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Q&A · Hunting

Can a .25-06 be used for both target practice and hunting?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

The .25-06 Remington is suitable for both target practice and hunting, offering a balance of flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and effective range. It's particularly effective for medium-sized game like deer and antelope.

Ballistic Performance

The .25-06 Remington is a versatile cartridge that excels in various hunting scenarios. Its flat trajectory and moderate recoil make it ideal for hunting at ranges from 100 to 300 yards. For instance, a 100-grain bullet fired from a .25-06 Remington rifle at 3100 fps will drop only 3.6 inches at 300 yards. This makes it suitable for hunting larger animals like deer and antelope.

Hunting Medium-Sized Game

When hunting deer and antelope, the .25-06 Remington is a reliable choice. It offers a high level of accuracy and a manageable recoil, making it suitable for hunters of all skill levels. For hunting deer, a 100-grain bullet is a suitable choice, while a 120-grain bullet is more effective for antelope. Aiming for the vitals of the animal is crucial to ensure a quick kill.

Choosing the Right Ammunition

When selecting ammunition for the .25-06 Remington, consider the type of game you’re hunting and the range at which you’ll be shooting. For deer hunting, a 100-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 3100-3200 fps is suitable. For antelope hunting, a 120-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2900-3000 fps is more effective. Always choose ammunition that matches your rifle’s specifications and your hunting needs.

25-06-deer-antelope used both target practice hunting
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