25-06 Rem in Africa

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

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So this funny thing happened to me yesterday walk into my local gunshop and the two guys behind the counter are super friendly and I know something is up!!
They pull a brand new stainless 25-06 Howa 1500 with Hogue stock almost like above from the shelf and show it to me I said so what??

Then they tell me look at the price tag I had to look twice and could not belive the price tag. Told them listen guys 1 April is way gone by now then they start giggling like school girls.
So I ask what the hell is going on?
So the agent for Howa was geting rid of old stock that is not selling in calibres that is not moving in South Africa and 25-06 being one of them.
So what was the price?$440 for a brand new stainless rifle they got hold of 3 in the shop and the guys behind the counter took one each and they said I really need to take this one.

So with some very fast argument time with myself with pros and con I gave in and told them put my name on that one.

So here's my argument to meself.

Its light rifle easy to handle and carry up mountains.
I don't own a specific all weather rifle! That was a a big Pro!
This can shoot 120gr pills to around 3000fps perfect for longer shot and especially in mountains for the mountain species, Vaalie, mountain reedbuck and klipspringer as well as monkeys and baboons. Outperforms a 243 Win with 100gr bullets especially considering wind.
Then for flat areas springbuck, Blesbuck, Black wildebeest and gemsbuck. Wit a proper premium bullets it will take large game.

Yes I own a 6.5x55 but actually thats my son's rifle and also a 204 Ruger but that for varminting and just fun shooting.

So in the end I won the argument to myself if that makes any sense.

Basically my 7x57 was going to be my mountain rifle but with it being so great with the 160gr bullets at 2600fps in bushveld I'll stick to that and then go down to the 120gr bullet with the 25-06.

I'm going to top it with the same Zerotech scope 4-16 x 50 with Mildot as on my 7x57 which is great glass for the price.

Now for the long wait for firstly all the paperwork to get together for a new rifle license and secondly waiting for approval.
But that give time to get DIES, Brass and bullets together.

So what can you tell me about the 25-06 from your experience and you own???

@Frederik
You have just stolen a great rifle that usually give outstanding accuracy and if fantastic for a lot of plains game.
A 110 gn accubond at 3,100fps would be great but if you want a really good load especially if you hand load try a 100gn Barnes TTSX and 54gn of 2209/H4350 for 3,400 fps. This load will shoot flatter than a shit carters hat out to 400 yards and still be carrying more energy at that range than the 243 will be at 250 yards.
@One Day... Used a 257 Weatherby with 100gn TTSX at 3,500 fps and had one shot kills on his animals including several, wildebeest and kudu from memory.
A fast 25 is devastating on game with the right bullet.
You will not be disappointed with your decision, it will become your go to gun for most of your hunting.
My PH uses the 25-06 with 117-120 gn soft points on leopard with spectacular results. He has never had to shoot one twice.
Accuracy, speed and devastation on game what's not to like.
I'm a 25 & 35 tragic so what would I know.
Bob

 

[Frederik]

Thanks Bob,

I think when Spoor Bullet Company comes out with a 100gr .25 Cal bullet that will be my go to solid shank with bonded front bit what not to like and it will be long like the 117 or 120gr bullet.
But I have 200 rounds 100gr of green and yellow box ammo to play with first and break in the rifle.
My barrel is just short of 23" so doubt I will get very high velocities out of it but I am not planning to shoot game beyond 350 meters.

 

[BeeMaa]

When I think of using the 25-06 in Africa, I think of a cull or meat hunt where head and high-neck shots are the norm. Typically done by a very experienced shooter who’s completely “in-tune” with their equipment and capabilities. Not to mention having extensive knowledge of African animal anatomy.

Is it a good hunting cartridge, sure. But I can think of three or four that I’d rather have when considering a PG hunt than a 25-06.

 

[Fatback]

My 25-06 will be moslty used for plains animals springbuck, black wildebeest and mountain animals like mountain reedbuck, vaalie and mountain reedbuck.
Will also be culling with it for meat on headshots in thicker stuff.
I have other rifles that will do the job for other hunts.

It should work perfectly for that application.