25-06, 7mm-08, Should I cast?

[Jim Flinchbaugh]

I have a new 7mm-08 on lay-away at the store, and a recently purchased 25-06.
Both of these are H&R handi's. I'm struggling with the decision to set up and cast for these. Not so much for the '08, but the 25, it seems to me to be counter productive, to make a slug heavy enough to perform and shoot it slower, and defeat the purpose of the fast, flat shootin' 1/4 bore.
On the other hand, after running out of .25 & .284 caliber projectiles ( also have a 280 Rem) I had on the shelf and looking at current prices, if I want to shoot a lot, I need to cast.
I guess my question is is the 25-06 a capable antelope/ whitetail whacker with cast bullets? There isnt much available for 25 cal molds. What would you folks recommend?
The 7mm-08 should shoot cast fine, what weight mold for it? Flat point, hollow point, RN?
Please lead me astray, as I'm having way to much fun with cast in my Argentine, I can see me never buying J-words again :lovebooli
My 308's are about to learn cast boolits as well.

[303Guy]

For the 25 you might want to look at paper patching. What twist rate is the 25? A 1-in-10 will shoot a 120gr or more.

[runfiverun]

save the 25-06 for last.
the throats on the handi will be problematic enough in the 7mm.
it's okay if you don't shoot boolits in everything.

[Jim Flinchbaugh]

H&R says the twist on the 25 & 7-08 is 1/10. I checked the 25 yesterday and its like 1/9.8.
It doesn't seem to like the 85 grain J-words I've been shooting in it. 100 grainers group better, and each time I take it out it seems to get a little better. I've only got like 80 rounds through it so far, loaded more yesterday :D
I also have worked the trigger down from 10+ lbs to 2-3/4 pounds since Ive shot it last, that might help as well
Your are correct about the throats, way deep, must be a girl eh? :)

[6.5 mike]

You may find the 25-06 will like a 117/120 gr. Both of the ones I had did. Ruger #1 liked anything 90 gr or heavier, S&W 1500 100 to 117.

7-08 should make a good cast rifle with a little work, 7x57's do.

[foxtrotter]

I shoot a 257325 113 gr. in my 25-06. I/12 twist. chrono over 2000fps with a GC and it is a tack driver. Give it a try- it may surprise you!!

[Jim Flinchbaugh]

Since I have never done it, I didnt even think about paper patching,
Great idea, now I have something else to learn