New 25-06 - Browning X-Bolt or Tikka T3?

Which 25-06 rifle?

  • Browning X-Bolt Stainless Stalker

    Votes: 18 60.0%

  • Tikka T3 Lite

    Votes: 12 40.0%
  • Total voters
    30
  • Poll closed .
On average a .257 Roberts with +P loads will be 150-200 fps slower than a .25-06 with equal length barrels. So ballistically speaking a there is no real world difference between the two. That said the .25-06 out of equal length barrels will almost always be faster, as I'm sure you could actually cut the barrel down short enough it wouldn't matter.
 
I wonder if the OP made up his mind on which rifle he wanted. His last post sounds like he was going with the Browning, which is a mighty fine rifle. It's interesting that nobody, myself included, had mentioned the Winchester Model 70. The Sporter model has a 24" barrel.
 
^^^ I am leaning towards the Browning but I'm having doubts about the caliber. I'm going to have to think about this a little more.

I really wanted a lighter rifle, my other 25-06 is a Weatherby Vanguard S2. Very accurate rifle but heavy.
 
Light rifles are great for carrying long distances and can be okay long range rifles. That said most of the long range rifles you see on the TV shows are probably all over 10 lbs and closer to 13. The reason for this is they are using some seriously heavy barrels and not for any heat reasons, but because heavy barrels are stiffer. Stiffer barrels tend to be more accurate overall. That's probably the reason as well they don't really try to get closer.

If you already have a .25-06 how is it set up? I'm guessing for the price you're going to spend on a new rifle we can help you lighten it up. What scope do you have, what rings and bases is it mounted in, and what stock is on it? If it's a standard S2 it should come in at a 7.5 lbs rifle and it should be easy to keep it around 8.5 lbs with a good scope and mount. The problem I always had with the Vanguard series rifles is the balance of the rifle, balance can affect the perceived weight of a rifle.
 
If you're really trying to cut weight, for maybe $200 more than the Browning you were considering you could get a Kimber Montana, weighing in at 5 lbs 6 oz for the short action version(84M). 84L is the long action version. It's available in short mag and magnum catridges as well. Personally if I were buying a Montana it would be in .308 or 7mm-08.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles
 
If you already have a .25-06 how is it set up? I'm guessing for the price you're going to spend on a new rifle we can help you lighten it up. What scope do you have, what rings and bases is it mounted in, and what stock is on it? If it's a standard S2 it should come in at a 7.5 lbs rifle and it should be easy to keep it around 8.5 lbs with a good scope and mount. The problem I always had with the Vanguard series rifles is the balance of the rifle, balance can affect the perceived weight of a rifle.
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It's a Weatherby Vanguard S2 in a Boyds laminate stock. The scope is a Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14x42 in Talley rings. I've never weighed it but it does feel heavy.
 
"I am sure the Boyds stock is the main reason it feels heavy. Laminate is heavy."

It actually was heavy with the factory stock. Weatherby actions are very robust.
 
Body's stocks are around 3 lbs you can shave nearly half that weight by adding a High Tech Stock and you can shed a few ounces by switching scopes. However, this will cost nearly the same as starting get over with a different rifle.

The stock I suggested isn't a drop in, it will require some fitting. If you're handy you can do it yourself, if not you will be better of buying a more expensive McMillan. The McMillan with edge fill will weigh 22-24 ounces and will be ready to install as a drop in fit stock but will cost over $600.
 
If I were interested in a cartridge to do double duty where the primary duty was mid-range target shooting (out to 500 to 600 yards), and the secondary duty was deer hunting, I would choose one of the 6.5's (either 260 or 6.5 creedmoor) OR I would choose 243. All 3 work great on deer, and all 3 are very capable of excellent paper punching out to 600+ yards.

Lots of good bullets available in 6mm and 6.5mm, both for hunting and hi-BC target

Just my opinion...
 
I tried a Boyds laminate stock also before I bought the Bell & Carlson. I also found it to be heavy and have an odd balance. The Medalist stock handles well, and has a very nice balanced feel.

If I were looking primarily for a target rifle...Remington 700, or Savage 10/110. And not in 25-06. Something in 7MM or .30 Caliber.
 
gman3 said:
I tried a Boyds laminate stock also before I bought the Bell & Carlson. I also found it to be heavy and have an odd balance. The Medalist stock handles well, and has a very nice balanced feel.
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I was going to recommend this one as well but the difference between the Boyd's and B&C is less than .5 lbs. Boyd's list the Classic at 2.8 lbs and the B&C Medalist is listed at 2.5 lbs. That can affect the balance of a rifle but really isn't going to change the weight that's why I recommend stocks that'll at least take nearly 1.5 lbs off.
 
Just a minor point...I think the Tikka's are made in Finland @ the Sako factory...they use a little more "mass production" techniques than the Sako, but still have excellent triggers.

JB
 
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