25-06 ammo

25-06 ammo — the .25-06 Remington — is a flat-shooting quarter-bore built on the .30-06 case, prized as a dual-purpose varmint and big-game cartridge. It drives .257-inch bullets fast and flat, making it deadly on coyotes and superb on deer and antelope at long range, with recoil milder than the .30-calibers. A favorite of open-country hunters who value reach without punishment, the .25-06 has quietly earned a loyal following since its standardization in 1969. This page covers what it’s good for and how it compares.

Tatted Tacticals stocks .25-06 from Hornady, Federal, Remington, and Nosler — light varmint loads and 100- to 120-grain deer bullets, in boxes and bulk.

What the .25-06 Does Best

The .25-06 is a flat-shooting reach cartridge. Light 75- to 90-grain bullets near 3,400+ fps make it a long-range varmint round, while 100- to 120-grain controlled-expansion bullets near 3,000–3,200 fps make it an excellent deer and antelope cartridge with a trajectory flat enough to simplify long shots. Recoil is moderate — less than a .30-06 or .270 — making it easy to shoot well. Our .25-06 ballistic data guide has full drop charts.

.25-06 vs. .270 and 6.5 Creedmoor

The .25-06 sits among the great open-country rounds. It’s similar in concept to the .270 — both flat-shooting .30-06-based hunting cartridges — with the .25-06 using lighter .257-inch bullets. Against the 6.5 Creedmoor, the .25-06 is faster and flatter with lighter bullets, while the 6.5 carries higher-BC bullets better at extreme range. Varmint hunters also look at the .243. Standards follow SAAMI specifications.

Buying .25-06

Buy varmint and deer loads separately and zero with your hunting bullet. Federal law sets the minimum age for rifle ammunition at 18; per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules and review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.

.25-06 Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .25-06 caliber good for?

Both varmints and big game. Light bullets make it a flat-shooting long-range varmint and predator round, while 100- to 120-grain bullets make it an excellent deer and antelope cartridge, especially in open country where its flat trajectory shines. Its moderate recoil makes it easy to shoot accurately across a wide range of game.

What is a .25-06 equivalent to?

It’s a quarter-bore (.257-inch) cartridge in the same open-country class as the .270 Winchester, just with lighter bullets. Performance-wise it bridges the varmint .243 and the deer-and-elk .270, offering flat trajectories and moderate recoil. Think of it as a fast, flat .25-caliber built on the proven .30-06 case.

Is a .25-06 better than a 6.5 Creedmoor?

It depends on the use. The .25-06 is faster and flatter with lighter bullets, excelling at varmints and flat-shooting deer hunting. The 6.5 Creedmoor uses higher-BC bullets that retain energy and resist wind better at extreme range, and has far more ammo options. For varmint-to-deer versatility the .25-06 is great; for long-range consistency the 6.5 leads.

How much will a .25-06 drop at 300 yards?

With a typical 100- to 117-grain load zeroed at 200 yards, the .25-06 drops only several inches by 300 yards thanks to its high velocity — flatter than most standard hunting cartridges. Exact drop depends on bullet and zero, so confirm with your load. That flat trajectory is a core reason open-country hunters favor it.

Can you buy .25-06 ammo online?

Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy .25-06 online and have it shipped to your door. The minimum age for rifle ammunition is 18, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.