.25/06 vs elk

[salmonchaser]

Down in Oregon where I'm guiding pheasant hunts there are also a bunch of elk. The ranch owner has been working with ODFW to thin them some. The neighbors are tired of having their wheat eaten. Monday we took a husband and wife team up to see if they could get a couple. They did.
Being a fan of the .338 for elk I was a little suspect of her choice of the 25/06, regardless what I've read here.! Apparently a 115 grain Partition is more then adequate. Bang flop. The very large cow was hit behind the shoulder, bullet exited behind the far shoulder, she jumped but immediately crumpled. The damage inside was remarkable. Distance was 101 yards. I was impressed but wonder what would have occurred had the bullet hit the shoulder bones. Dang that cow was messed up inside, remarkable.

 

[JD338]

The .257 115 gr PT is an impressive bullet. Put it where it needs to go and it will put out the lights
of game.

JD338

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

I too have seen this with both the 115 and 120 grain PT loads in a .25-06 - while hardly an ideal "long range" elk load, I feel like within limitations, it will serve quite well.

Your story here just backs that up. While more bullet never hurts, the ultimate rule seems always to be shot placement.

 

[DrMike]

Sounds as if everything worked out. I prefer more mass; however, the 115 grain Partition will get the job done as you saw.

 

[SJB358]

There are some great choices for the 25-06 for elk in my opinion. The 110AB, 115 PT, 120 PT and 120 Swift A-Frame would all be at the top. That 120 Swift penetrates really far and maintains a good frontal area. I wouldn't have too many bad nights worrying about it and like you, I'm a certified 338 addict.

 

[salmonchaser]

Bullet placement certainly is key. When the elk came in to the draw the young lady whispered I'm waiting till she steps forward, clearing the heart and lungs. When the cow stepped she shot. Performance under stress is always a measure of skill, she did well.

 

[Guy Miner]

Excellent!

I was amazed, when I started using the .25-06, how many of my buddies had used them over the years for big black bear and elk... I have always thought of mine as a mule deer rifle - but it's nice to know that they can do the job on bigger game as well.

BTW - that 115 Partition can be very accurate too...

Regards, Guy

 

[FOTIS]

A friend has been killing them up to 300 yards with 100 grain partitions at 3300 fps MV.

Placement is key as you guys stated already!

 

[JD338]

Here is a recovered .257 115 gr PT from a 257 Roberts at 3000 fps.
Impressive!

JD338

 

[Kodiak]

Many elk have lost their lives to 25 caliber rifles.

In my early hunting career, I hunted with a CO resident that used a .243, exclusively for elk. Worked for him,

 

[sask boy]

Another good calibre made off the 06 :wink:. I have been using Partitions for over 40 years & have total trust in that bullet!!
Confidence & shot placement is one of the key ingredients to a successful hunt .
Thank you for the post!!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Elkman]

I have been involved with several deer and the 257 Bob, using the older 117 gr. PT, nothing got away, and several one shot kills. I like many believe that given perfect placement and opportunity you can kill an elk or deer with just about any centerfire rifle, and this lady proved that. As I in most cases, take the shot offered. I prefer larger and heaver bullets launched at moderate velocities. When the animal is headed away at the edge of the deep dark, you want a bullet/caliber that's going to give you three feet of penetration and exit out the other side. The PT will do that, as I have seen numerous times. The animal in most cases does make it to the timber, but is usually within a 100 feet or so from impact. A lighter smaller caliber bullet may not get the job done in those circumstances. "just the ramblings of an old man"

 

[SJB358]

I have been involved with several deer and the 257 Bob, using the older 117 gr. PT, nothing got away, and several one shot kills. I like many believe that given perfect placement and opportunity you can kill an elk or deer with just about any centerfire rifle, and this lady proved that. As I in most cases, take the shot offered. I prefer larger and heaver bullets launched at moderate velocities. When the animal is headed away at the edge of the deep dark, you want a bullet/caliber that's going to give you three feet of penetration and exit out the other side. The PT will do that, as I have seen numerous times. The animal in most cases does make it to the timber, but is usually within a 100 feet or so from impact. A lighter smaller caliber bullet may not get the job done in those circumstances. "just the ramblings of an old man"

I'm in agreement with the old man, the shooter has to be willing to pass on some stuff with a smaller gun. Hence my 338 that is usually in my paws.

I do think tough Bullets and a decent rifleman like ol Guy could be just fine (or anyone else that spends time with the gun) would do okay. I'd rather use a 25-06 than watch Bill go out by himself.

 

[tecumseh]

I'd much rather see someone someone hunting with a 25-06 or 7mm-08 that they can shoot lights out with than a shiny new magnum that's been shot just enough to get sighted in!

 

[cloverleaf]

I'd much rather see someone someone hunting with a 25-06 or 7mm-08 that they can shoot lights out with than a shiny new magnum that's been shot just enough to get sighted in!

Yup- makes sense to me. Besides, a 115 PT has gotta be plenty tough. If Jack OConnor thought a 130gr out of a 270 was enough for Elk, then a well placed 115 should do the job. IF one is disciplined enough and and picky enough its gonna work. IMHO CL

 

[SJB358]

I'd much rather see someone someone hunting with a 25-06 or 7mm-08 that they can shoot lights out with than a shiny new magnum that's been shot just enough to get sighted in!

Couldn't agree more...

 

[bbearhntr]

There is a fella up in the Northwest Territories that uses his .25-06 routinely on moose. He really admires his old .25-06.