of these .25's are great rounds.

[@DaBellyMan318]

You're definitely spot on! We have several 25/06 ai 25/264 win mag. 6.5/300 6.5 RPM 25 Gibbs and a few more in our circle! Those numbers are spot. Our shortest barrel is 24 and the longest is 34 inches

[@jaimesanborn308]

Seems like everytime Randy puts out a vid, I get the caliber he's talking. Just got a winchester pre 64 70 in 257 roberts last week. Greatings from Casper! 😉

[@stevepuyear2738]

I agree the 25-06 AI is one of those cartridges that kill big for it's bullet diameter, bullet selection and case capacity. Having owned one I would certainly own another without a second thought. I'm looking at having a 257x7mm Blaser built at this time. Case capacity is exactly the same as the 7mm Rem mag, so it should go step for step with the 257WBY providing they're both 26" barrels. I had a 250-3000AI built for my son and I also have dies for a 25SAUM, but I've yet to get a rifle put together. I guess you could say I'm a big fan of the .257" caliber across the board.

[@garywoodlief1976]

I have had very good results with the 25 06 for years deer hunting

[@travisweldmaster7815]

As well as friends of mine...people are far out with these slow poke 6.5 thinking omg it's so flat...270 been flatter, at the velocity it was intended to run 130s at or any, at CORRECT velocity 270 will ALWAYS EVERY TIME OUT SHOOUT THE "CREEDMOOR" AS WELL AS MANY, MANY OTHER 6.5 CARTRIDGES IN ALL MY MANUALS

[@travisweldmaster7815]

The time proven...,..the numbers, dont all lie at the same time

[@lovethehuntOutdoors]

My Uncle Charles has the Remington 25-06 that he's hunted with for near thirty years and absolutely love the round, recoil and reputation it has. He's taken lots of game animals in California in the 70s then moved to Colorado to Hunt Elk and deer in Kansas, and is the reason I'm a hunter today. I have two, 270 Winchesters one is a Ruger No.1 a 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 Grendel in a AR15 for deer.

[@markihde4381]

I enjoyed watching this video. The M77 Ruger in 25-06 Rem. that's in my gun safe is my favorite rifle for plains deer and antelope hunting, here in Montana. But I'm also becoming a fan of the .358 Winchester in Browning's BLR, since I don't take shots at big game animals beyond about 200 yards, anyway. It's never taken me more than one shot with either rifle to put down an animal. So, I've never found a need or much use in owning a high BC 6.5.

[@blakelester4290]

I have just purchased my first 25-06. I am not a professional anything, but I have been hunting for about 30 years and shot about 12 deer using everything from 12g shotgun to 7mm mag oh and took 2 deer with a muzzle loader and 2 with bow and arrow. I hunted with a friend who shot a 25-06 when I was 13 years old and fell in love, but it took me until now to get one think you for your information, I found it very helpful.

[@buckbilly5789]

2506 and 7 mag work great Been shooting 40 years almost.

[@millboss1372]

Now that was well said. I thoroughly enjoyed that. I recently picked up the .257 Weatherby mag and have no desire to shoot anything else. A guy can learn a lot from you.

[@carlwilliams6300]

I love the 25-06 one of my all time favorites thanks for the knowledge sir .

[@johnkizziah108]

Always wanted a rem custom shop 25/06. Had a real pretty one made years ago..that pretty rifle has fed lots of good elk meat to my family..(and its still a lovely rifle).

[@zl1booker]

thanks for the sound advice sir

[@Titan-iw7xv]

Randy is spot on just like always! Who cares about the bc of a bullet when you shouldn’t be shooting at game animals past reasonable ranges in most cases anyway! Love both my 25-06 AI and my 257 weatherby and never feel under gunned when carrying them most anywhere. Thanks again Randy for spreading the knowledge!!

[@thecognitiveconservative489]

Good information I like your real life experience style, no hypotheticals no BS. Thanks

[@dthunter2506rem]

The most bang flops I have encountered in big game hunting has been with my 25-06 and 120 grain Nosler Partitions. His assessment with H1000 is accurate as well. I have also had similar results with Retumbo. 3200fps is very achievable with my rifle. My barrel is a 26" Bevin King/Tyndall barrel I built with Bevin back in 1995. The 25-06 is certainly a very underrated cartridge.

[@scottgorman7166]

My gunsmithing instructor suggested I build a 257 Robert's. I did just that on a Mauser action, rust blued on a Birdseye Maple stock 7 years ago. Always grab that sweety. Looks like I might go to a 25-06 AI now for a newer build. Thanks for the great information. Actually Randy one of your old videos in the house on your favorite chair you discussed a rifle you built that looks identical to my first 257 build. I thought you went in my safe and borrowed it for your video. No problem, I'd be honored.

[@mikeleschber33]

Thank you Mr. &Mrs. Selby for all the information you share with us. I am so old that Nosler Partitions are the only bullets I have used for almost 40 years. Until they stop doing the job, I guess II'll hang up the rifle for good. God bless you and the Mrs. !

[@drunknnirish]

I would love for you to do a full video on the 25-06. I have always been super interested in that round but since I own a 270 I never tried one.

[@rickyflinchum2909]

The 25-06 is an awesome caliber.

[@brianlee6849]

Excellent discussion. I have been seriously looking at the 25-06 . In your opinion is the 26" barrel the optimal length? Thank you 👍

[@jackcottrell3891]

Thank you Sir for sharing your knowledge!

[@howardhooley3408]

In my opinion the 6.5 Creedmoor is way over hyped and the 2506 has been ignored and underrated I'll take the 2506 any day!!

[@308dad8]

Lot of people push that 6.5 Creedmore and will argue when you say I’m not interested in it I’ll stick with 308 or whatever. They insist it’s inherently accurate like it has some supernatural powers or something.

[@johnnydawson7675]

Why not just use a .270 Winchester? KISS

[@308dad8]

@@johnnydawson7675 Why not? I already like 308 Winchester so why change?

[@twolak1972]

Yeah, creedmoor was lauded as a water Walker when in reality the older 25/06 smokes it handily .I never warmed to the needmoor cuz I already have the best long range antelope and deer gun ever built, The immortal 25/06. Like its father ,IT WILL NEVER GO AWAY.

[@brandong1443]

This all came when the softer men in life came around. They ditched their surfboards and wanted to hunt. Some fancy marketing came along with touting the creed. My .257 weatherby at 325 yards is comparable to the creed starting at the muzzle.

[@daledobbins6359]

Absolutely love my 25/06! I'm starting my 10 year old out with it also over the 243 by far

[@justhavingfun0736]

Thank you Randy. Now I know what I want. As always. Appreciate your knowledge and advice.

[@michaeltuckerman6983]

I was at the range many years ago. This gentleman had the loudest rifle I have ever heard to this day. Looking back he probably had a compensator which wasn't popular 30 years ago period And I saw his 5-shot 100-yard group was a small Jagged hole. Ackley improved couldn't tell you

[@unbalancedredneck5778]

I don’t have any experience with most of the calibers you mentioned here. Where I hunt shots over 200 yards are unheard of. Most of my game is taken inside a 100 yards. The 257 Robert’s using basic Remington corelok bullets has taken everything I have ever pointed it at and can’t remember ever needing a second shot. I also does far less damage to the meat than my 270. Although my 7-08 is quickly becoming one of my favorites with the 139 Hornady interlock 139 fb bullet. So far it has been very good on deer sized game out to about 120 yds. I have no shot one past that so I can’t say for sure but I’m confident in that rifle to my max ability hunting range of 300.

[@nmelkhunter1]

A good friend turned me on to the 25-06 when it came time to buy my stepson a rifle since we wanted a rifle with low recoil. My stepson shoots 120 partitions and it simply kills antelope and mulies dead, dead, dead. Great video sir!

[@jerrymartin5100]

You sir are a treasure of information, I would love to know what I could expect in velocity from a 260 Remington with 140gr Nosler Partitions with W760 powder, I'm new to reloading this caliber.

[@TheRealGunsmith]

Thank you, kind sir! You should get around 2800 fps. Good shooting and thanks for watching.

[@jerrymartin5100]

@@TheRealGunsmith thank you.

[@acampchef]

My 260 rem.I use the accubond long range 142 gr, reloader 22 powder for hunting big game. Taken lots of deer, bear, pigs and elk. Shoot them close, shoot them where they live and they go down with one shot. aim straight

[@smoothbore4377]

It's refreshing to hear from someone who actually knows what he's talking about.

[@davidfornkahl8374]

Randy, please write a book, or several books. Especially one on your hunting stories and the rifle) caliber you used, bullet type, and weight. In LOVE hearing about your dogs, mules and of course your great wife. Thank you!

[@TheRealGunsmith]

Thank you for your kind words. I don't have the time nor the intention, at least at this time, to write books. I'll continue with the videos. Back to production slowly after a hiatus during and after Covid and recovery. Should have a new video out this weekend. Stay well. May you and yours be blest.

[@harryodell9497]

Love this video. I love my 25-06 for a reason. Love my .308 too for other reasons. Both tack drivers. 25-06 is just fine, it dont need ackley improved.

[@HardAssetsFTW]

.257 Weatherby Magnum is one of the best hunting calibers ever made! My favorite whitetail cartridge. The shock of the impacts are amazing to witness and the cartridge lends a sort of laser effect out to 300 yards or so. I only shoot the creedmoor and 308 in the woods avg shot 100 yards. I have no need for a small bore wildcat. The Roy is on top of the heap.

[@czyhorse482]

I'm getting good speed & accuracy in my 25-06Rem & 300Win Mag using IMR8133. IMR8133 is a little slower than H1000, used with the 'heavy' for the caliber bullets, 117's & 120's in the 25-06Rem and 200-220's in the 300Win Mag. Hodgdon data shows slightly lower breach pressures and slightly higher velocities when compared to other powders. For the ranges I hunt at, less than 250yds, I concern myself with a bullet's Sectional Density and sturdy construction (Nosler Partition/Accubond, Swift A-Frame/Scirocco) more than Ballistic Coefficient.

[@perlindqvist3003]

Wise man! Regards from Sweden👍

[@DARKSIDEXIII]

Love the true wisdom WE ARE NOT WORTY God loves you Randy .

[@uralbob1]

Randy, I have a modern CZ550FS in 6.5x55 Mauser w/20” full stock barrel. My 1912 Swedish Mauser loads were made with 120-140g spire points and Reloader 22. This load was made for our Eastern Whitetails. Every deer dropped in it’s tracks, and only one ran 20 or so yards. Can you recommend a bullet weight and powder choice for this shorter barrel?

[@zechnarwilliams8019]

You sir, are a legend. Thank you for your dispensing your knowledge to us. I still do not know why we needed the 6.5 creedmoore, what was wrong with the .260 Remingtion? Marketing.

[@TheRealGunsmith]

Exactly. Thanks for watching.

[@adamrodgers2377]

What's wrong with having more choices.

[@zechnarwilliams8019]

supply can not keep up with it, that is why cartridges die off. hard to find most wsm cartridges. look at 357sig, great handgun round. @@adamrodgers2377

[@oreopuppydawg1564]

Love your videos. You have a wealth of information, please put out as much as you can

[@edharm8446]

35 years with my .25-06 and the 120 Partition, awesome!

[@zeroone3835]

Beautiful video as always. Can you talk about the 6.5x55 and the AI version of it. Does the AI version has much more to offer. Thanks

[@forthehellofit5544]

Exactly right! Hype, hype, and more Hype! Thank you

[@waynecastleman1363]

I would like to shoot and work with the 6.5 300 Weatherby, I d like to have had that chambered to my Hells Canyon Max Long Range. This would have given me a nice increase in power all around. I hunt however in respectable distance of about 3 to 500 yards max and it's always a better hunt at 1 or 200 yards ! Great video Randy Stay Strong 💪

[@johnnash5118]

Target bullet use for hunting big game should be discouraged on every carton, but the manufacturers would have to actually care about big game to do so. Expecting novice hunters to do due diligence is not enough, they don’t! Hunters should know their bullet’s limitations; that means maximum effective range, maximum point blank range, and bullet composition.

[@JimBeck-z1d]

The kids want a “new bicycle “ (6.5) , they don’t want a “old bicycle “ ( .25-06 ) . The.25-06 is king for deer and antelope ! . You insult your self by arguing with kids !

[@ronkay1573]

Smart man with real world experience. Thanks for the video.

[@davewinter2688]

This may take awhile and be long so please bear with me. I'm 68 years old and live in central Kansas. Here we can have shots at white tails, mule deer, or coyotes at 50 yards or less in the creek bottoms like on my farm or long shots at just about any distance you want to name in the big pastures and canyons of the Smoky Hills and Flint Hills tall grass region. Out in the High Plains region of western Kansas we also have Prong Horns and Elk. There's not a lot of Prong Horns so permits are limited and coveted. Actually you can get an elk permit for almost any where in the state but I believe that's a money raising ploy because the elk are few and far between scattered randomly as they wander around. Mostly they are in western Kansas grass lands with some wandering out of the Rockies. The best chance of collecting an elk is on the Fort Riley Military Reservation if you should be so lucky draw a permit for there. Now as for arms and ammunition here are my thoughts. In my 50 years or so (not consecutive) years of deer hunting I have taken my share but certainly not an exceptional number to brag about. Some years I didn't draw a permit of any sort as in earlier years the numbers were limited. Now we have population large enough to support multiple seasons with some permits still by drawing and others across the counter for either sex. Some years I drew a permit and just struck out but never because of a miss. For about five years I didn't hunt because of health problems. During that time I had a huge number of deer who were trying to eat my soybeans to the ground, so I let a few good young folks hunt on my land. My rule was they could only shoot does. That was an effective way to thin the herd. It also put venison in our freezer and still does. Did you ever see the bumper sticker that said "Take your boy hunting instead of hunting your boy"? That goes for girls too. Here in Kansas we have a growing high school trap shooting program. It's privately funded with volunteer instructors. I know that's a little off the subject but I thought you'd like to know. Now about my successes. In all those years the only thing I shot deer with was my early 1970's Ruger 77 in 270 Winchester with a Redfield 2-8 Widefield (no BDC, range finder etc) and a few with my Ruger Blackhawk 45 Long Colt. In the 270 I used a load out of my old Speer Number 9 reloading manual; 56 grains of H4831 behind a common Hornady 150 grain jacketed spire point. I think that load was supposed to be somewhere between 2800 and 2900 fps. The 77 has a 22" barrel. I can hardly spell chronograph much less afford one so I'll just have to trust Vernon Speer' s testing

[@jacobcornell6961]

Thank you for the video

[@modernshootinglongrange8131]

Super good information....thank you for your time and willingness to pass on this kind of information

[@Kspringer80]

Randy, I have a 250-3000 Sedgley Springfield Sporter and struggle with stability problems. Although chambered in a '03 Springfield, Sedgley kept the 1:14 twist barrel. I struggle to stabilize the 100gr spire points and have at this point had the best luck with the now discontinued 117 Hdy RN. The .257 bullets that you have listed I'm afraid I can't stabilize. The 87gr spire points shoot very well but are built like a varmint bullet. I have realistic expectations of this as it's a Pennsylvania whitetail gun, but the 87gr bullets shoot around 1.125" on average which is the limit of my ability. The 100gr bullets I've tried (Hdy, Speer, Sierra, Nosler) shoot 4-6" and show up on target with out of round holes. Any bullet suggestions would be greatly appreciated, whitetail is the target and less than 150yds is the typical. It's an original factory ordered Sedgley and was a 12th birthday gift from my grandfather so re-barreling isn't an option for me for sentimental reasons. I've been hunting with a 6.5CM for many years now but I'm getting older and would be happy to get this rifle back into the field!

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

Try the Barnes TTSX in 80 grains. They hit like a 120 because they don't lose mass. It will stabilize and will be the most accurate flat shooting ammo you've ever shot, if you work the load up properly.

[@joetrowbridge9603]

Wise words from a wise man. God bless you sir!

[@craigleibbrand7761]

Randy's the best absolutely knows what he's talking about I always enjoy his videos

[@paulsullivan9697]

Hey Randy , cheers from Australia . This video spiked my interest on your views about the 25 v 6.5 . I am interested on your thoughts about the .243 Winchester & the 6mm Remington cartridges . The 243 has got all the sales over here & the 6mm Remington is obsolete . My current 6 mm is the Ackley Improved version & side by side with a 243 Winchester is lacking . No comparison the 6mm Ackley Improved can handle a far greater range of bullet weights in a standard twist barrel . My only remorse is that I have to make my 6mm Ackley brass from 7x57 Mauser brass .

[@hawknives]

257 Roberts Ackley is very good! 25-06 115g Partition is deadly on deer. Have yet to kill anything but paper, with the 6.5 Creedmoor. Like you said 6.5 Remington Mag works just fine. Christ Bless!

[@davidorpwood8433]

THATS WHAT THEY ARE MEANT FOR .

[@emerygrimmett6011]

I own a 6.5 Creedmoor it a target rifle for my grandkids, but they hunt with a 25

[@Nobody-Nowhere-USA]

I have no idea who you are, this video just showed up in my feed, that said you just earned a subscriber! I have never been a 25 cal fan, mostly because of bullet selection. I am a Rem 700 guy at heart, a few years ago I found myself with out a 700 Sedona, I found one like new in 25-06! Figuring if it wasn’t a shooter I would AI it or rebarrel in 6.5-06, to my surprise it shoots great so I left it alone and have found both SST’s and Interlocks are very accurate out of it. After shooting everything from prairie dogs to deer with it I have become a 25-06 fan and am considering building myself an ultra lightweight mountain rifle in 25-06 or 25-06 AI, I live in the high mountains of Colorado and we have some of the roughest mountains in the lower 48! Every oz counts at 10 to 14k ft ! I get a chuckle out of the 6.5 CM fan boys, sure hope I don’t accidentally become one of those! 😂

[@toddvandyke8737]

Well said Randy! I love the .257 Weatherby Mag and I know how to stretch its legs. Your lessons learned from legends like PO Ackley and many others are valuable education. Thank you for sharing!

[@ReelinTension]

The .257 wby and the 25-06 will always be my favorite hunting round and I own many other calibers

[@jackbuckley4471]

Had a 25/06 built on a Voere action 26” barrel have wanted a 25 cal for a long time, now I got one.