.25-06 Remington
Also called: 25-06, twenty-five oh-six
A flat-shooting, high-velocity round for open country, popular on pronghorn and deer at longer distances with moderate recoil.
- Type
- Centerfire Rifle
- Bullet diameter
- .257 in
- Case length
- 2.494 in
- Overall length
- 3.25 in
- Typical bullet weights
- 85 to 120 grains (most are 100 to 117)
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 2,950 to 3,500 fps
- Recoil
- Moderate recoil
- Quarry
- Deer, hogs & pronghorn, Varmints & predators
- Typical range
- Deer and pronghorn to about 300 to 400 yards
- Availability
- Common in hunting areas, less so in general stores
What it is good for
- Pronghorn and deer in open, long-range country.
- Coyotes and other predators.
- Hunters who want a flat path with less recoil than a .270 or .30-06.
Where it falls short
- It is light for elk and moose.
- It has a reputation for faster barrel wear than milder cartridges.
- Ammunition choices are narrower than for the .243 or .270.
Easily confused with
- .270 Winchester: a similar necked-down .30-06 with a slightly wider bullet.
- .30-06 Springfield: the parent case; the .25-06 is simply necked down to a narrower bullet.
Field notes
The .25-06 is the .30-06 case necked down to hold a .257 bullet. It is known for a flat trajectory and has long been used for pronghorn and deer in wide-open country.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.