I'm a big fan of the .25-06 but if you want to shoot a lot and punch paper as well as hunt then the 6.5 Creedmoor becomes almost a no-brainer. There really isn't anything not to like about it, other than just being resistant to it for the sake of being resistant. :-)
It'll handle 100-147 grain bullets with aplomb and those 140+ have some seriously good BCs for saying hello in the next zip code. Unlike the 25 cal, there are tons of great target and hunting bullets in 6.5 and there is so much variety of factory ammo for the Creedmoor that I am almost certain you could find a few factory loads that will do everything you need on the bench or in the field and that will be super-accurate in whatever rifle you end up with.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is also available in many factory rifles from the most inexpensive to the most iconic. Heck, with Winchester alone you can get one in the inexpensive (but accurate!) XPR, the durable Extreme Weather, the hybrid Coyote Light, the super-classy and hunter-friendly Featherweight (blued or stainless) and the iconic Super Grade. There's gotta be something you like in that group, right?
