.25-06 Remington Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.25-06 Remington: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Hunting, Long-range Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1969 |
.25-06 Remington: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent long-range performance
- ✔ Flat trajectory for accurate shooting
- ✔ Versatile for various game sizes
- ✔ Lower recoil compared to larger calibers
- ✔ Good balance of velocity and energy
Cons
- ✘ Less common than some other calibers
- ✘ Ammunition can be more expensive
- ✘ Overkill for smaller game
- ✘ Barrel life shorter than some other calibers
- ✘ Not ideal for dangerous game hunting
.25-06 Remington Ammo: In Depth
The .25-06 Remington is a versatile and powerful cartridge known for its flat trajectory and excellent long-range performance. Developed from the .30-06 Springfield case necked down to .25 caliber, this round offers an ideal balance of velocity, energy, and recoil. Popular among hunters for medium to large game, the .25-06 Remington has earned a reputation for its accuracy and effectiveness at extended ranges.
History and Development
The .25-06 Remington originated as a wildcat cartridge in 1920, created by Charles Newton and A.O. Niedner. It was based on the .30-06 Springfield case necked down to accept .25 caliber bullets. For decades, it remained a popular wildcat cartridge among handloaders and custom rifle enthusiasts.
In 1969, Remington Arms Company officially standardized and introduced the .25-06 as a commercial cartridge. This move brought the cartridge into the mainstream, allowing for factory-produced ammunition and wider availability of rifles chambered for this round.
The .25-06 Remington quickly gained popularity among hunters, particularly those pursuing deer, antelope, and other medium-sized game. Its high velocity and flat trajectory made it an excellent choice for long-range shooting in open country.
Over the years, advancements in bullet design and propellant technology have further enhanced the performance of the .25-06 Remington. Modern loadings offer improved ballistic coefficients and terminal performance, extending the cartridge's effective range and versatility.
Today, the .25-06 Remington remains a popular choice among hunters and long-range shooters. Its combination of high velocity, flat trajectory, and manageable recoil continues to make it a favored option for those seeking a versatile cartridge capable of handling a wide range of hunting scenarios.
Complete Timeline of .25-06 Remington Development:
.25-06 Remington Performance
The .25-06 Remington offers excellent performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for hunting medium to large game and long-range shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 3,200-3,500 fps (100-grain bullets)
2,900-3,200 fps (120-grain bullets) Varies based on barrel length and load type |
| Trajectory | Very flat trajectory at long ranges Effective for hunting and target shooting beyond 400 yards |
| Energy | 2,500-2,800 ft-lbs at the muzzle (100-120 grain bullets) Provides excellent performance for medium to large game |
| Recoil | Moderate, allowing for accurate shot placement Manageable in standard hunting rifles, suitable for experienced shooters |
| Accuracy | Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles Excellent for long-range hunting and precision shooting |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .25-06 Remington loads.
.25-06 Remington: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .25-06 Remington ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Hunting | 0-400 | Excellent for deer, antelope, and similar-sized game |
| Varmint Hunting | 0-500 | Highly effective for long-range varmint control |
| Target Shooting | 0-1000 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads |
| Long-Range Shooting | 0-800 | Flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient for long-range performance |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .25-06 Remington is known for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and excellent long-range performance. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .25-06 Remington
The .25-06 Remington's high velocity and flat trajectory make it suitable for a range of applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .25-06 Remington's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .25-06 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 8 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .25-06 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .25-06 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .25-06 Remington with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .25-06 Rem Ammo
Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. For .25-06 Rem ammunition, higher sectional density contributes to better penetration and energy retention, which is beneficial for hunting medium to large game.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .25-06 Rem | 100 | 0.260 |
| .25-06 Rem | 115 | 0.299 |
| .25-06 Rem | 120 | 0.312 |
| .25-06 Rem | 117 | 0.304 |
| .25-06 Rem | 110 | 0.286 |
Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². For .25-06 Rem, the bullet diameter is 0.257 inches. The .25-06 Rem offers excellent sectional densities, contributing to its reputation as a versatile cartridge for medium to large game hunting.