What powder in Federal 25-06 117 gr

[aggiejet]

Anybody know what powder Federal uses to load their 25-06 117 gr bullet ammo?

(I am new to reloading rifle ammo, and perhaps this is a stupid question, but thanks for answering, none-the-less)

Merry Christmas.
Mark

 

[steveno]

it is more than likely a non-canister grade powder that isn't available to the public. if you are trying to duplicate the load you will need to chronograph the Federal ammo to see what it does in your rifle. then look in the several loading manuals for powders that might to the same thing and chronograph them and go from there

 

[Elkins45]

As the post above said, it's likely something you can't buy off the shelf. Not because its special or better, just that people who have their own ballistics labs can test and adjust each giant batch of powder they buy and adjust their loading accordingly. They might even blend different powders to get the results they desire.

Those of us without ballistics labs buy what are called "canister grade" powders that are tested to meet a fairly narrow performance envelope before they are packaged and sold. Federal buys their powder in rail car loads, and can deal with variations from lot to lot that we don't have to worry about.

 

[flashhole]

What they said. If you are looking for a good first choice with 117 grain bullets you might give Retumbo a try.

 

[rayatphonix]

I've used H4350 with great success.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Best first powder for the .25/06 in my experience with the Sierra 117gr BtSpt (bullet that Federal uses in the Premium line) is IMR7828. Very close to this is H4831SC and RL22; and I've also gotten good results with of all things, IMR4320.

The IMR4320 is a bit slow, but has been universally tack driving accurate in every rifle I've used it in.

Max load is 43.0gr for ~2,850fps; but both a friends Interarms MkX and anothers Cooper would shoot three shots touching at 100yds. This is of course with either the 117gr Sierra BtSPT or the 120gr GameKing.

Given the two Sierra Bullets, with a remotely suitable powder you should be able to equal or improve on the Federal factory load.

Do use Federal 210 primers and Federal brass, trimmed and partially full length size. (look this sizing up if you are not familiar with the term).

With RL25 or Retumbo, you can exceed the factory velocities by as much as 150fps but may not see the accuracy either IMR7828 or H4831SC will give. And, with Retumbo and RL25, you'll need to use a Federal 215 (magnum) primer. Particularily if you'll be using the ammo in sub-zero weather.

Before it bacame a "cannister" grade powder, Remington loaded their .25/06 with non-cannister grade IMR7828. No telling what is used now as there are many, many powders available, especially to the industry.

 

[quartermaster]

IMR 4831 is my go to powder in all my 25-06s I have never messed with anything else as the accuracy and velocity has always been great for me

 

[41 Mag]

In the 25's I have worked with RL-22 has been the top performer for 115 - 117gr bullets. With the lighter ones IMR-4831 or IMR-4350 have been tops.

Using RL-22 with the 115's has been an almost exclusive load in ours for nearly 25 years. It has shot 5 shot groups around 1/2 - 3/4" at 200yds time and time again from the bench and dropped everything from Fox squirrels to mule deer.

 

[JimKirk]

IMR 7828, Retumbo, Reloder 25, Reloder 22, IMR & H 4831 are all good for that weight bullet ... I get best results with IMR 7828 at a full load ....

 

[flashhole]

I had good luck with IMR 7828 too but man was it dirty. I use 4831 for bullets 90 grains and lighter.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

4831, 7828, & Retumbo especially for the heavier 25 cal bullets. I have not had good luck with Retumbo and say 90 grn bullets. That is where 4831 seems to really shine.

With 117's you should be able to try all of them and get the best for your particular gun.