I have a Ruger M77 Mkii 25-06 and a Remington 700 AAC-SD. 308. What would be the most efficient cartridge for whitetail size game and long range practice?
Depends on what you mean by "long range".
I use 2947fps 120g A-Frames when carrying my .257 Roberts for elk, although that is pretty rare. I use 3163fps 110g AB for antelope and have no problem hitting the steel at 600 with either bullet.
A .25-06 driving a 110g AB to 3100fps will beat a .308/208 AMAX (.620B.C>)/2700fps past 1000 yard in terms of drop and velocity. They are about equal in drift (approx an inch different) but the .308 has about 500fpe more at 1000 yds.
