When did the 25-06 become unpopular?
- Thread starter pyscodog
- Start date
BOWLSEYE
New member
Well when every article or blog only praises the 6.5 Creedmoor and everyone is building rifles chambered for it and it performs well and it has hit a niche at the right time, I would say that is a perfect storm. I do not remember the 260 Rem getting anywhere close to the popularity. Maybe because so many were jumping on the 308 bandwagon and now their tired of the recoil and ballistics and the Creed came along just at the right time.
Good, Great or Greatest to date the Creed has more cheerleaders than any cartridge out there.
Bottom line marketing is everything and when you go the grocery store they put the stuff that sells at eye level, no one is putting the 25-06 at eye level or has for as long as I can remember. It just doesn't get talked about much except for a few of us 25-06 Loonies, like myself, that try to get others to understand how good it is and versatile.
Good, Great or Greatest to date the Creed has more cheerleaders than any cartridge out there.
Bottom line marketing is everything and when you go the grocery store they put the stuff that sells at eye level, no one is putting the 25-06 at eye level or has for as long as I can remember. It just doesn't get talked about much except for a few of us 25-06 Loonies, like myself, that try to get others to understand how good it is and versatile.
TxPigKiller
New member
I have a 260, great round. It's a order online round, no one carries it in town (Casper). I wanted a 25-06, but couldn't find one. Now the Creedmore is all the rage when I was shooting 6.5mm before anyone knew about them.
It's all a personal preference, I prefer Coors, but I'll drink yours...lol
It's all a personal preference, I prefer Coors, but I'll drink yours...lol
I started off with a 270WW. Used that for several years. A 700 mountain rifle in 25-06 appeared one day, 1982ish. I have been a fan ever since. Very few of the target crowd have used the 25, I believe that is a major part in it being left behind on bullet design.
I have had various 6.5's over the years. It is like all of a sudden it came on to the scene as some kind of "new" caliber. A fad I refuse to follow. Some folks refuse to look at the whole big picture on things. I think the softer recoil has as much to do with it among shooters as anything for the most part. Yes it has good ballistics but so do a lot of other bullets and cartridges.
Plain and simple it is marketing.
It will make a lot of old stand bys go stagnant for a while. Just look at the short mag rage a few years ago.
From what I have read and heard across the board the 30-30 could be used very successfully for a huge majority of most folks needs, me included.
Jeff
I have had various 6.5's over the years. It is like all of a sudden it came on to the scene as some kind of "new" caliber. A fad I refuse to follow. Some folks refuse to look at the whole big picture on things. I think the softer recoil has as much to do with it among shooters as anything for the most part. Yes it has good ballistics but so do a lot of other bullets and cartridges.
Plain and simple it is marketing.
It will make a lot of old stand bys go stagnant for a while. Just look at the short mag rage a few years ago.
From what I have read and heard across the board the 30-30 could be used very successfully for a huge majority of most folks needs, me included.
Jeff
Winny Fan
New member
Originally Posted By: WyYoteKillerI have a 260, great round. It's a order online round, no one carries it in town (Casper). I wanted a 25-06, but couldn't find one. Now the Creedmore is all the rage when I was shooting 6.5mm before anyone knew about them.
It's all a personal preference, I prefer Coors, but I'll drink yours...lol
You must really be old.
It's all a personal preference, I prefer Coors, but I'll drink yours...lol
You must really be old.
orkan
Active member
Originally Posted By: jshPlain and simple it is marketing. I wonder if any of you realize just how patronizing you're being? What you are essentially saying, is that anyone that decided to shoot a 6.5 can't think for themselves and was just led by marketing.
It may seem like 6.5's have nothing to offer, but it only seems that way to you. This story is nothing new on "hunting" oriented websites. People tend to have a very narrow focus in that they only care about things THEY do. Yet if your desires shifted from what you know onto something else, you'd likely find your previous opinions were wrong. This is the natural way of things. 6.5's have a place and will continue to, just as 24's and 28's on either side of them. The 25cals and 27 cals in between will continue to fall into obscurity.
6.5's are here to stay. They are wildly popular and only a tiny segment of the shooting world thinks they don't have merit.
It may seem like 6.5's have nothing to offer, but it only seems that way to you. This story is nothing new on "hunting" oriented websites. People tend to have a very narrow focus in that they only care about things THEY do. Yet if your desires shifted from what you know onto something else, you'd likely find your previous opinions were wrong. This is the natural way of things. 6.5's have a place and will continue to, just as 24's and 28's on either side of them. The 25cals and 27 cals in between will continue to fall into obscurity.
6.5's are here to stay. They are wildly popular and only a tiny segment of the shooting world thinks they don't have merit.
Some good info in this thread. I totally understand that the 6.5C is fantastic round but I have just always wanted a 25-06 I think it is a fantastic cartridge. I do have to admit I am a little over hearing everyone talk about 6.5C, two of my buddies just picked up Ruger predator Vortex packages in 6.5C.........they shoot awesome. I can't wait to pick up my Vanguard S2 in 25-06 on the 11th.
Last edited:
Winny Fan
New member
I've shot a 6.5-284 for over twenty years now. When I got it built I just simply wasn't smart enough to realize that I was only supposed to shoot long range with it. Instead I foolishly thought that it was a great hunting round for just about any thin skinned game animal anywhere in the world, and up to and including elk in North America. Silly me for not understanding.
I own a 6.5 CM but find it does nothing that my 260 Rem rifles and my 6.5x55 Swede rifles won't do, in accuracy and in killing power. They all are accurate and kill stuff that you point them at. But none do it like a couple of 264 Win Mag rifles that I own will do it, IMO.
That cartridge is a personal favorite of mine for effective hunting rifles, trailed closely by a few other rifles in other bore diameters.
Just my silly marketing filled mind at work here. Some might call it my $0.02
I own a 6.5 CM but find it does nothing that my 260 Rem rifles and my 6.5x55 Swede rifles won't do, in accuracy and in killing power. They all are accurate and kill stuff that you point them at. But none do it like a couple of 264 Win Mag rifles that I own will do it, IMO.
Just my silly marketing filled mind at work here. Some might call it my $0.02
joed
New member
Originally Posted By: orkanI wonder if any of you realize just how patronizing you're being? What you are essentially saying, is that anyone that decided to shoot a 6.5 can't think for themselves and was just led by marketing.
It may seem like 6.5's have nothing to offer, but it only seems that way to you. This story is nothing new on "hunting" oriented websites. People tend to have a very narrow focus in that they only care about things THEY do. Yet if your desires shifted from what you know onto something else, you'd likely find your previous opinions were wrong. This is the natural way of things. 6.5's have a place and will continue to, just as 24's and 28's on either side of them. The 25cals and 27 cals in between will continue to fall into obscurity.
6.5's are here to stay. They are wildly popular and only a tiny segment of the shooting world thinks they don't have merit.
I have nothing against the 6.5mm cartridges and like every one of them. They are good cartridges even though I have no use for one.
But, I'd be curious to see the reasons why many chose the 6.5 Creedmoor, I'd venture to say a lot more then you think will tell you they heard how great it was or because it had great BC bullets.
To say that .25 and .27 will slip in obscurity is a bold statement. They may or may not, time will tell. But, the .25-06 has been around since the 1930s and the .270 came into being in 1923. That's a pretty long run for both. The 6.5 C came into being in 2007. Will it be around in 90 to 100 years? Again, time will tell.
It may seem like 6.5's have nothing to offer, but it only seems that way to you. This story is nothing new on "hunting" oriented websites. People tend to have a very narrow focus in that they only care about things THEY do. Yet if your desires shifted from what you know onto something else, you'd likely find your previous opinions were wrong. This is the natural way of things. 6.5's have a place and will continue to, just as 24's and 28's on either side of them. The 25cals and 27 cals in between will continue to fall into obscurity.
6.5's are here to stay. They are wildly popular and only a tiny segment of the shooting world thinks they don't have merit.
I have nothing against the 6.5mm cartridges and like every one of them. They are good cartridges even though I have no use for one.
But, I'd be curious to see the reasons why many chose the 6.5 Creedmoor, I'd venture to say a lot more then you think will tell you they heard how great it was or because it had great BC bullets.
To say that .25 and .27 will slip in obscurity is a bold statement. They may or may not, time will tell. But, the .25-06 has been around since the 1930s and the .270 came into being in 1923. That's a pretty long run for both. The 6.5 C came into being in 2007. Will it be around in 90 to 100 years? Again, time will tell.
orkan
Active member
Originally Posted By: joedTo say that .25 and .27 will slip in obscurity is a bold statement. SHOT show is coming up. Go ask the bullet manufacturers... just like I did some 8-10 years ago.
They all said then that they were not spending much effort on the "in between" cals. I don't expect that position has changed.
They all said then that they were not spending much effort on the "in between" cals. I don't expect that position has changed.
Well to say the 6.5 CM doesn't have a market following is foolish IMO. You can't be Tacti-kool if you don't shoot the Creedmore. Not saying it isn't a good caliber but many buy them so they can be "In" with the group that shoot them for their intended purpose. If you were a bullet maker and the 6.5 is what EVERYONE is making money off of, wouldn't you want in on the profits too? Of course! You don't have to be a Rocket Surgeon to figure that out.
Coyotejunki
Well-known member
I have been a fan of the 6.5x55 and have been using my CZ550 for longer than I have been a member here. I traded my 25-06 in for it. I fairly recently decided to get the 6.5 CM because the 6.5 has, Yes, better BC's, and I believe a better selection of bullets over the 25 cal. I like the idea of it being a short action also. Also Whitakers had a sale on Howas, so for about $300 I got one. Cut the barrel and had it threaded for my suppressor.
Also used 30-06, 270, 2506, 708, 260, and 243 for years on whitetails. They all work. I don't understand the hate for the 6.5CM? With some peoples reaction, you would think someone said something terrible about their mother or little sister.
Also used 30-06, 270, 2506, 708, 260, and 243 for years on whitetails. They all work. I don't understand the hate for the 6.5CM? With some peoples reaction, you would think someone said something terrible about their mother or little sister.
orkan
Active member
I think a lot of people get spiteful because they aren't "active," meaning, they don't buy much and they don't shoot much... so every time a new thing comes out, they are often left out of the conversation. So naturally they immediately shift to the tired "you don't need that" tag line. That's what happens when advice comes from lack of experience rather than experience.
The fact is, no one can talk competently about a thing unless they have a thing. There's no substitute for real experience. I think we'd all do well to ignore people entirely unless they can prove substantial first hand experience.
The fact is, no one can talk competently about a thing unless they have a thing. There's no substitute for real experience. I think we'd all do well to ignore people entirely unless they can prove substantial first hand experience.
DannoBoone
Active member
Originally Posted By: 6mm06
I have owned a 25-06 (Browning Composite Stalker) for close to 25 years. It's an accurate one and has accounted for several Wyoming antelope as well as a variety of other game. I love the cartridge and would hate to see it go by the wayside.
I got a 700 in .25-06 shortly after Remington "legitimized" it.
At the time, it was the current "rage". The .257 "Bob" fans
have whined ever since that it was practically buried by the
popularity of the .25-06. I'm sure that is the case with at
least a few other rounds over the years.
The WSM's came and went from the scene fairly rapidly, and it
has become almost impossible to find brass for the 7WSM. I got
the fever and ordered a POS Montana Rifle Co Model 1999 in
7WSM. Never could get it to shoot the otherwise very accurate
round. At the time, I got a lifetime supply of brass for it.
It's now sitting in the safe as a savings account. Could
already double my money on that brass!!
Will the same fate fall on the .25-06? Hardly! Too many rifles
were made in that caliber over the years. We all know just
what the round will do. It's one of the best hunting calibers
ever made for what it will do. Personally, I may or may not
fall victom to the 6.5 Creed fever, but the .25-06 will stay.
Sooner or later the 6.5 Creed fever will ebb, and be replaced
by another "newest and bestest", yet it will probably stay as
well, with many saying the "old" caliber is just fine with
them.
It's just the way things are. Or should it be stated that it's
just the way WE are.
I have owned a 25-06 (Browning Composite Stalker) for close to 25 years. It's an accurate one and has accounted for several Wyoming antelope as well as a variety of other game. I love the cartridge and would hate to see it go by the wayside.
I got a 700 in .25-06 shortly after Remington "legitimized" it.
At the time, it was the current "rage". The .257 "Bob" fans
have whined ever since that it was practically buried by the
popularity of the .25-06. I'm sure that is the case with at
least a few other rounds over the years.
The WSM's came and went from the scene fairly rapidly, and it
has become almost impossible to find brass for the 7WSM. I got
the fever and ordered a POS Montana Rifle Co Model 1999 in
7WSM. Never could get it to shoot the otherwise very accurate
round. At the time, I got a lifetime supply of brass for it.
It's now sitting in the safe as a savings account. Could
already double my money on that brass!!
Will the same fate fall on the .25-06? Hardly! Too many rifles
were made in that caliber over the years. We all know just
what the round will do. It's one of the best hunting calibers
ever made for what it will do. Personally, I may or may not
fall victom to the 6.5 Creed fever, but the .25-06 will stay.
Sooner or later the 6.5 Creed fever will ebb, and be replaced
by another "newest and bestest", yet it will probably stay as
well, with many saying the "old" caliber is just fine with
them.
It's just the way things are. Or should it be stated that it's
just the way WE are.
Well, I admit, I fell victim to the 6.5 CM. Owned two of them and both were sold. Just wasn't impressed. Tried the 260 also and while I liked it better than the CM, it went away also. I have always like the 6MM better and the 243 round and I don't see it going anywhere in the near future. Like Danno, I think when the next "Bestest Thing" comes out the 6.5 CM will fall by the way side and be a "once was the best".
john pruitt
New member
I have three 25-06s I have had one since I was a pup my granddad never used anything else I love mine would not want to ever be without to each their own good hunting
Whoa gents, I never meant to imply the 6.5 has nothing to offer nor do I think the 270 or 25-06 will fall off the charts.
What I am saying is 25-30 years ago when I was playing with the 6.5's a bit, most folks would badger them to death as a bad caliber. The very first 6.5 I had was a model 70 in 264. Bought it from a gent that had nothing good to say about it. Bore was fouled so bad they said it was shot out. I fixed that over the winter with an electronic bore cleaner and help from wipe out.
It shot, and shot very well. I had the grand total of 20 cases I got with it. Paid out the nose for dies at that time.
It got a LOT of bad press from a lot of so called gurus.
Look at where the 260 went. I will say it went no where from not having the proper backing, aka marketing.
That has zero to do with what one thinks or how they think.
The 6.5 had to come full circle to get noticed by the masses, NOT by shooters or rifle loonies we new this all along. We were lacking in bullet selection more than anything.
Bullets and powders have come a LONG way in the past 20-25 years. That has in turn helped a lot of cartridges get a new look at life.
When the 6.5-284 came on the seen, the 6.5s became better understood as to their full potential.
I won't get in a urinating contest here or anywhere. I apologize to the OP and others for any of my input that got folks bent out of joint.
I run with a fair bunch of rifle loonies that just howl like crazy when a powder is dropped. I have tried several of the "new" ones. Some have came in as advertised others have not, or not yet.
I am not prejudice for or against any caliber, I have now from .17-.458 and everything in between in my stable. Right tool for the job. Yet there are those that are like an adjustable wrench, they will work for a multitude of applications.
And while on the subject, I am in the works of acquiring parts for a 6.5-06 build. Why not a 6.5-284? I have my reasons.
I will throw a load out for 25-06, though the powder has been discontinued it can be found. AA3100 and a Hornady 120.
What I am saying is 25-30 years ago when I was playing with the 6.5's a bit, most folks would badger them to death as a bad caliber. The very first 6.5 I had was a model 70 in 264. Bought it from a gent that had nothing good to say about it. Bore was fouled so bad they said it was shot out. I fixed that over the winter with an electronic bore cleaner and help from wipe out.
It shot, and shot very well. I had the grand total of 20 cases I got with it. Paid out the nose for dies at that time.
It got a LOT of bad press from a lot of so called gurus.
Look at where the 260 went. I will say it went no where from not having the proper backing, aka marketing.
That has zero to do with what one thinks or how they think.
The 6.5 had to come full circle to get noticed by the masses, NOT by shooters or rifle loonies we new this all along. We were lacking in bullet selection more than anything.
Bullets and powders have come a LONG way in the past 20-25 years. That has in turn helped a lot of cartridges get a new look at life.
When the 6.5-284 came on the seen, the 6.5s became better understood as to their full potential.
I won't get in a urinating contest here or anywhere. I apologize to the OP and others for any of my input that got folks bent out of joint.
I run with a fair bunch of rifle loonies that just howl like crazy when a powder is dropped. I have tried several of the "new" ones. Some have came in as advertised others have not, or not yet.
I am not prejudice for or against any caliber, I have now from .17-.458 and everything in between in my stable. Right tool for the job. Yet there are those that are like an adjustable wrench, they will work for a multitude of applications.
And while on the subject, I am in the works of acquiring parts for a 6.5-06 build. Why not a 6.5-284? I have my reasons.
I will throw a load out for 25-06, though the powder has been discontinued it can be found. AA3100 and a Hornady 120.
The quarter bore rifles have always been a favorite of mine. The 257 and the 25-06 and they been around since Christ was a pope. Well....maybe not that long but quite some time. I'm not a competitive shooter, I hunt. A 25-06 will anchor a coyote or a deer, DRT!! Fast, flat shooting, whats not to like!! Nothing wrong with the Creedmore's, they all have their place. Thats what make us all individuals, we don't have to like something just because someone else does.
joed
New member
I bought my .25-06 in 1978 when I was looking for a rifle to use for groundhog hunting in Ohio. I picked out the rifle, a Rem 700 Varmint Special. Had a tough time picking out the chambering but chose the .25 because it shot very flat and I could use it to hunt larger animals if need be.
The cartridge didn't have a lot of recoil, it had an exceptionally flat trajectory and killed everything I ever shot with it. What I have always liked about the .25-06 is it was always easy to hit what you aimed at without a lot of hold over.
That's why I never got into the last craze of of shooting heavy bullets with the .223. Made no sense to me trying to allow for a lot bullet drop when it was just so much simpler to just put the crosshairs on the target.
My only regret with the .257 is I wish there were a lot of bullet choices. But, even with the fact that there aren't bullets with super BCs the cartridge still holds it's own. Below is a ballistic comparison against the 6.5 CM. A look at the comparison shows the .25-06 has less drop at 600 yards with 2.5" more drift.
The cartridge didn't have a lot of recoil, it had an exceptionally flat trajectory and killed everything I ever shot with it. What I have always liked about the .25-06 is it was always easy to hit what you aimed at without a lot of hold over.
That's why I never got into the last craze of of shooting heavy bullets with the .223. Made no sense to me trying to allow for a lot bullet drop when it was just so much simpler to just put the crosshairs on the target.
My only regret with the .257 is I wish there were a lot of bullet choices. But, even with the fact that there aren't bullets with super BCs the cartridge still holds it's own. Below is a ballistic comparison against the 6.5 CM. A look at the comparison shows the .25-06 has less drop at 600 yards with 2.5" more drift.