.25-06
ABert
2/10/13 4:10pm
Just curious as to what ya'll would have picked out of the various manufactures that currently put something out in the venerable .25-06. Decided I REALLY needed a dedicated antelope rifle and really went back and forth between the .243 and the .25-06. Through comparing ballistics and a number of areas I decided on the .25-06, though it almost broke my heart as I really love the .243.
With that battle over the next choice was what manufacturer and what model? I looked at a number of them, along with a LOT of research. Short list came down to the Browning A Bolt, Remingtion 700, Winchester Model 70 and the Tikka T3. I dropped the Tikka early on as they only come with synthetic stocks and I like my furniture made out of wood.
I did look at the aftermarket for the Tikka and the only wood stocks out there, that I could find, were of the laminate variety. I have never been a fan of the way laminate stocks looked, though I must admit they are making them prettier these days. I just couldn't justify buying a new rifle with a stock I didn't want and spending more money on another stock I'd never be happy with.
So, with all of that, I did end up settling on my next purchase. I will admit one of the deciding factors was the amount of discount I would receive due to where I work. All three in the final round are very fine rifles, each more than capable of 500+ yards. I have already ordered it and have decided to top it off with a Vortex Viper HS LR in 4X16X44 with the V Plex reticle.
Out of the three models that are left, just curious what anyone on here would have chosen? Not too sure when it'll show up as the money has dissappeared the the bank account yet. I'll let ya'll know soon enough what I did choose and why.
With that battle over the next choice was what manufacturer and what model? I looked at a number of them, along with a LOT of research. Short list came down to the Browning A Bolt, Remingtion 700, Winchester Model 70 and the Tikka T3. I dropped the Tikka early on as they only come with synthetic stocks and I like my furniture made out of wood.
I did look at the aftermarket for the Tikka and the only wood stocks out there, that I could find, were of the laminate variety. I have never been a fan of the way laminate stocks looked, though I must admit they are making them prettier these days. I just couldn't justify buying a new rifle with a stock I didn't want and spending more money on another stock I'd never be happy with.
So, with all of that, I did end up settling on my next purchase. I will admit one of the deciding factors was the amount of discount I would receive due to where I work. All three in the final round are very fine rifles, each more than capable of 500+ yards. I have already ordered it and have decided to top it off with a Vortex Viper HS LR in 4X16X44 with the V Plex reticle.
Out of the three models that are left, just curious what anyone on here would have chosen? Not too sure when it'll show up as the money has dissappeared the the bank account yet. I'll let ya'll know soon enough what I did choose and why.
44,584
You've got your eyes set on some nice rifles. I own a Tikka T3 and it has been an excellent and accurate rifle. Scheels has quite a few of them in a wood stock/stainless barreled version that looks pretty slick.
Have you thought about a Browning X bolt? My .25-06 in the X Bolt Stainless Hunter. It took a lot of searching to find it, but I was finally able to snatch it with the help of a FFL friend. The X Bolt has a great trigger and looks just like a Browning should- beautiful. I wish I would have gone with the Stainless Stalker version though- I might tear up a bit when I scratch the stock for the first time! So far it's accounted for plenty of dead targets and one small Muley buck. Whatever you end up going with, I think you'll be plenty happy with the cartridge.
Like I said, the decision between the final three was a bit rough. I tossed over the idea of getting a "pretty" rifle but knowing this one would be used out in the field I went with the "field grade" version. Browning and Winchester had a better discount than Remington for me so I looked there first. Browning's rifles are all made by Mikoro in Japan, Winchester's being made in South Carolina by FN Herstal. FN Herstal owns both companies.
Winchester made 50th anniversary rifles for Cabela's a couple of years ago, all to pre-64 specs. Through very little research I found that most, if not all, rifles being made today under the Winchester name are to pre-64 specs. Once I found this little nugget of information out the search got much easier.
Three of the best bolt actions ever made were, in no particular order, the Mauser, the Weatherby MK IV and the Winchester Model 70 (pre-64). Somewhat sorry to say I didn't even look at the Weatherby.
So, deciding on the Winchester Model 70, next was which one? I like wood and blued steel. The obvious choices were the Featherweight or Sporter. I went with the Sporter due to the cheek weld on the stock and the longer 24" barrel. Next year, when I'm eligible again, I'm thinking of going with a Featherweight in .270 as I have somewhat promised to give my nephew my current Mod 70 Sporter (pre-64) in .270 sometime in the next few years.
I'll be sure to post up pics when I get it but not sure how long it'll be before I do some long range shooting with it. Just waiting to order the scope once Winchester takes my money.
but the weight of them was enough cancel them out early on. I own a couple of other Savages/Stevens though!
Still haven't been hit for a payment and was told it could take up to six months. Right now I've got nothing but time to wait for it, just hate having a "payment" out there not knowing when it'll come due.
Again, please forgive the quality of the pics!
As far as bullets, without me being a reloader, I'd love to find some Winchester XP3's. Love those in my .270's and figure they should do just as well in this beauty. I'm currently at the mercy of what is in stock at the moment which comes out to some Rem CoreLok's, Fed Premiums with different bullet choices and Hornady. Figure I'll pick up a box of the Rem's to sight in with and a box each of the others to see which the rifle likes the best.
Though, I am open to any and all suggestions! Hoping to find something that will reach out to 500 yards with enough energy left to knock a goat down and be reliable on the accuracy part, providing I do my part.
I started loading 45 ACP a few weeks ago- bad move on my part, but I was able to find dies and components after just a bit of searching.
A word of caution though: once you start reloading, you're going to be hooked!