.260 REM or .25-06?

[Karl Blanchard]

260. The lack of bullet weight variety will forever keep me away from .25's even though, like Bob, I've got a nostalgic love affair with the 25-06. 85gr ballistic tips in a rem 700 bdl was my first coyote rifle and boy did it put the hurt on em

[Bob33]

I think the 260 pencils out better, but the 25-06 has sentimental value to me. I remember as a youth (many years ago) reading Bob Milek's stories in Outdoor Life. Milek hunted deer, antelope, and elk with a 25-06. His stories about hunting antelope in Wyoming are timeless. As I recall he even wrote about taking shots at ridiculous distances like 300+ yards with the 25-06. As an adult I always wanted a 25-06 and eventually bought one. It killed many antelope and will always keep a special place in my memories.

I doubt you will be disappointed in whichever caliber you choose.

Bob33, that’s the same reason I bought a 25-06...Bob Milek’s articles. Funny story, I was reloading for the 25 and had some questions. I picked up the phone and Called information for Thermopolis Wyoming and asked for Bob Milek...guess who picked up the phone!! Yes, Bob himself. He was one of my childhood idols. I would read anything he wrote.

That's a great story. Can you imagine why it might have been like to be an antelope hunter living in Thermopolis in the 1960s?

[huntnphool]

 I love my .260, light weight Rem 700 Mountain Rifle and a joy to shoot. I have a 25-06 as well but prefer the .260.

[HighlandLofts]

You not being a reloader at this time I would go 25/06. Most gun stores carry 25/06 ammo.
I just aquired a 25/06 at a decent price.
I reload so caliber isn't a big thing for me.
Next trip out to the gun stores see what options you have on the different calibers of ammo to choose from.
A empty gun can not harvest anything.

[theleo]

Im sure someone will be along shortly to suggest 6.5 Creedmoor. That is, after blow drying their hair and going to get a soy latte.

Why not? The 260 & 6.5 CM are ballistically the same. The CM comes in a variety of more rifles and ammo too. If using one for elk I’d prefer heavier bullets, which is where the CM shines over the 260. I really like my 260, but when I wanted a full size rifle I went with the Creedmoor.

Because he didn't ask about it you soy latte drinking, man bun wearing, flannel clad, Subaru driving yuppie.

[MHWASH]

Im sure someone will be along shortly to suggest 6.5 Creedmoor. That is, after blow drying their hair and going to get a soy latte.

Why not? The 260 & 6.5 CM are ballistically the same. The CM comes in a variety of more rifles and ammo too. If using one for elk I’d prefer heavier bullets, which is where the CM shines over the 260. I really like my 260, but when I wanted a full size rifle I went with the Creedmoor.

Because he didn't ask about it you soy latte drinking, man bun wearing, flannel clad, Subaru driving yuppie.

 DO NOT call me that! I don't have enough hair for a man bun.

[gutsnthegrass]

Love my .260 remington mountain rifle.  I just wish the factory barrel had more twist.  It would help stabilize the 140's.  130gr Accubonds shoot lights out.

[gadwall]

I like both, but as a reloader, I would choose the 260 over the 25-06 due to bullet selection.

I have had a model 700 in 260 for 15 years and I like the way it puts animals down with 140 grain bullets.  I had a 25-06 and sold it because for me it didn't always perform as well as the 260 

[konradcountry]

Im sure someone will be along shortly to suggest 6.5 Creedmoor. That is, after blow drying their hair and going to get a soy latte.

Why not? The 260 & 6.5 CM are ballistically the same. The CM comes in a variety of more rifles and ammo too. If using one for elk I’d prefer heavier bullets, which is where the CM shines over the 260. I really like my 260, but when I wanted a full size rifle I went with the Creedmoor.

6.5 also has a better ammo selection. I've seen plinking ammo for $14 a box.

If you hunt coyotes or groundhogs it is definitely worth looking at because of the 90g varmint rounds.

As others have said I would avoid 260 if you don't reload.

[jeffitz]

Had a .260 for many years until a buddy talked to me out of it, it was deadly on deer,antelope,and even killed a couple small bears with it and a spike elk. Possibly the most under rated round of all time. Pretty much everything i hit with that gun tipped over with one shot. Gotta get that gun back from him some day.