25-06 AND BULK 25-06 AMMO
About 25-06 Ammo
The 25-06 Remington cartridge is a high-velocity, flat-shooting rifle round that has earned a dedicated following among hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts.
Originally developed as a wildcat cartridge in the early 20th century, the 25-06 gained commercial legitimacy when Remington officially introduced it in 1969, chambering it in their Model 700 bolt-action rifle.
It was based on the popular 30-06 Springfield case necked down to accept .257-inch diameter bullets, resulting in a cartridge with impressive speed and excellent ballistic performance.
The 25-06 Remington caliber is celebrated for its combination of velocity, accuracy, and manageable recoil, making it ideal for medium-sized game like deer, antelope, and coyotes.
With bullet weights typically ranging from 85 to 120 grains, it delivers superb terminal performance and a flat trajectory, especially when paired with modern ballistic-tip or soft-point projectiles.
Its introduction offered shooters a reliable, factory-loaded alternative to the custom wildcat loads that had gained popularity among precision reloaders for decades.
Remington’s move to standardize the cartridge helped bridge the gap between small-caliber varmint rounds and larger, harder-kicking big game options, giving hunters a truly versatile middle ground.
Over the years, the 25-06 ammo has left a lasting impact on the hunting world, especially in open-country scenarios where long-range accuracy is key. Its ability to humanely harvest game with minimal meat damage has made it a go-to for whitetail hunters across North America.
Today, the cartridge is widely supported by leading manufacturers like Hornady, Federal, Winchester, Remington, and Nosler, offering a variety of factory loads suited for everything from predator control to long-range hunting.
With its proven performance and enduring popularity, 25-06 Remington ammunition continues to be a trusted choice for shooters who demand speed, accuracy, and versatility in the field.
25-06 REM Ammunition Features
25-06 Remington ammunition is well-regarded for its high performance and consistent accuracy across a wide range of hunting and shooting applications. Built on the reliable 30-06 Springfield case and necked down to .257 caliber, this cartridge delivers a powerful blend of speed, range, and precision.
Whether you're targeting varmints, whitetail deer, or long-range steel, here are the features that set 25-06 Rem ammo apart:
Flat Trajectory for Long-Range Accuracy
The high muzzle velocity—often exceeding 3,200 feet per second with lighter bullet weights—translates to a flat shooting trajectory, making the 25-06 Remington ideal for shots out to 300+ yards. This is especially advantageous for open field or prairie hunting.
Versatile Bullet Options
25-06 Rem ammunition is available in a wide variety of bullet types and weights, including soft point (SP), ballistic tip, polymer-tipped, and hollow point (HP) rounds. These options allow shooters to tailor their ammo to specific game and shooting conditions.
Ideal for Medium Game Hunting
With bullet weights ranging from 85 to 120 grains, 25-06 Rem offers excellent terminal ballistics for hunting medium-sized game like deer, antelope, and coyotes, delivering deep penetration and rapid expansion upon impact.
Manageable Recoil
Compared to other high-velocity rounds like the .270 Winchester or .30-06, the 25-06 Remington produces less felt recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately—especially for younger or recoil-sensitive hunters.
Excellent Ballistic Coefficient (BC)
Bullets used in 25-06 Rem ammo typically have high ballistic coefficients, which help them resist wind drift and maintain energy downrange. This improves both accuracy and stopping power at extended distances.
Reliable Factory Loads
A wide array of factory-loaded options is available from top manufacturers like Hornady, Remington, Winchester, Nosler, and Federal Premium, ensuring shooters have access to quality ammunition for any hunting or shooting need.
Whether you're dialing in for long-range accuracy or preparing for your next big hunt, 25-06 Remington ammo delivers consistent, flat-shooting performance and the versatility needed to tackle multiple game species with confidence.
Common 25-06 Ammo Types
Below are the most common 25-06 ammo types you’ll find on the market today:
Soft Point (SP)
Soft point bullets are a classic choice for medium game hunting, including whitetail deer and antelope. These bullets feature an exposed lead tip that expands upon impact, providing excellent energy transfer and deep penetration. They're ideal for hunters looking for controlled expansion and reliable terminal ballistics.
Ballistic Tip
Ballistic tip bullets combine the accuracy of a match-grade bullet with the expansion of a hunting round. Featuring a polymer tip and a boat-tail design, ballistic tip 25-06 ammo offers superior aerodynamics and flat shooting characteristics—perfect for long-range hunting and shooting in open terrain.
Polymer-Tipped
These advanced bullets which include Hornady SST, and Nosler AccuBond, feature a polymer tip designed to initiate rapid expansion while maintaining structural integrity. They're engineered for maximum accuracy and terminal performance on game such as deer, coyotes, and hogs. They're among the best choices for precision long-range hunters.
Hollow Point (HP)
Hollow point bullets in 25-06 Remington are typically used for varmint and predator control, thanks to their rapid fragmentation upon impact. The hollow cavity in the bullet tip causes it to expand quickly, making it extremely effective on smaller, thin-skinned targets.
Boat-Tail Hollow Point (BTHP)
Designed for enhanced accuracy, BTHP rounds are common among long-range and competitive shooters. While not optimized for hunting, they offer exceptional consistency and resistance to wind drift, making them popular for target shooting and range use.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Though uncommon, FMJ rounds can occasionally be found for target shooting or training purposes. These rounds feature a lead core fully enclosed in a copper jacket, offering minimal expansion and greater penetration—but they're not recommended for hunting due to poor terminal performance.
Popular 25-06 Remington Ammunition Brands
When it comes to 25-06 Remington ammo, quality matters—especially for hunters and long-range shooters who rely on precision, velocity, and consistent performance. Over the years, several manufacturers have become trusted names in the industry, producing high-quality 25-06 Remington ammunition for a variety of applications.
Whether you’re targeting whitetail deer, varmints, or punching paper at the range, these are the top 25-06 ammo brands you can count on:
Hornady
Hornady is known for engineering some of the most accurate and reliable hunting ammunition available. Their Superformance and Precision Hunter lines feature advanced bullet designs like SST and ELD-X, offering exceptional long-range accuracy, higher velocities, and devastating terminal performance for big game hunting.
Federal Premium
Federal’s 25-06 Remington offerings include both hunting and target options. The Fusion line is a popular choice for medium game hunters due to its bonded bullet technology, which ensures controlled expansion and deep penetration. For high-end performance, Federal’s Vital-Shok with Nosler Partition bullets is a standout.
Winchester
Winchester has been a long-standing favorite among hunters and shooters alike. Their Deer Season XP and Ballistic Silvertip loads offer great value and effectiveness, especially for whitetail hunters. The Super-X series remains a go-to option for dependable expansion and affordability.
Remington
As the namesake of the cartridge, Remington continues to offer high-quality 25-06 ammunition. Their Core-Lokt line, known for its time-tested soft-point design, is one of the most popular hunting options on the market. These rounds provide reliable expansion and have helped countless hunters put meat in the freezer.
Nosler
For those demanding match-grade accuracy and premium hunting performance, Nosler’s Trophy Grade and Ballistic Tip lines are excellent choices. These loads are designed with elite bullet construction and precision tolerances for long-range shooters and serious hunters.
Barnes
If you're looking for all-copper hunting ammunition, Barnes VOR-TX is a leading option. Known for deep penetration and nearly 100% weight retention, Barnes bullets like the TSX (Triple Shock X) deliver superior performance on big game with minimal meat damage.
Popular Uses for 25-06 REM Ammunition
Whether you're pursuing deer in the Midwest, calling coyotes in the desert, or simply enjoying a day at the range, 25-06 Remington ammo delivers the performance and precision you need. Its balance of power, speed, and accuracy makes it a standout choice for hunters and shooters who demand reliability across every shot.
Below are the most popular uses for this caliber:
Big Game Hunting
One of the most popular uses for 25-06 Rem ammo is hunting medium-sized game such as whitetail deer, antelope, and mule deer. With bullet weights typically ranging from 100 to 120 grains, the cartridge delivers flat trajectories and hard-hitting impact, making it ideal for ethical, one-shot kills at distances of 300 yards or more. Many hunters prefer soft point or ballistic tip bullets for reliable expansion and knockdown power in the field.
Varmint and Predator Control
The high velocity and accuracy of 25-06 Remington ammunition also make it an excellent choice for varmint hunting and predator control. When loaded with lighter 75 to 90 grain bullets, this cartridge excels at dispatching coyotes, bobcats, groundhogs, and prairie dogs with minimal drop and lightning-fast speeds. These loads are commonly found in varmint-specific ammo lines and provide explosive terminal performance on smaller game.
Long-Range Target Shooting
Thanks to its flat trajectory and consistent ballistics, 25-06 ammo is a favorite among long-range recreational shooters and those looking to hone their marksmanship skills. While not as commonly used in competitive shooting circles as some other calibers, its excellent accuracy makes it a rewarding choice for range work at distances beyond 400 yards.
All-Around Rifle Cartridge
Because of its versatility, the 25-06 Remington is often considered an all-purpose cartridge for shooters who want a single rifle that can do it all—from varmint control to big game hunting. Its ability to perform in a wide variety of environments and scenarios has made it a staple in the gun safes of serious sportsmen across the country.
25-06 Ammo FAQs
Question: What is 25-06 Remington ammo?
Answer: 25-06 Remington ammo, often written as 25-06 Rem or .25-06, is a high-velocity rifle cartridge developed by necking down a .30-06 Springfield case to accept a .257 caliber bullet. It was officially standardized by Remington in 1969 and is renowned for its flat trajectory, long-range performance, and effectiveness in both varmint and big game hunting.
Question: What is 25-06 ammo used for?
Answer: 25-06 Remington ammunition is highly versatile and used for a wide range of applications, including:
- Whitetail deer and antelope hunting
- Predator and varmint control (coyotes, groundhogs)
- Long-range recreational shooting
Its flat-shooting profile makes it ideal for hunting across open fields or prairies.
Question: Is 25-06 Rem good for deer hunting?
Answer: Absolutely. 25-06 Rem ammo is one of the top choices for deer hunters thanks to its high muzzle velocity, accuracy, and ability to deliver lethal energy at extended distances. With bullets in the 100-120 grain range, it offers clean, ethical kills on whitetail and mule deer.
Question: What bullet types are available for 25-06 Remington ammo?
Answer: Common bullet types for 25-06 Remington ammunition include:
- Soft Point (SP) – great for controlled expansion on big game
- Ballistic Tip – ideal for flat trajectories and precision at longer ranges
- Hollow Point (HP) – often used for varmint or predator control
- Polymer-Tipped – combines accuracy with rapid expansion
Question: Can I buy 25-06 bulk ammo online?
Answer: Yes! Many online retailers offer 25-06 bulk ammo in quantities like 100- or 200-round cases. Buying bulk 25-06 Rem ammo is a great way to save money and ensure you're stocked up for hunting season or extended range sessions.
Question: What is the effective range of 25-06 Remington ammo?
Answer: The effective range of 25-06 ammo depends on bullet weight and shooting conditions, but it typically performs well up to 400-500 yards for hunting and even farther for target shooting with the right setup.
Question: What rifles are chambered in 25-06 Remington?
Answer: Many leading manufacturers produce bolt-action rifles chambered in 25-06 Rem, including Remington, Savage, Browning, Ruger, and Weatherby. These rifles are favored by hunters and precision shooters alike.
Question: Is 25-06 Rem ammo readily available?
Answer: Yes, 25-06 Remington ammo is produced by top ammunition brands like Federal, Winchester, Remington, Hornady, and Nosler, and is widely available in sporting goods stores and online retailers.
Question: What’s the recoil like on 25-06 Rem ammo?
Answer: Compared to larger calibers like .30-06 or .308, 25-06 ammo offers moderate recoil, making it manageable for most shooters and ideal for younger or recoil-sensitive hunters.
Question: Who should consider using 25-06 Remington ammunition?
Answer: If you're looking for a flat-shooting, accurate cartridge that’s capable of handling both varmints and medium-to-large game, 25-06 Rem ammo is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for hunters, long-range target shooters, and those seeking a versatile all-in-one caliber.