Varmints, 25-06 or 22-250

oddity

I have been looking at buying a good varmint gun, I have been told that the 22-250 caliber is the best, but my friend INSISTS his 25-06 remington sendero is much better, and I need to buy one like his. HELP?????

oddity

GWNelson

Over 50 years of shooting I have used them all. Started with 25-06 in 1953 on an Enfield action. Have settled on a 257 Roberts Improved. Do have to go to a gunsmith for chambering, but it is my choice. Economical, versatile, comfortable, deadly, and an all around favorite cartridge. At least for what I do. GW.

reb8600

Both are good rounds. You will get a lot of pros and cons on both. What it comes down to is finding one that feels good to you and go with that one. I have never shot the 25-06 but I do own a 22-250 and I like it.

Guncontrol-The ability to hit what your aiming at.

Sunray

How easy is it to buy .25-06 ammo and/or components where you are? Bullets, primers and powder are likely no problem but you'll probably have to special order brass. Ditto loaded ammo. .22-250 is readily available everywhere. Mind you, the .25-06 would be good for deer and antelope too while the .22-250 is not. Despite what you may have read here and elsewhere. There are very few .22 calibre bullets made that are suitable for large game. So if you want strictly a varmint rifle, go with the .22-250. The .25-06 for a bit more versatility.
Forget about any wildcat rounds or anything you can't find in Walmart. You could be off to Upperslobovia. MI and not be able to find replacement ammo for the carefully loaded handloads the airline lost for you.

257izmycal

You don't state what kind of varmints you will be shooting. If you are going to shoot at coyotes and won't be shooting more than 5-10 rounds per day the 25-06 is more versatile since you can use it for deer or antelope.
If you are talking about shooting a couple hundred rounds a day at prarie dogs or ground hogs you will find that the 22-250 is alot easier on your shoulder at the end of the day.
It also depends on whether you need a dual purpose gun or a gun for small animals.
I shoot a 17 Remington or a 220 Swift or 22-250 at prarie dogs and the Swift or 257 Roberts or 243 at coyotes.
Just what ever the game match the gun. It depends on what YOU want and not what your buddy wants.
I have been talked into buying what my buddy thinks is best but keep returning to my 220 Swift for prarie dogs and coyotes, my 257 or 270 for deer and my 338 for elk.
JM2CW, 257

You're a statistic whether you want to be or not.

warcrob

The 25-06 is good for varmits and can be loaded up for larger game. Bullet weight starts around 70 grains and goes up to 120 grains. There are quite a few bullet styles offered. Brass is not hard to come by and if by chance you can't find any you can make your own by reforming 30-06 brass. This takes 2 steps first run the brass into a 270 sizing die then again through the 25-06 die. Trim to lenght and load the case.
I use a 25-06 for varmits and whitetail deer here in Minnesota.
Here in Minnesota the law reqires that the minimum caliber used for deer to be .23 or greater.
The 243 is those most popular all round for both deer and varmits.
Loaded ammo can be had just about anywhere.

If you ain't got a sesne of humor you got no business bein here!

FrancF

25-[:D]6

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warcrob

100 grain bullets 57grains of Accurate MRP(can't find it anymore)chronograghed at 3150 ft per second, extreme accuracy.
GOTTA LOVE IT!

If you ain't got a sesne of humor you got no business bein here!

groundhog devastation

I have big fondness for the 22-250! HOWEVER!!!! For an all around varmint gun from hell in the varmints eyes, the 25-06 is the way to go!!! Nearly 30 years of busting groundhogs, crows, foxes and deer, have endeared this caliber to me! If I could only have one rifle it would be a 25-06! If you need some load data from a lot of years email me! It is truly "DEVASTATING" on varmints! And it is without a doubt the deadliest deer cartridge I've ever shot! My 25-06 has a nickname, "Devastation Supreme" and I'm Groundhog Devastation!! GHD

fort_knox

I can mention one other aspect of the RECOIL phenomenon regarding your caliber choice.

If you have a rifle with considerable recoil, and you have your adjustable high-power scope set too far out, you may not see what you were shooting at after you pull the trigger.

warcrob

Recoil from the 25-06 is not overwhelming even though it is considered by most to be a light magnum.

If you ain't got a sesne of humor you got no business bein here!

woodyd70

varmints only = 22 250..........no brainer

varmints and the ability to load for larger game = 25-06

why is the 22 250 a no brainer for varmint only...........recoil, price of ammo, etc..................

woodyd