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Posted: 12/1/2010 3:44:53 PM EDT
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I won a Browning X-Bolt in 25-06 at a fireman's raffle last week, and no, that doesn't happen often.
I was going to load up something accurate to 300 yards for Pennsyltucky Dog Deer. The Speer and Sierra manuals seem to lean towards IMR4350, IMR4831, and Reloder 25 with 100-120 Gr. Spitzer I was going to buy new brass, and a fresh pound of something. Any advice on powder type, primer, brass, and bullet combo? |
| IMR 4831 or Reloder 22 (not 25) seems to be the perfect powder for the 25-06. Probably the most popular bullet would be Nosler Ballistic Tip 100 grain but mine shoots Hornady's really well. It's reported that some 25-06's prefer lighter for caliber bullets while some shoot the heavier 100-120 grain bullets better. Lucky you, and you'll like the 25-06. |
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In the past I used IMR 4831 and hornady 87 grain sp. I don't recall off the top of my head which loads, but the 25-06 is a keeper. just work up your loads and you will be very pleased. Thats great that you won one of these. good for you.
http://www.furorsniper.cz/25-06/25data/IMR.pdf |
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My rifle (Ruger M77) prefers the lighter bullet weights, so I've always used 85 grain Barnes X bullets (old style).
Either 52 grains of IMR 4350 (Max 54) or 46 grains of Varget (Max 48) should get you 34xx fps or so. 300 yards should be no problem with a load like this as long as the wind isn't gusting. You might try a heavier bullet if your rifle can shoot them. Mine has always shot the lighter pills better. |
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Another really good load (in my rifle) is 50.0 grains of either Varget or IMR4064 with the Hornady 75 grain Vmax.
NOTE: You should WORK UP this load because it's above the current max per the Hodgdon website. I got the loads out of an old Sierra manual and they are safe in my rifle. My rifle shoots these bullets @ 3700fps when the weather is warm and you can tell the bullet hits your target faster than using "regular" speed rifle rounds. Instead of Boom––-dust it's more like Boom-dust! Kicks like a .243 with these light pills. 
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| I've loaded for several 25-06 rifles and I like H4831sc powder with 115gr nosler ballistic tips. Reloader 22 works well too but I have found the H4831sc shoots a little better and has less muzzle flash. 25-06 is a good round just take it easy on the barrel or it won't last you very long. |
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Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I was surprised to see a lot of different choices in bullet weights used. Looks like I will try a load of each 75, 100, 120 Gr. and see which one prints well.
I do have some of the powders suggested, but I will have to spring for some Reloder 22 and/or H4831 and give them a try also. Happy Holidays! |
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Quoted:
My thanks again for all the suggestions. I am particular to Sierra and Nosler for my bolt guns and was happy to see some of those suggested. Maybe I can post a pic of the ($20) rifle later. We must have a pic of a $20 25-06. 
Normally called a score around here, and worthy of a 'score" thread. |
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I worked up these loads years ago and they're still my go to for the 25-06: CCI BR-2 Benchrest primers 46.5 gr IMR 4064 Sierra 87gr Sprire Point ot 90 gr BTHP I shoot mostly rock chucks and pidgeons. Used the 87gr on deer with adequate results - buck just crumpled and bled out. The 25-06 is good for pretty much everything from jack rabbits to elk if you use the right bullets. For elk, go with the Nosler 117 Partition and IMR-4831. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
My thanks again for all the suggestions. I am particular to Sierra and Nosler for my bolt guns and was happy to see some of those suggested. Maybe I can post a pic of the ($20) rifle later. We must have a pic of a $20 25-06.
Normally called a score around here, and worthy of a 'score" thread. Yes it is a very nice rifle for the price of a raffle ticket, but perhaps if I add up how much I have spent on raffles over the last 25 years perhaps the price was about correct: 
In the spirit of Christmas this year my nieces and I have bought and mounted a Leupold Euro 3X9 and will present to my Brother for Christmas. He lives next door to me so I will be borrowing this as needed 
I went to the range today, a balmy 15 degrees F: 
Given the temperature, me forgetting the rifle rest, and my shaking in my four layers of clothes I was able to group this with 47.5 Gr H4831, 110 Nosler SBT, Hornady Brass, CCI 250 primer. The selection of components was a mixture of what I had available, what was in stock, and information gleaned from you all and 6mmBR, plus the Nosler recommended load range: 47-51 Gr H4831. 
I loaded 47.5(started with,) and then 48.0, 48.5, 49.0, and 49.5 with the lowest of charge being winner of the day. Although I do believe I was shaking a lot by the last group. When it warms up I may tweak this, but for the upcoming extended Doe season this will do. |
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