I have been hunting deer with a 25-06 since 1979. Killed about 40 deer with one. Just seem to kill deer even better than they should. For the last 25 years or so I've hunted mostly with the 100 gr Nosler ballistic tip running about 3300 FPS. When I hit them just above center and get both lungs, it's like you hit them in the head with the blunt end of an axe. Really light recoil. Flat and deadly at least to 600 yds. I've killed 3 elk with it, 2 with the 100 gr and one with a 120 Speer Hollow Point. Lately I hunt Elk with a 300 WSM. One thing is that I have had to trim a lot because of the shallow shoulder angle. I just bought a Cooper in the 25-06 Ackley Improved. I'm hoping not to have to trim as much and that I'll get better case life. I've gone to the 115 Berger. I harvested 2 Utah Mule Deer does with it a couple of weeks ago and both went straight down. It's a sweet rifle. Weighs about seven and a half pounds with the scope. I also have a Browning 1885 Wyoming Centennial 25-06 with a 30" barrel, and a TC Encore in the 25-06 as well. I don't get to shoot them all. I'm really in love with the Cooper. I will never be without a 25-06. Good luck in your choice!