Barrel Length

[TerryH]

I am thinking of getting a 25-06. I have read that they perform best out of a rifle with at least a 24 inch barrel. I like the Tikka T3 Lite, but it only comes with a 22 inch barrel. Will the rifle not perform as well with the shorter barrel? Also what are some of your favorite loads for the 25-06 and does anyone use it for close range elk size game? I will be using it for deer size game. And maybe light bulets for coyotes.

[WaCoyote]

You'll lose some velocity but not enough to matter. I believe they say 50-100 fps per inch. It's so fast and flat though that 200 fps just wont matter. I wouldn't use it on elk at all. I've been kicking around the idea of a new deer rifle but just don't know what to get. The 25-06 is way at the top of the list though.

[johnf]

I am thinking of getting a 25-06. I have read that they perform best out of a rifle with at least a 24 inch barrel. I like the Tikka T3 Lite, but it only comes with a 22 inch barrel. Will the rifle not perform as well with the shorter barrel? Also what are some of your favorite loads for the 25-06 and does anyone use it for close range elk size game? I will be using it for deer size game. And maybe light bulets for coyotes.

I've got a 25-06 and wouldn't hesitate to use it on elk. Check out this comparison to the 270 which I understand is a widley used elk round.

I use rem Coreloked 100 gr. for deer and love them.

At 100 Yards a 120 gr 25-06 bullet has about 175lbs less energy that a 150 gr. 270 at 300 yards, the 25 has more energy.