Prairiedog
Member
Things I learned loading for my new 25-06 Harvester:
I've been reloading for the 243 Win and many others for 50 years and I think the 25-06 is the most finicky caliber I've loaded (maybe 325 WSM too). I have been working primarily on a deer load for upcoming Montana hunt. Bullets tried were Nosler 110 AccuBond, Barnes 100 TSX, (also the 115 TSX FB until I discovered it requires 1-9 twist), and Sierra 117 SBT. Powders tried were IMR 4831, H4831SC, RL-19 and RL-22. I also worked on varmit load using Sierra 75HP and 90HPBT using RL-19, Varget and W760. What I have seen so far is that in all combos I tried the max loads shoot by far the tighest groups, going from 2in plus to under an inch. Also seating depth is critical on Barnes and AccuBond. Haven't worked on depth of Sierras yet..runing out of time before hunt. Conclusion, for now, the 110 AccuBond is going to MT. 51gr H4831SC (Max in Nosler Manual at 3100FPS) Seated at .015 off lands shoots 5 shots in 0.60 at 100 yards and 1.25 at 200. Either less charge or seated at 0.50 opens group to 2 1/2 or more at 100. The Barnes shoot best with big jump, 0.10 or so. The best varmit load so far is Sierra 75HP with max load of W760 but still only around 1 in. Haven't concentrated on this due to priority.
In comparison my 243 and 270 Wins like tons of loads and generally shoot sub MOA.
I've been reloading for the 243 Win and many others for 50 years and I think the 25-06 is the most finicky caliber I've loaded (maybe 325 WSM too). I have been working primarily on a deer load for upcoming Montana hunt. Bullets tried were Nosler 110 AccuBond, Barnes 100 TSX, (also the 115 TSX FB until I discovered it requires 1-9 twist), and Sierra 117 SBT. Powders tried were IMR 4831, H4831SC, RL-19 and RL-22. I also worked on varmit load using Sierra 75HP and 90HPBT using RL-19, Varget and W760. What I have seen so far is that in all combos I tried the max loads shoot by far the tighest groups, going from 2in plus to under an inch. Also seating depth is critical on Barnes and AccuBond. Haven't worked on depth of Sierras yet..runing out of time before hunt. Conclusion, for now, the 110 AccuBond is going to MT. 51gr H4831SC (Max in Nosler Manual at 3100FPS) Seated at .015 off lands shoots 5 shots in 0.60 at 100 yards and 1.25 at 200. Either less charge or seated at 0.50 opens group to 2 1/2 or more at 100. The Barnes shoot best with big jump, 0.10 or so. The best varmit load so far is Sierra 75HP with max load of W760 but still only around 1 in. Haven't concentrated on this due to priority.
In comparison my 243 and 270 Wins like tons of loads and generally shoot sub MOA.