While still thinking about what caliber/rifle I'm gonna get, I thought about the .25-06. I plan on moving back to Tx when I get out of the Navy in 8 years. How will this caliber do for me? Good on deer? Good on hogs (I shoot for the ear hole regardless of caliber)?

Also, I can special order from Dick's (because they don't carry in stock) a Savage 114 Classic (hinged floor plate) for $697.99 and a 700 CDL for $779.99. I think the Savage is a good price, but I know I can do a little better on the 700 from Bud's online. How's these prices look compared to what you've seen?

It would be fine, IMO I would go with the 30'06 but thats just me.

25-06 is a great caliber for anything in Texas. Easily found factory loads from 90 - 120 grain for a wide variety of applications. IMO - you cant go wrong with 100 grain Partitions or TSX, but you'll hear a lot of people advising you step up to 115 or 120 grain for deer. Whatever...That's your call.

Savage is a fine rifle. Never met anybody that owned one that didn't like it.

Ive used one in Rem Model 700 BDL the past 20 years.
I shoot the 120 grains and they are deadly.
Shoots real flat too.
You cant go wrong with it.

The only rifle i've ever owned is a Remy Model 700 25-06 and i've never had a problem dropping anything with one shot. However, i've never shot anything over about 150 yards either.

My wife shoots a Savage 112 in 25-06. Dang nice rifle and great caliber for anything in TX. My FIL shot a spike this yr on our home place and dropped it DRT with 90gr HP.

They are very good hunting rounds

For earhole shooting you dont need a 25-06.
Any .22 centerfire would work.
I use a .22 hornet for just that, I earhole the hogs and neck shoot the deer.
Id suggest a 221 fireball, 222, 22 hornet, or .223

25-06 should suit you well, and as fowlplayer said the 100gr TSX are great in that caliber.

I would go with the Rem 700 over the savage but thats just me I think it would have higher resale value should you want to sell it.

If you havent looked at the Ruger 77hawkeye then just take a look at it, that rifle in stainless with a hogue stock is a PERFECT RIFLE!

I got it online delivered and transfered for $575.00, and it comes with scope rings so that saves you another $50.00

25-06 is a great choice. 100gr tsx or 110gr accubonds and something is going to be in for a world of hurt. I'm a remington & browning guy, so should tell you which way I lean on those two options.

x one million.


I use 100grain TSX's and 100grain Partitions.

You don't need anything bigger.

I got turned on to quarter bores after seen a ton of 300lb + mulies and elk dropped with them.

Pretty much the ideal cartridge for Texas hunting, IMO. (Well, ok, the 257AI is a little better :))

25-06 is fine...i know several who use them and don't have any issues.


pick a rifle you like and the caliber will serve you well

The 25-06 is the perfect deer caliber! All you need in Texas! And legendary accuracy! I have yet to see a 25-06 who does not shoot accurately! My good friend shot a big south texas buck with his 700sendero at over 450 yards with sierras boat-tails. It field dressed at 180lbs. One shot, so i think it is good enough for big bucks at very long ranges if anyone questions it's knockdown power at those ranges!

25-06 is a great all around cartridge for Texas. I use a browning x-bolt and just love it! I use 117 grain for deer and it works great!

thanks for all your input, fellas

I have liked mine.

Never had a deer or hog talk back!! Perfect round for all-round hunting here.

A Tikka, Browning or Remington would be my choice if I didn't love my Encore single shots.

25-06 is a fantastic caliber

my dad used to take one along with a 338 Winmag to Colorado elk hunting.. when someone would tell him "you can't hunt elk with that gun" he would do it just to piss them off!

something about bullet placement

25-06 is probably the perfect Texas caliber
I grew up hunting in deep south Texas and it was favorite

of course, now the deer are tougher and you need a 7 mag!
he he he

25-06 is a great caliber and will be an excellent choice for hunting in Texas!! It has been my "Go-To" rifle for many years!!

I agree the 25-06 is a great round. I know several guys with large rifle collections that shoot the 25-06 for everything in Texas because it's an easy caliber to find in an emergency situation (never underestimate the value of being to find a round in Walmart), big enought o take down anything in Texas, and soft enough on the should for older shooters.

As for the rifle, Between the 2 i ended choosing the 700. The only reason was I wanted a longer barrel more for looks than accuracy. Stupid reason I know, but I never claimed to be a smart man.

Excellent choice! .25-06 is as near to perfect for deer in Texas as you can get. IMO. Check out the Marlin XL7 bolt action rifle in .25-06 for a quality rifle with "ear hole" accuracy and adjustable trigger at a very good price, $269 with one pc. scope mount.

After a LOT of research and reading, I ordered a 25-06 from ERShaw. It should be here in October, maybe


Never heard a bad word about the 25-06.

just don't shoot the Winchester PEPs. Eventually you'll have a deer that looks like you shot it with buckshot.

Did you get a sprial flute???