25-06 vs 6.5 creedmoor which one for antelope?

[Darin Eggert]

I have a couple of antelope tags this year and am considering a new rifle.
My toss up is either going to be the 6.5 creedmoor or the 25-06 what are my pros and con to these firearms never shot or owned either?

 

[KurtB]

Both would work great. Find either and get shooting if you are using it this fall.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

It really depends what your ranges are and what your looking for. Fast and flat out to 400-500? 25-06 is the ticket. Get out past 500-600 that creed starts to catch up real fast. 25-06 had less barrel life, burns more powder, and will have more recoil. It will shoot flatter than the creed. The creed should have the advantage with energy and definitely in wind drift. The only bullet that makes the 25-06 better than the 6.5 creed at long range is the 131 black jack bullet. You'll need to custom build one with a 7-7.5 twist barrel.

 

[86alaskan]

my vote is for the 25-06. run a 110 eld or 115 berger fast and you'll be cooking in no time. both of those bullets should run over 3100 easy from a 24"+ barrel, and have plenty of energy to kill an antelope out to at least 500yds. once you start really stretching out the 6.5 bullets will catch up, but it takes a while. And yes, if you can build, get a 7.5 twist 25-06 for the 131gr blackjack. I can vouch for it's long range performance. My fast 25-06 will push the 131 to 3200fps in a 26" barrel easily. That bullet at that speed stomps the 6.5's

 

[Barrelnut]

Season is getting close. If you are looking at an off the shelf rifle and ammo, I would go with the 6.5 Creed. You will probably find more rifles in the Creed that are factory setup for longer range shooting and the Hornady factory ammo is everywhere in abundance. The Hornady stuff can also be very accurate. Especially some of the target ammo, which will work great for antelope.

I own both rifles and like them both, if forced to pick one however, I would pick the Creed.

 

[86alaskan]

as far as off the shelf factory, comparing the hornady precision hunter ammo the 2506 110gr has slightly less energy at 500 but almost 10" less drop at 500 than the 143gr 6.5 creedmoor. for point and shoot-ability, I'd still go for the 2506.

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I feel the point and shoot thing is kinda irrelevant now since most people own range finders now

 

[Darin Eggert]

Well thanks for the input guys It looks like a lot of creedmoor guys out there kind of the one I was learning towards.
I will probably be picking that up in a weatherby vanguard and definitely using hornady ammo. I work like 90 hours a week I don't have the time to reload or play with loads.
As far as distance goes, the range I shoot on is only backed up to 400 so I won't be going out past that.
I plan to top the gun of with a 6-24 vortex viper or a 6-24 riton first focal plane.
Should make it good to go.
Again thanks for the input.

 

[LR19D]

I took 2 Antelope Does with my Ruger #1, 25-06, one was at 200 yds, the other at 450 yds. I'm pushing a 115 Berger VLD about 3000 fps....it flattened both of them instantly! I'm mean BANG....PLOP! I don't think my 6.5 Creedmoor would of done the same damage, that quick.

 

[257WTBY]

Two of my favorite pet calibers. I love the 100 gr bullets in my 25-06 they have "bang flopped" so many whitetails its unreal. There are lots of better bullets made but I started loading 100gr ballistic tips years ago and they havent failed me yet. Most of those shots have been 300 yards and in. 6.5 creedmoor is the rifle I have been shooting the most lately. Super accurate and great ballistics. I shoot 143 gr ELDX bullets out of it most of the time but I like the 120 noslers as well my gun actually shoots them more accurate then the 143's. If I was going antelope hunting tomorrow tho i would not take either it would be my 257WTBY Mag. That wasnt in your choices but if your buying a rifle might be one to consider. Good luck and either caliber will likely do all your asking and more. Post some pics of your success this fall...

 

[KS2506]

Use a 100 grain bullet in your 25-06, can run over 3300 fps with a 24" barrel and 1-10" twist. Will kill all the antelope you want. You do not need a heavy bullet to kill a goat.

 

[KyCarl]

I would take what I have? Either will do it just fine without buying another rifle.
I have used 100 Gr. Partitions in my 25-06 for years and wouldn't hesitate
using it for Antelope.

 

[seattleman1969]

Color me biased but I am highly partial to the 25-06. Highly underrated cartridge in my opinion. Never had a deer or antelope walk away once I drew down on them with mine.

 

[436]

I have a couple of antelope tags this year and am considering a new rifle.
My toss up is either going to be the 6.5 creedmoor or the 25-06 what are my pros and con to these firearms never shot or owned either?

.25-06 Rem put some heat behind a good 95gr or 100gr bullet and don't look back.