Shinbone, I would go to my local gun club and ask around. I would include three more, the 260 Rem shoots soft and the 7mm-o8. I also would include the 270 Win. I can't much feel the diffrence between any of them. I know the 25-06 does have a Sharp Crack to it from the sound. I just know with good hearing protection on no one is going to flinch. Besides the old guy's at the club are always wanting someone to shoot there Favorite guns. I showed up once to a 22 rifle shil. shoot just to see what it was about. I had six diffrent shooters offer to loan me there back up guns and ammo if I just stay and shoot the match. I did stay and had a great time. It did make me build very sweet shootin 22. Good luck!
