This guide delves into the history, ballistics, and the best .25-06 ammo options. I’ll also explore some of the best ammunition options available for this caliber, including their characteristics and how they impact performance in the field.
The .25-06 Remington is a top contender for hunters seeking a versatile and powerful cartridge. Renowned for its flat trajectory, excellent long-range performance, and manageable recoil, it has earned a devoted following among hunters and long-range shooters alike.
Best 25-06 Ammo Options
Ask any experienced shooter about their go-to caliber, and they will almost certainly have a favorite ammo brand and cartridge, too. For instance, I’m partial to the Hornady LEVERevolution line for my lever-action rifles. However, it’s great to have options. With that in mind, I’ve included four different cartridges on my list of the best 25-06 ammo. The ammo that made the cut includes:
Barnes TSX 100-grain
Barnes TSX hits targets hard with unmatched precision and proven lethality in the field.
If you’re looking for a hard-hitting, fast-moving 25-06 cartridge, the 100 gr projectile from Barnes is it. These cartridges feature all-copper bullets, double-diameter expansion, and great weight retention as part of the VOR-TX line.
The Barnes TSX 100-gr cartridges boast a muzzle velocity of 3,225 feet per second. They maintain a velocity of over 2,200 FPS out to 400 yards. The bullets pack a ton of energy, too. They register 2,310 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle and over 1,000 foot-pounds of energy at 400 yards.
When zeroed at 200 yards, these projectiles fly flat at long distances. They impact about 1.3” above zero at 100 yards and have a drop of just 6.1” at 300 yards.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .25-06 Rem | TSX | 100gr | 3,225 FPS | 2,310 FT LBS | 2,947 FPS/1,929 FT LBS | 2,686 FPS/1,602 FT LBS | 2,439 FPS/1,322 FT LBS |
Hornady American Whitetail 25-06 Rem 117 Grain SP - 20 Rounds
$29.85
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Remington Core-Lokt 25-06 Rem 120 Grain PSP - 20 Rounds
$37.85
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Federal Power-Shok 25-06 Rem 117 Grain SP - 20 Rounds
$35.00
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Prvi Partizan 25-06 Rem 100 Grain PSP - 20 Rounds
$24.55
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Hornady Interlock 117-grain
All American: Made in the USA, Hornady InterLock cartridges put meat on the table, with pride.
The 25-06 Hornady 117-grain InterLock cartridges are excellent for hunting deer. The InterLock bullets have exposed lead tips with a copper jacket. If you aren’t familiar with these popular cartridges, they get their name from the raised ring inside the jacket. The rim keeps the jacket and core locked together at impact, improving weight retention.
While these cartridges aren’t quite as fast as the Barnes TSX, they still pack plenty of punch. They leave the muzzle at 2,990 FPS and produce 2,322 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The Hornady Interlock maintains a velocity above 2,000 FPS out to 400 yards and boasts 1,143 foot-pounds of energy at those distances.
The bullet trajectory at a 200-yard zero is also quite respectable. At 100 yards, the rounds impact about 1.6” above the point of aim, and they drop just 7” at 300 yards.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .25-06 Rem | SP | 117gr | 2,990 FPS | 2,322 FT LBS | 2,749 FPS/1,963 FT LBS | 2,521 FPS/1,651 FT LBS | 2,304 FPS/1,379 FT LBS |
Hornady American Whitetail 25-06 Rem 117 Grain SP - 20 Rounds
$29.85
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Federal Fusion 120-grain
Electrochemically bonded copper jackets provide Federal Fusion with excellent weight retention and consistant expansion.
Federal Fusion cartridges are a favorite among hunters everywhere. Like other calibers of the Federal Fusion line, the 120gr 25-06 variant has a skived nose and an electrochemically bonded copper jacket. These soft-point projectiles offer excellent weight retention and expansion on impact, giving you a great chance of downing your target.
The cartridge leaves the muzzle at 2,980fps and maintains a velocity above 2,200fps at 400 yards. It packs plenty of energy, too, registering 2,366 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. The Federal Fusion cartridges maintain over 1,300 foot-pounds of energy at 400 yards.
Like the other 25-06 cartridges on our list, the Federal Fusions fly very flat. If zeroed at 200 yards, they impact the target about 1.5” above the point of aim at 100 yards. The bullet drop at 300 yards is just 6.7” when zeroed at 200 yards.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .25-06 Rem | SP | 120gr | 2,980 FPS | 2,366 FT LBS | 2,778 FPS/2,056 FT LBS | 2,585 FPS/1,780 FT LBS | 2,399 FPS/1,534 FT LBS |
Federal Power-Shok 25-06 Rem 117 Grain SP - 20 Rounds
$35.00
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Federal 25-06 Rem 120 Grain Fusion - 20 Rounds
$39.85
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Remington Core-Lokt 120-grain
Mean Green: Remington Core-Lokt offers legendary performance and consistency at a great price.
With its time-tested design and proven performance, the Remington Core-Lokt bullet offers reliable expansion and deep penetration on various game species. These projectiles feature a soft point and Remington’s patented Core Lokt technology, which keeps the core and jacket together on impact.
Designed for big game, these cartridges offer reliable performance and consistency at a great price. In terms of velocity, they leave the muzzle at 2,990 FPS. They maintain a velocity above 2,000fps out to 400 yards.
These heavy projectiles have plenty of energy, too. They register 2,382 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle and maintain around 1,100 foot-pounds of energy at 400 yards.
When zeroed at 200 yards, the 25-06 Remington Core-Lokt cartridge impacts the target at 1.6” above the point of aim at 100 yards. At 300 yards, the bullet drops 7.2”, which is respectable considering the bullet weight.
| Caliber | Bullet Type | Bullet Weight | Velocity (Muzzle) | Energy (Muzzle) | 100 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 200 Yards (Velocity/Energy) | 300 Yards (Velocity/Energy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .25-06 Rem | SP | 120gr | 2,990 FPS | 2,382 FT LBS | 2,730 FPS/1,985 FT LBS | 2,484 FPS/1,644 FT LBS | 2,252 FPS/1,351 FT LBS |
Hornady American Whitetail 25-06 Rem 117 Grain SP - 20 Rounds
$29.85
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Remington Core-Lokt 25-06 Rem 120 Grain PSP - 20 Rounds
$37.85
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Federal Power-Shok 25-06 Rem 117 Grain SP - 20 Rounds
$35.00
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Prvi Partizan 25-06 Rem 100 Grain PSP - 20 Rounds
$24.55
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Cartridge Specs & Overview
The .25-06 Remington shares the same case as the .30-06, which provides room for powder to create high velocities.
The .25-06 Remington is based on a necked-down .30-06 case, which provides ample powder capacity for achieving high velocities with relatively light bullets. The standard bullet diameter for the .25-06 is .257 inches, and a wide selection of bullet weights and types is available to suit different hunting needs.
| Cartridge Specs | .25-06 Rem |
|---|---|
| Parent Casing | .30-06 |
| Bullet Diameter | .257″ |
| Neck Diameter | .290″ |
| Base Diameter | .470″ |
| Case Length | 2.49″ |
| Overall Length | 3.25″ |
| Grain Weight | 100gr-120gr |
| Max Pressure (SAMMI) | 63,000 PSI |
Ballistics Overview
One of the standout features of the .25-06 cartridge is its exceptional ballistics. With the right bullet selection, the .25-06 delivers flat trajectories and impressive downrange energy, making it well-suited for long-range shooting and hunting in open terrain. At typical hunting ranges, the .25-06 retains ample velocity and energy for ethical shot placement on medium to large game animals.
Comparison with 30-06 Ammo
While the .25-06 and .30-06 cartridges share a common lineage, they serve different niches in the hunting world. The .30-06 offers larger bullet diameters and heavier bullet options, making it better suited for hunting large game like elk and moose. On the other hand, the .25-06 excels in flat trajectory and long-range performance, making it ideal for hunting deer, antelope, and varmints at extended distances.
Best Uses for Caliber
The .25-06 Remington is well-suited for a variety of hunting scenarios, including:
Deer Hunting: With the right bullet selection, the .25-06 delivers lethal performance on whitetail and mule deer at extended ranges.
Varmint Hunting: Lighter bullets offer flat trajectories and minimal wind drift, making the .25-06 an excellent choice for varmint control.
Long-Range Shooting: The .25-06’s high velocity and ballistic performance make it a favorite among long-range enthusiasts for target shooting and competition.
The Good & the Bad of 25-06 Ammo
Before we get into my picks for the best 25-06 ammo, let’s discuss what I love about this cartridge and a few concerns.
Pros
The 25-06 offers a flat trajectory and excellent long-range performance. You can get rounds on targets hundreds of yards away and be confident that your bullet will perform consistently, shot after shot. As always, you’ll need to pair your rifle with a reliable optic to maximize its performance.
Another huge perk of the 25-06 is its manageable recoil. It’s suitable for shooters of all ages and skill levels. Even if you are more experienced and capable of handling a hard-hitting gun, it’s nice to have a lighter option to shoot all day without wrecking your shoulder.
Several great bullet weights and types are also available for various hunting applications. You won’t be limited to just one or two projectile designs, so you can find the ideal cartridge based on your intended use.
Cons
The 25-06 fills its role exceptionally well. The cartridges offer a good mix of mass and velocity, ensuring consistent performance. While several different bullet weights and styles are out there, they aren’t as readily available as more common calibers.
Simply put, you might have a tough time tracking down the cartridges you need, especially if you head to your local retailer for a last-minute ammo run. The good news is that you always find what you need at Widener’s. Our huge selection of cartridges includes several of the most popular 25-06 ammunition, including the four options that made my list of the best 25-06 ammo.
Brief History of the .25-06 Rem Cartridge
The .25-06 Remington traces its roots back to the 1920s, when wildcatters experimented with necking down the .30-06 Springfield cartridge to accept .25 caliber bullets. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that Remington officially introduced the .25-06 as a commercially available cartridge. Since then, it has gained popularity as a versatile and effective round for hunting game from deer to coyotes.
The 25-06 Cartridge Deserves a Place in Your Gun Safe
If you need a flat-shooting, versatile centerfire cartridge, consider adding the .25-06 Remington to your arsenal.
The .25-06 Remington cartridge offers hunters a winning combination of flat trajectory, long-range performance, and manageable recoil. Whether you’re pursuing deer in open country or varmints in the field, the .25-06 delivers consistent results with the right ammunition selection. By understanding the history, ballistics, and best uses of the .25-06, hunters can make informed decisions when selecting ammunition for their next hunting adventure.
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