[jgh4445]

I have been trying to find "the" load for my 25.06. Not having much luck. No matter what load, the groups all look the same. It's shooting about a 2.5" group. So far, out of two different bullet weights and 6 different loads of different powders for each of them, no joy. I have been slowly working up to the max and have reached the point where the max ( according to some books) is next to be loaded. I loaded 3, 5 round test lots each for IMR 4350 and RL 22. I loaded both powders to the max recommended load. I'm using Accubond 110's.

I just discovered I used a different primer! My son was loading while I was away, used up the WLR's in the tube and used the Fed primers and left them in the tube.

I have used WLR's for all testing up to now, and found that I used Fed 210's for these loads. Should I try shooting one and checking for pressure signs or dismantle them? (After I tried these loads, if I got no better groups, changing primers was to be my next step, starting over with what looked to be the best powder and bullet combo.) I've seen no signs of too much pressure so far, even though some of the loads I've tried were over max in one manual but more than a grain under in others. Think the Fed primers might cause a pressure spike?

[rcmodel]

It seems unlikely.
Both the Fed 210 and Win WLR are "standard" primers and I doubt there is enough difference to cause problems.

However with that said, standard reloading practice is to stop and start over any time you change components.

But if you were planning to work up test loads with the Fed primers anyway:
Just reserve your "Oops" loads until you work up to that powder charge, then shoot them if you haven't already run into pressure signs.

rc

[fineredmist]

My .25-06 Rugar 77VT loves H4831 SC. I load 58 grs behind a 87 gr Speer TNT and this combination shoots 1 hole groups @ 100 yds. Give H4831 SC a try. The SC stands for "short cut" which meters a lot better than the standard H4831.

[jgh4445]

fine...I've tried SC 4831, regular H4831, IMR4831, IMR 4350 and RL22 so far with 100 gr Barnes TSX and now Accubond 110's. I'm getting close to the same results for all. I'm going to try the Fed primers as rc explained and then go to .010 off the rifling and then .020. It may be that this rifle is going to like the lighter bullets. I'll probably end up trying from 95 gr down to 75 before I'm done.

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree playing with the OAL might yield some improvements. I would suggest loading the powder and charge you got the best results with and use it as a base for changing the OAL.

[jgh4445]

Went ahead yesterday and tried 'em out. The group actually closed up with the Fed 210 primers and a load that was over max( according to one of my manuals) with absolutely no pressure signs as checked visually and with a digital caliper. I'm still working the load up but now it looks promising. By the way, the Lyman 49th says 54 gr of RL19 is max with 110 accubonds while the Nosler #6 says its 52gr. The Lyman book also says the loads for RL 19 and 22 are identical. Then it goes on to say IMR 7828 was the cats meow! I have some 7828 and some RL 19. Gonna have to try 'em or I will always wonder! Doncha just hate it when you have to go back to the range for more testing??

[FredT]

How is the crown and bedding on your .25-06? Is the trigger light and crisp or creepy? Do you take each shot EXACTLY the same way on the bench? These things will open and close a group even when shot will good ammo.

[jgh4445]

Fred, crown is good at 11 degrees and the pillar bedding is good too. The trigger is crisp and breaks at 2 lbs. I try to do everything EXACTLY the same. The group I am looking for is out there. It will come to me if I keep tweaking it.

[NCsmitty]

I'm sure your perseverance will pay off. I'm guessing that you're searching for a big game load using the bullets that you mentioned.
If you have some lighter bullets, try a few to see if the rifle has a preference for the slightly lighter weights. It may save you aggravation and shorten your quest.
Both bullets that you mentioned that you're using are quite long and may not be to the rifle's liking.
If you have something in a flat base, it may work better in that rifle.

Good luck.

NCsmitty