Power of 25-06 and 7mm-08

[wheeledrifleman]

Hey fellow rifle lovers,

I have a question about the power of two rifles, 25-06 and 7mm-08. I once had an old man tell me the best deer caliber is a 25-06 for knock down power without losing any meat but they're hard to find anymore...then I found the savage. I don't know anything about the caliber. Does it have the distance capability of it's big brother the .30-06? Am I going to have to search far and wind for ammo? I'm tempted to get it just because I'm a gun collector and it's not one of the typical calibers but I'd like to be able to use it in the field...without paying tons for ammo.

Now to the 7mm-08. Again, I don't know anything about it's power. I know the 7mm mag is pretty much the all around medium game rifle. Will the 7mm-08 knock down a deer, elk, or moose? Will it still be powerful at 500+ yards?

Thanks for any input. Happy shooting.

[EFBell]

No deer will be a problem. Plenty of Elk have fallen to 7-08's Im sure. i would think of a 30 Caliber for moose would be a better choice. Although with the proper bullet and good shot placement either will do the job. Plenty of people would argue but I dont feel the 7-08 is a 500 yard "Big Game" cartridge but neither is the 25-06 that is if you consider things larger than deer as big game.

I hunt deer with a 25-06 and never had a problem for lack of enough gun out to 400 yards or so (and could easily shoot futher) Thats about my shot limit whar I hunt. I would agree with the "old man". They are not at all hard to find. Niether is ammo for them.

[kslefty]

Some western states require a .270 minimum for elk but don't know exactly which ones. I have or have had both and either one is fine. One thing to keep in mind is that the 30-06 can be loaded with 110gr bullets at least to 220gr not much else I know of has this wide of range, in other words it works for anything. I have a 25-06 but not a 30-06 mainly cause of the recoil difference.

[dlebeck]

What the hell are you talking about? Where do you live - India? 25/06 ammo is everywhere as is 7/08 ammo! Besides, you should be reloading anyway. As for the power if either, let's just say that no deer, white or black tail can escape a bullet properlly placed from either gun. If you like I will run some energy charts for you but my guess is that both will smack a deer down with over 1000flbs are several hundred yards. My best shot on a whitetail deer with my Ruger 77 was about 5 years ago in Tx - 600+ yards - the stupid deer dropped in it's tracks and then got up stumbled a few yards and dropped dead. My best mule deer with my custom 7/08 was two years ago at 708 - that's right no joke - 708yds. The mule deer ran about 40yds and fell about another 20 down the side of the damned mountian (that was a ***** too). I also use my 7/08 with 175gr bullets for black beer and it works as good as my 30/06 or my 35 Whelen. So by all means either buy the 25/06 or if it's cheap don't and I will.

Doug

[handirifle]

Looking at only remington factory loads, which give one an AVERAGE overall idea of a particular caliber, the 7-08 wins with a slight edge. The 25-06 keeps 1000+ ftlbs of energy only (right ONLY) to a little over 400yds, and only with the heavier bullets (110 and 115gr) in their offering. While the 7-08 will keep 1000+ plus out past 500yds, again with the heavier bullets (140gr), while their light bullet, 120gr, only keeps that majic number to 400. Trajectory is nearly identical with both when comparing the 110-115gr 25-06 to the 140gr 7-08.

I say if you plan on something bigger than deer, as well as deer, go with the 7-08, but if it's a deer and varmint, go with the 25-06. As was mentioned, elk are dropped with the 25 but it's not the best choice.

[McKinneyMike]

I would not want to try to drop an elk with either one, especially not past say 300 yds. For deer sized animals and down, I love the 25-06 personally, but either one is a great cartridge. I am just a fool for a great quarter bore :)