.25-06 question

[redneck2]

I'm trying to start loading for my 25-06 for a PD hunt this fall. It's a custom rifle, built on a Winchester action. I get my dummy bullet out to get length to ogive. Turns out to be 3.870. With 87 grain Nosler BT's, the tail of the bullet is barely, and I mean barely in the case. Certainly not enough to hold the bullets for shooting.

Anybody have an idea of what the length should be, or at least is on your rifle??

Also, any bullets that are longer that will seat into the case and stabilize with a 1-12 twist??

 

[Shoney]

Shilen says
.257
- 9" for bullets heavier than 100gr.
- 10" for bullets up to 100gr.
- 12" for bullets up to 90gr.
- 13"* for bullets up to 80gr.
- 14"* for bullets up to 70gr.

Lilja for .257 ideal
-10" for bullets 100 to 120 gr
-12" for bullets 85 gr
-14" for bullets 75 gr

As you know, there is an ideal weight bullet for each twist. However, you can get acceptable accuracy with bullets of higher or lower in weight within certain limits. Usually, the larger the bore, the wider the weight variance for good accuracy. Example 30-06 get great accuracy with 150-180 gr bullet with twists of 10,11, and 12 twists.

Theoretically, you should be able to use a 100 gr with good accuracy, maybe not the best but good. Only your testing with various powders and loads will tell. Good luck.

 

[loadedround]

I too shoot a 25-06 with the same bullet. It appears that your rifle has something called "freebore", similar to the way Weatherby rifles are chambered. If this is the case in your rifle, overall bullet seating numbers are unimportant. "Freebore is a space between end of the chamber and the rifling and basically there to let the bullet gain velocity before engaging the rifling. I would suggest that you seat your bullet just deep enough to prevent it from coming out with a firm tug and just a kiss of crimp. It probably be to your advantage to load and shoot single rounds.

 

[flashhole]

You should be able to use COL data as supplied by the bullet manufacturer and get good results. Is your rifle a Weatherby?

Both the Nosler 87 and 100 grain bullets should give good results. The lighter bullet is specifically for varmints. I just shoot the 100 grain bullet because accuracy is absolutely superb when I use a full case of Retumbo powder. Small critters don't explode on impact but they are no less dead.