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Common uses: Hunting, Varmint
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 120gr Winchester Super-X Positive Expanding Point |
| Muzzle velocity | 2990 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2383 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.344 |
| Case length | 63.3 mm |
| Overall length | 84.8 mm |
| SAAMI max pressure | 63000 PSI |
| Common twist rate | 1:10" |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2990 | 2382 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2713 | 1960 | 0 |
| 200 | 2452 | 1601 | -3.3 |
| 300 | 2206 | 1296 | -12.3 |
| 400 | 1975 | 1039 | -28.5 |
| 500 | 1759 | 824 | -53.7 |
At 1,000 yards, .25-06 Rem. (120gr at 2990 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 40.2 MOA / 11.7 MIL, retaining 1037 fps (subsonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 2206 | Supersonic | -12.3 | 3.9 | 1.14 |
| 400 | 1975 | Supersonic | -28.5 | 6.8 | 1.98 |
| 500 | 1759 | Supersonic | -53.7 | 10.3 | 2.98 |
| 600 | 1561 | Supersonic | -90.3 | 14.4 | 4.18 |
| 700 | 1385 | Supersonic | -141.0 | 19.2 | 5.60 |
| 800 | 1237 | Transonic | -210.0 | 25.1 | 7.29 |
| 900 | 1121 | Transonic | -301.8 | 32.0 | 9.32 |
| 1000 | 1037 | Subsonic | -421.3 | 40.2 | 11.70 |
Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.
A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
The .25-06 is a fast, flat-shooting quarter-bore built on a full-length .30-06 case, giving it high velocity and a wide bullet range that lets it double as a long-range varmint round and a big-game cartridge. With light 75- to 100-grain bullets it excels on prairie dogs, coyotes, and other varmints at extended distance, while 115- to 120-grain bullets make it a capable, low-recoiling choice for pronghorn, deer, and open-country hunting where a flat trajectory matters. It is prized for its reach and mild recoil relative to the payload it delivers, though the large powder charge behind a small bore gives it a reputation for accelerated throat erosion and shorter barrel life. It is not ideal for the largest or toughest game, where heavier calibers are better suited, but within its window it remains a well-regarded all-around Western hunting cartridge.
The .25-06 Remington began life as a wildcat, formed by necking the .30-06 Springfield case down to accept .257-caliber bullets, with gunsmiths such as A.O. Niedner experimenting with the concept as early as 1920. It circulated as a wildcat for roughly half a century before Remington standardized and commercially chambered it in 1969. The design only reached its full potential once slow-burning powders like IMR 4350 and surplus 4831 became available, since the large case capacity relative to bore diameter demands slow propellants to burn efficiently.
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