.257 choices

[ORfish]

I realized my 7RM and 30-06 have considerable overlap. I really would like a smaller caliber rifle for antelope and coues deer. I thought about pulling the 30-06 barrel and putting on .243 or .257. The rifle is a Carbon stock, Weatherby Mark V 6 lug, which would rule out .257 Weatherby (a 9 lug caliber). I hope to shoot the highest BC possible, as it is always windy in Wyoming. Maybe a 133 Berger VLD or a 131 Blackjack. With options like 25-06, 25 Creedmoor, 25-06 Remington, 25×47, and 25 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) , it is hard to choose. I would be interested in opinions for the best chambering. I am planning on reloading and have no interests in shoot past what I am hunting (1000 yard performance is inconsequential).

 

[hereinaz]

Look at the Sherman offerings. 25 Sherman.

I would go 25-06 with no hesitation if it's a long action. Get a reamer for the long bullets and fast twist for the 133s.

For coues, I am building a 6mm BRA and it is good to 600+ yards. A 25-06 or bigger will have the similar drop as your 7 rem and be good out to 1000.

 

[hereinaz]

Post this in Long Range Hunting forum, you will get more traction.

 

[.270]

With a long action standard bolt face the 25-06 and 1:8 twist barrel would be my pick for the 131 ace or 133 bergers. The brass for the 25-06 is going to be easiest to find. I would also consider the 25-284, I believe you wouldn't have any trouble seating those long bullets in the current mag box.

 

[AmmoTex]

I’d go with the 25-06, it’s very popular.
But since I’m old and like to tinker.....I loved my 257AI!

 

[Ruger UL]

A 25-06 even with it's standard twist is a good rifle. If you want to use it for coyotes and deer it is a round hard to beat. A fast twist might cause some problems with the lighter bullets.

 

[Vern400]

25-06 is awesome. Pick the twist wisely cuz you gotta live with it. You got a long action. Might as well use it