Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

.25-06/bears

briguy
Will a .25-06 work good for a black bear. I will be hunting in Montana so I am expecting just an average size bear.
0

Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • Wehrmacht_45
    I would say with good soft point ammo it would. The 6.5 Swede is a 25 caliber round and has taken so many moose in Scandinavia it is frightening. The hotter 25-06 should do ok on bear. Now it is not optimal, but I think it is serviceable. Its all about shot placement.
    0
  • nononsense
    Wehrmacht_45,

    "The 6.5 Swede is a 25 caliber round..."

    The 6.5 x 55 Swede cartridge is a .26 caliber or .264" diameter bullets while the .25-06 uses .257" diameter bullets. Not a huge difference but a difference none the less.

    Best.
    0
  • Michibay
    If you already have a 25-06...use it! If you will be buying one...most are available in 24" barrels only! If deciding on a new gun...I would opt for a 270 with a 22" barrel. Apparently, it takes a 24" barrel for a 25-06 to perform well.
    0
  • Wehrmacht_45
    quote:Originally posted by nononsense
    Wehrmacht_45,

    "The 6.5 Swede is a 25 caliber round..."

    The 6.5 x 55 Swede cartridge is a .26 caliber or .264" diameter bullets while the .25-06 uses .257" diameter bullets. Not a huge difference but a difference none the less.

    Best.





    I am sorry. I was speaking roughly. I should have said so. You are right. But of course the extra muzzle velocity of the 25-06 makes up for a smaller bullet as far as energy goes.
    0
  • DEG305
    2007, 350# black bear, 37yds. one shot,droped in his tracks, 17hmr. shot placement critical! 2008, 285# black bear,97 yds. ons shot dropped in his tracks, 30-30-leverevolution ammo. Again shot placement key. Yes, I'd say that a 25-06 is potent enough for a montana black.[:)]
    0
  • tsr1965
    quote:Originally posted by Wehrmacht_45
    quote:Originally posted by nononsense
    Wehrmacht_45,

    "The 6.5 Swede is a 25 caliber round..."

    The 6.5 x 55 Swede cartridge is a .26 caliber or .264" diameter bullets while the .25-06 uses .257" diameter bullets. Not a huge difference but a difference none the less.

    Best.






    I am sorry. I was speaking roughly. I should have said so. You are right. But of course the extra muzzle velocity of the 25-06 makes up for a smaller bullet as far as energy goes.


    The difference in muzzle velocity does not overtake the higher BC ans sectional density of the .264"/6.5MM bullet.

    The 6.5 Swede/260 Remington class rounds will have more energy past 200 yards, and better penetration due to the sectional density. They will get thru heavy bone better.

    However, if the 25-06, 25WSSM, or 257 Roberts were to be loaded with a Nosler E-Tip, Partition, or Barnes TSX the difference would be much smaller, as these premium bullets will hold together and not shed weight, therefor maintaining their momentium. With the Premium loads from Federal or handloads using these bullets, the 25-06 should be sufficient with good shot placement.

    Best
    0
  • k_townman
    Use the heaviest bullet you can find. That, along with good bullet placement, should get you that Montana bruin. Best of luck to you.
    What part of Montana will you be hunting in?
    0
  • airmung
    I lived in Canada for a few years. There were scads of black bears. They were a pest in many places, so you could buy multiple tags for cheap ($3.00 if I remember correctly). They are not especially difficult to kill. I have even used a .30-30, and Dad p;opped one in the head with a .22 pistol--it dropped like a rock. I wouldn't hesitate to use a .25-06 for blackies. The 25 caliber has a very good sectional density and penetrates very well. I would lean toward a controlled expansion type bullet such as a Speer Grand Slam, Nosler Partition, Hornady Interbond, or similar designs. Good luck on the bear hunt!
    0
  • briguy
    k townman,

    I will be hunting south of Big Timber
    0
  • nononsense
    briguy,

    Hopefully, you'll be hunting fall bear and not spring bear. The meat from a fall bear is superb and the hide should be in better condition.

    You need to study bullet construction and practice shooting from field positions for accuracy. A bipod or small backpack can make for a great shooting platform for added steadiness. The better bullets will perform every time but you need to know when to shoot and where to put the bullet. Study the anatomy of the black bear in all of its positions from lying down to standing and reaching.

    The 115 to 120 gr. bullets will work fine. If you'd like a slightly heavier bullet, Wildcat Bullets will be back in production this summer. They should have the full line of .25 caliber bullets available.

    http://wildcatbullets.homestead.com/

    E-mail = wildcatbullets@gmail.com

    Barnes Bullets offer a combination of several designs now so you should be able to find one or more that will be appropriate to your needs. I think the Nosler Partition does a perfect job for most game but there are so many new bullet designs out there that you will have plenty to choose from.

    Good Luck on your hunt! Take lots of pictures.

    Best.
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity