I’m using a 115 grain Berger with 57 grains of Retumbo getting 3248 at the muzzle with a 32 FPS max variation
Personally, I'm of the opinion that if I have a 600 yard shot, it's time I did a less shooting and more hunting. Don't people sneak on their prey these days?I began hunting in the late 1960;s and there are very few times I have taken a shot longer than 200 yards. I have had chances to shoot at 400 yards and further, but why? Mostly where we hunt is rolling prairie with some woody draws here and there. If I can't be absolutely certain of a quick, ethical kill, I will pass if I can't get closer. And have done so.
I believe in hunting more, shooting less. - Except on the range, of course!!
But that's just me.........
I haven't had any success finding Retumbo available for sale but I did snag some IMR 8133. Some folks on another website said they were limited on bullet seating and couldn't get close to the Hodgdon data max load values, so I plan to try the Hornady 117 grain RNSP with IMR 8133. My 25-06 has a barrel rifling twist rate of 1:10 inches so I'm not looking to use any super high BC value projectiles with it. Plus, my 25-06 is an Interarms Mark X, so maybe I have some extra throat available. It's a project I'm looking forward to.
I won't defend the clients outright, I would like to add in a different perspective though if I may..... If one plans on a specific scenario and has ammo designed for that scenario, shots can be too close or too far depending on the variables. For example, if I was planning only on longer ranges (250+ for the sake of this discussion), and was using more volatile loads to assist with better terminal damage at those distances, I would hesitate to break heavy bone up close. Broadside with a clear path through the vitals to the far side shoulder? No problem, but if I only get one angle of quartering towards and don't have faith in my projectile to make it at <150, then I will wait and perhaps not get my broadside shot because the creature bolts or becomes immersed in timber or we run out of light, etc. On the other hand, tough/slow-flying bullets, i.e. Barnes should not often be expected to provide the shock and awe I require at 300+, but would be perfect for that elk quartering towards at <150.
That sounds quite interesting, I've always like the way the round noses hit even if I don't live the way they fly, I'd look forward to a thread with the results!
Ive found Hodgdons load values with ALL the new endurons to be pretty brisk if not down right absolute MAX. They also arnt the powders to be gunning for "just that extra little bit"
I purchased some Reloder 23 that I plan to try out in 243 Winchester to start with. Another project with indefinite start or end dates, but behind the 25-06 & IMR 8133 project. I'm looking forward to what I might get done in 2021.
Will do. Ordinarily I'd be a bit concerned about bullet blow-up with a cup & core design at up to circa 3200 fps muzzle velocity (Hodgdon IMR 8133 load data) but since that Hornady .257 117 grain RNSP Interlock was used in factory 257 Weatherby ammo with a published muzzle velocity of 3402 fps, I figure it oughta be OK in my 25-06 Remington rifle.
Those round noses have done well for a good mix of penetration and energy dumping, we've used em in .243, .30-30, and .30-06, every single one was under 100 yds, the wound tracts were impressive and the bullets were nowhere to be found (I'd not use the .30-30 designated designs in the 06 class velocities obviously) hard quartering angles posed no challenge whatsoever, I'd say you'll be good to go with confidence.
Nothing much on the .243 for me, I have some NOS Speer Nitrex factory ammunition with the 100 grain Grand Slam bullets I think I'll try duplicating using Reloder 23. I have a niece who wants o try going hunting with me, the pandemic pandemonium got in the way among other things like her school stuff in 2020. We'll see what can be done in late 2021.
Even if that was their granddads ruger?
