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While I wait until I stumble across a Euro Classic to buy I think I'll pick up a Savage 16/116 in 260 Rem or 25-06. I am a huge fan of quarter bores and currently own a 250 Savage, 257 Roberts and a 6.5x55. I don't reload as of yet so I am dependent on factory ammo. Which way would you guys go? I am mostly a white tail hunter with shots under 100 yards. The 25-06 ammo seems to be available everywhere. Heck my local hardware store has 120gr Remington's right on the shelf.
With Lapua brass and a modern rifle chambered in 6.5x55, you can do everything the 260 is capable of and then some once you start reloading. In that scenario I'd go 25/'06. If you're shooting an old Swede or something similar, you're limited by the strength of the action and the 260 would outperform. In that case, either choice would be good.
The savage 116 uses a 22" barrel which I prefer in a hunting rifle. Is that limiting the 25-06 any? Again most of my deer kills are under 100 yards so my concern is accuracy over velocity concerns.
I have read opinions that, in order to get the most out of a 25-06, you really need a longer barrel. However, inside of 200 yards, and ESPECIALLY 100 yards, there is no reason I can think of for any cartridge to "NEED" anything longer than 18 inches, and probably nothing more than 16.5" is really needed.
The deer won't be able to tell the difference between the two and either chambering should be plenty accurate at that distance to get the job done. I say go with the one you like the best and don't look back.
The 22" barrel has been a compromise length for MANY rounds, for one big reason. It works. For shots with most any caliber inside of 400yds, it does not limit the ability of the cartridge enough to even be a consideration IMHO.
Especially when you consider the BC's that modern hunting bullets have, the most limiting aspect will most likely be the bullet itself.
Personally, unless you wear good hearing protection, when hunting, I would not go below 22" barrel. The muzzle blast will destroy your ears. Hearing damage is accumulative, and when you're 62 like me and have to sleep with a fan on the drown out the ringing in your ears, you tend to consider those things.
Sounds like the 25-06 is a winner, but personally, for 100yd shots, it might be overkill. The '06 based rounds will destroy a lot of meat with close up shots. My '06 sure does.
(added) I doubt the 25-06 will do anything the Roberts won't do, especially inside 100yds. So if ya just want a new round, pick one and run. Either will do it.
Thank you for the input. Gonna go 25-06 I think. Not because I need another deer gun but because I want another Savage and that's a caliber I don't have. Lots of ammo available and more 116's available in 25-06 than 16'S in 260 rem. Handirifle I agree with you on barrel length and muzzle blast. I have a Ruger 77 RSI in .308 and that **** thing rocks the shingles off the shoot shack at the range. Nice to carry but nasty to shoot. I may unload it if I can find a Savage Euro Classic in 308 or 14 American Classic in .300 Savage to replace it.
If most your shots are under 100 yds 25-06 is serious overkill. 2¢.
Good choice on the 06. I have a straight 25-06 and an Ackley version. Love em both. It might be little overkill at 100yds but why limit yourself. It's a great cartridge with some excellent bullets
available. I love the 110gr Accubonds.
I have a Model 16 in 260 and love it so far, it's light, accurate and the recoil is light enough ladies or kids can shoot it. Light recoil is the reason I bought it, had shoulder surgery three years ago and can't take much pounding anymore. The 25-06 is a great round, just make sure to get a good bullet.