My smallest caliber rifle is a 25-06. I'm looking to try my hand at taxidermy, is that going to do too much damage to a coon?

Do you reload?

Get a .223

no, but am curious why you ask?

Find a 22lr. The 25-06 is gonna leave massive sewing if you can even find all of the pieces.

Agree use a 22, there won't be much left with a 25-06.

I thought as much, but wanted other opinions....thanks guys

Many many coons have been taken with 22 CB Shorts. 29gr at 700 fps, 30fpe is about the same as a stock airgun these days.

However, I kinda doubt their pelts are prime this late in the year. So you have some time before next winter.

25-06 can be loaded down to 257 Roberts levels, but even then post some pics.
I shot one with a 256 Winchester and it wasn't pretty.

OR, you could trap one and use a club

That will work

Why not just buy a couple dukes dog proof traps and then you can make small snare attached to a pile and choke the coin to death then there is no damage from a bullet hole

Use a reduced load in the 25-06. I can load it down to about 1300-1400 fps, and even run a subsonic load in the 25-06, if needed. It would make a fine small critter round with minimal pelt damage since the bullet is too slow to expand. .257" hole going in, and .257" hole going out.

That is why. Reloading opens a lot more options. It could be loaded down enough to work. I don't know of any factory loads that would save it.

This was a 257 wby. 25-06 wont be much better.

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Bo, that's a good one.

Easier to catch him in a live trap then drop the whole thing into a horse trough to drown him.

Thanks.