25-06 build vs .260 model 7

Hi Guys,
After a heli south island trip in October, when my blued 25-06 rifle seemed to rust at the merest hint of moisture, I decided to start looking for a stainless replacement.
After looking for a couple of months to no avail a Rem model 7 .260 stainless synthetic came up for sale and was duly purchased as a suitable alternative,
However I have since acquired a 25-06 stainless Finnlight barrel and am wondering about screwing it into a 30-06/.270 tikka T3(yet to be purchased) and just move on the .260?
I haven't yet fired the .260 so it is still an unknown quantity as to weather it shoots well.
It will be a South Island Rifle,
Is there a compelling argument for either over the other or are they too close and either will do?
Regards
Dave

just buy a ss 25-06 , iv had a rem 700 mountain rifle for a long time its a good rifle , If you are going to buy a Tikka why not just buy one in 2506 ?

The only thing i would say really hurts the 25-06 is a lack of bullets above 120 grains.The 260 will shoot just as far if not further due to it being able to use heavier bullets . Both are very capable out to 500 yards . Having owned both cals i would go with the 260 , a better all round package but it really comes back to what you like and are happy with .

How about cerakote treatment of your blued one

The 2506 is an under rated calibre but very capable of taking all NZ game animals out to sensible hunting ranges. The 25cal is something of a forgotten step child and simply not the range of bullets, especially high BC, pills available compared to 6.5 cal. The 6.5 cal will do everything the 25 cal and more, especially longer range capabilities. So if you’ve got the 260 in stainless, then assuming it’s an accurate rifle and set up, then you are set to go. Put your time and $ into reloading and load dev on the 260 and go use it.
As stated above if you want a 2506 then better to just buy a TIkka or older model Sako.

Yep run handloaded 140gr eld-m's or similar in the 260. As long as it shoots, fit a scope that will dial well and go to it.

I'd say Shoot the mod 7 260. Flick the barrel unless you want to save it for a build at another time and have multiple rifles.. 260 with 140grain high bc pills are what all the cool kids shoot these days.

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Why would you turn a 30-06 or 270 into a 25-06?

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Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

Why would you turn a 30-06 or 270 into a 25-06?

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Yip just dumb
If your buying a rifle to rebarrel to a standard barrel just buy a new one.

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Thanks for all the advice fellas,
Seems the 260 is the way to go, As long as it shoots.....

A quick look at the Gunworks website shows nearly double the number of 6.5mm projectiles compared to .25 cal (49 vs 27)
Getting hold of factory 260 ammunition can be a problem, neither of the main shops in Hamilton have it, but not an issue if you reload. I don't know if availability of 25-06 is any better though.

I currently dont reload, however im foreseeing a intensive course by an old reloading buddy in the near future regardless of the choice, tho I'm erring towards sticking with the 260.

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Originally Posted by davhope

I currently dont reload, however im foreseeing a intensive course by an old reloading buddy in the near future regardless of the choice, tho I'm erring towards sticking with the 260.

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In the meantime, you can get people to develop a load for it and make ammo for you

I've had both and have used a .25cal for years which is a great cal but limited by projectile choice.
I now have a couple of .260 which are great although I think it may be a bit handicapped in the model 7 due to their short mag. I run 143ELDX at 2800fps but are seated way out as it's in a Tikka with long mag.
I used to use Hornady 120 hp in my 2506 at 3050fps. You will need to reload for the .260 to get the best out of it, which ever way you go either are great calibers.

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If you are shooting 350 or less just replicate the rounds I gave you to try (if that shot well in the first place).

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Originally Posted by superdiver

If you are shooting 350 or less just replicate the rounds I gave you to try (if that shot well in the first place).

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I didn't have the whole dilemma until you sold me that mint barrel:)

Wonder if the barrel will fit a Howa 1500 action, might know of one :D

Could have all the rifles then...

Cerakote is certainly an option for the blued rifle @davhope

Good to have both guns. Load up some nice 25-06 rounds for zapping animals like 100gr Sierra gamekings and then 140gr ELDMs or 143gr ELD-Xs in the 260 for longer range /South island stuff.

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Originally Posted by berg243

just turn the spare barrel into a 25 souper just a bit different but still good performance since you are looking at reloading.

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Yea the 25 souper is awesome I had one for 20 odd years it was my only centre fire I did a write up for nz guns years ago about it.


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I soak a cloth in gun oil and put it in a zip lock bag. Wipe down my blued rifle every day (or more as necessary) when out in the field. Problem solved.

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Originally Posted by tanqueray

I soak a cloth in gun oil and put it in a zip lock bag. Wipe down my blued rifle every day (or more as necessary) when out in the field. Problem solved.

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I think its more down to the standard of the blueing, Ive had euro made blued rifles and shotguns that the blueing looks as good as the day it was bought,
The Blueing on this particular rifle doesn't look to have the same quality of finish.

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Originally Posted by superdiver

Good to have both guns. Load up some nice 25-06 rounds for zapping animals like 100gr Sierra gamekings and then 140gr ELDMs or 143gr ELD-Xs in the 260 for longer range /South island stuff.

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Why don't you do this dave
Best of both worlds,flat fast for awhile, then the 6.5 for all else

Or, flick everything, buy that 30 06 in a rifle with a decent mag length, take the reloading advice and go shoot what you want wherever you want.

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Originally Posted by tanqueray

I soak a cloth in gun oil and put it in a zip lock bag. Wipe down my blued rifle every day (or more as necessary) when out in the field. Problem solved.

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Yep, I do the same. Also I have a v lightly oiled boresnake

Having more guns is always the solution to these kinds of issues

Go to 6.5 GAP Saum and be done with it. Shoot those 140's at 3200 with Lower case pressure than 260. Load up load down.
The 2506 is a different beast, it is very easy to shoot accurately and relies on velocity for fast kills. I shoot 110grn ABs at 3250 but even with them my 270 kills much better. So expect the GAP to be dramatic - velocity and weight combined without getting carried away.
Sometimes the printed figures don't reflect what actually happens in the field, for example a 22 250 is not that much faster than a 223 but the difference on game is dramatically far beyond what would be expected.

What type of rifle is the 25-06 @davhope?

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Originally Posted by Double Shot

What type of rifle is the 25-06 @davhope?

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Its a marlin xl7