Opinions Needed

wanted man

I have a Rem 700 chambered in 25-06. It has a 24" heavy barrel and it shoots decent, nothing special. I'm considering having it rechambered, but can't quite decide which way to go.
The only two choices, as I see it are 25-06 AI and 6.5-06 AI. I don't wanna burn more powder just for the hell of it, but IF I can push just a little heavier bullet at the same (or better yet faster[}:)]) velocity as I'm currently doing with 100 gr 25-06 loads AND do it more efficiently (the Ackley shoulder?) I figure the cost of rechambering would be worth it
Sooooooooooooooo, who's shooting either of the chamberings I'm considering? What am I failing to take into consideration here? Is this just a DUMB idea?
Thanx in advance for your ideas, suggestions, etc!

rufe-snow

As far as I know the 6.5-06 uses a .264 dia. bullet/projectile. You rechamber a 25-06 to 6.5-06 and TRY to fire .264 dia projectiles in a .257 barrel, your going to be in a world of s**t.

My advice would be 25-06 AI. Quite a bit healthier.

Mk 19

To quote Frank Barnes: "Considering bullet availability, including light varmint-style bullets and hunting bullets that are much heavier than anything available in 0.257-inch, the 6.5mm-06 Improved is everything the 25-06 will ever be, and more."

If your a reloader I think that says it all.

wanted man

Rufe,
Yes I'm aware that going to the 6.5-06 would require a complete rebarrel, I should have made it clear that I was aware of that.
My main concern is/was whether the 25 or6.5 would be the better choice to accomplish my objective(s)
Nonetheless, I appreciate your concern for my well being![;)]

bpost

All things considered it would depend ON WHAT JOB YOU PROPOSE for the rifle. We tend not to hunt groundhogs with 375H&H but you can if you want to.

What do you want the rifle used for?

wanted man

bpost:
quote:Originally posted by bpost1958
All things considered it would depend ON WHAT JOB YOU PROPOSE for the rifle. We tend not to hunt groundhogs with 375H&H but you can if you want to.

What do you want the rifle used for?

Main function would be to throw a 117-130 gr bullet as fast/flat (and hopefully accurately) as possible. Usually at whitetail, maybe antelope.
Coyote would be a target of opportunity![}:)]
My reasoning is: I don't wanna burn more powder just for the hell of it, but IF I can push just a little heavier bullet at the same (or better yet faster) velocity as I'm currently doing with 100 gr 25-06 loads AND do it more efficiently (the Ackley shoulder?) I figure the cost of rechambering would be worth it

nononsense

wanted man,

Here's a few thoughts...

Re-chambering a barrel that is merely shooting decently is usually a bad gamble. Sure, anything is possible but the odds of getting improvement are not in your favor.

Rechambering a used barrel that is 24" long to a new cartridge with more case capacity is a move in the wrong direction. You need a longer barrel.

I happen to use and shoot both or all three cartridges that you named. They are all superb as long as you get them into good barrels assembled by a good gunsmith. But give some consideration to using longer barrels for any of the three.

If you want something a little different but using better components, take a look at the 25-284 or the 6.5-284, both of which are known for accuracy and efficiency. These have the equlivalent of the '06 case capacity but they are in shorter, fatter cases. Yes, they can and should be used in long actions based on the ability to seat the bullets out and make use of the case capacity.

Best.

mbsams

How can you beat the venerable 270?

yote hunter

Mbsams- I'm glad you brought up the 270. I bought a Model 70 in 270 last fall because the price was right. The seller threw in a set of RCBS dies also, so I loaded some 90gr Sierra BTHP. The first 5 shot group was at 50 yards,it measued .30. The second 5 shot group was at 100 yards, it measued .65. I used this load on some coyotes last winter and believe it is equal to the 243/6mm/25-06. I also loaded the 140gr Sierra BTHP. I haven't shot any game with this bullet, but it groups about .90. My feelings on the 270 are it is a in-between caliber. It is a little to much for everyday varmint hunting, and a little to light for serious Elk,Moose,Brown Bear hunting, but it can and will continue to take all the above game.

wanted man

Any suggestions for a wildcat based on the 7mm Rem Mag case.
I'm gonna REALLY have to do some studying before making a decision on this one. I may end up just going with a 25-06 Ai with this action and procuring a new action for one of the chamberings already mentioned. Seems I have a 7mm Rem Mag laying around here, somewhere................