"Effective Range" .25-06

[Dgutter]

I'm about to start some serious yote hunting but wanted to get some thoughts on how far should be my limit on taking shots on yotes and bobcat. I shoot a .25-06 that I handload for. 1st load is an 85gr. nosler varmint ballistic tip at about 3200fps muzzle velocity. I only have about 20 rounds or so of this load before I run out. The 2nd load I have developed is a 115gr. Berger VLD moving approximately 3040fps at the muzzle. They both hold roughly 3/4 MOA or less. So what would be the effective killing range on yotes and bobcats with these loads? I'm planning on taking a shotgun with 00 or may be T for short range. Thoughts?

[MTWS525]

Hi from a noobie. I have an improved .25-06 which scares the heck out of .257 wby. velocities with a selected load using 117 VLD. That combo will kill coyotes just as far as you can hit them. I have numerous dogs over 700................lots of misses too! Good luck!

[oakflat]

Yep, just about as far as you can hit them, keeping in mind to shoot to your reasonable accurate range. I use one of the new 90 grain Sierra Blitz King these days in my 25-06 at about 3300 fps and it is really accurate out to 500 yards not to mention being devestating to the target. Good luck.

[struff55]

My rig kimber Select 25-06 4.5x 14 x44 ziess load is 52.5 gr imr 4831 100gr nos. B.P. 3200 fps i have many kills between 350-400yds with a few in the 450 range many misses as well Bushnell elite 1500 rangefinder.

[Catahoula]

If you are skinning coyotes I would use 75 gr. Sierra HP's or the Sierra 100 MK. Very accurate and mostly fur friendly. If not skinning then the Hornady 75 V-Max or a Nosler BT makes for a very DEAD coyote.
Good luck, Kirk

[sp6x6]

Im shooting 85 BT OUT OF MY 257WBY. I shot one last year at 570 w/ my 223 69 gr,smk

[SBruce]

Originally Posted by oakflat

Yep, just about as far as you can hit them, keeping in mind to shoot to your reasonable accurate range. I use one of the new 90 grain Sierra Blitz King these days in my 25-06 at about 3300 fps and it is really accurate out to 500 yards not to mention being devestating to the target. Good luck.

+1,

The 25-06 has plenty of power to cleany take a coyote as far as you can hit one, especially with the 115 grn bullets. Still has plenty of energy and velocity at 1/2 mile and further.

The key, is how tight are your groups at 1/2 mile??? The maximum distance should be tied closely to how far can I reliably hit an 8" diameter plate with my 1st shot. Because coyotes don't usually stand around for us long enough to get a 2nd shot.

PS, a 6" diameter plate would be better, 8" isn't leaving any wiggle room.