.25/06 bullet for long range

[Jason]

I live in New Zealand and am just getting my first long range rig up and running.I shoot a .25/06 and currently using 115 gr Nosler ballistic tips at 3030fps. I shoot mainly feral goats which weight between 60 and 150lb, average weight would be around 70-90lbs.
The problem I am having with the Ballistic tips is that they are not expanding quickly enough.
I selected them because of their good B.C.
A friend of mine is using a .243 with 75 gr varmint bullets and is getting good knockdown butpoor penetration and often has to give a finishing shot. I don't think it would be wise to go with varmint bullets but mine seem to drill right through unless I happen to hit bone. The goats we hunt are pretty tough and sure hang on to life. Any suggestions?
Also what would be the maximum effective range with the .25/06 on such animals.
Thank you all you guys at Long Range Hunting I have learnt so much reading all the posts that I have hardly had to ask questions.

 

[johnny k.]

Hello Jason,
I have just recently acquired a .25-06 within the last year and haven't had a chance to do much hunting with it. However, I have had the chance to use Barnes' Triple Shock 100gr bullet in my Sendero (26" tube) for the smallish (95-150lbs) whitetail here in my home state, once! Darn motorcycle accident in Nov 03 **** near killed me!
I use 55.5gr of RL22 and Rem 9 1/2M primers and am getting around 3200fps and (really) one small ragged hole. I personally think these are the best bullets Barnes has introduced to date. I have tried the 85gr XLC (coated) in my .243 and accuracy (barely .5") is in between the TSX and original XBT (1.5" @ 100yds).
Penetration with the 100gr TSX @ 200yds was from "brown eye" to just under hide at chest. Retained weight, as measued on my Denver Analytical scale, was 99.987gr's and was a perfect mushroom. Didn't weigh it beforehand so not sure that it was exactly 100gr.
I don't have any experience with these bullets at Long Range. Not sure how they'd perform ballistic's wise at say 500-1000yds due to their monolithic design. Maybe someone else will chime in. As far as range for the .25-06 goes, I would not be scared to try 600yd shots with it and the 115gr Ballistic Tip. By the way, Sierra suggested that I use the 90gr HPBT GK for deer. I thought that was kinda small, but they say it performs flawlessly! Go figer'.
I have used a 7mm RM Sendero for almost 10yrs now for LR targets and game and have been thoroughly impressed with my .25-06. It seems to be flatter than my "big" seven, which I have semi retired until I get another tube screwed onner' (1500+ rds, mostly screaming!).
Sorry for babbling, good luck and happy hunting. Johnny K.

 

[Quarterbore]

I've taken several Pronghorn out to 600 yds with my 25-06. And shoot steel out to 1000yds. If there is know wind you can kill anything you want with it. I suggest getting a tactical scope and start practicing dialing in your distance(0-800yds) and hitting your bullesye. Oh I also like the 115gr Nosler Combined Technolgy Bullet great BC.(.453) AND really knocks'em dead.

[ 04-13-2004: Message edited by: 308WIN ]

 

[Guest]

My 25-06 Encore likes the 100gr Nosler Balistic tips better than anything I've fed it , it groups great out to 400yds which is as far as I've shot it.
I wanted to shoot the 115gr bullets but added BC over the 100gr diden't make up for the loss of accuracy , this gun won't be used for shooting over 400yds anyhow.

 

[ackleyguy]

I used to use a 25-06 Ackley IMP. for several yaers...used a Berger 115 VLD with Reloader 22...shot whitetail deer out to 800 yards...this is a great bullet...jacket is kinda soft j4 but kills really well.