25-06 with Reloader 22

homesick · January 22, 2012, 10:57 AM

Has any one tried RL 22 in a 25-06 with either a 115 gr Nosler BT or 110 gr Accubond? I tried some this AM and the accuracy was not very impressive. I did not find a lot of data on this powder but used 49/50/51/52 gr. none were under 1" nor over 1 1/2 " .( no signs of pressure)

LSnSC · January 22, 2012, 05:48 PM

I use RL-22 for the 115 NBT and Sierra 117 gr BTSP in my 25-06. I get very good accuracy with both projectiles. IMR 4831 works as well.

Mike / Tx · January 23, 2012, 04:23 AM

I have been using RL-22 going on 20yrs now with the 115gr Partition, and just recently the 110gr Accubond. I use the same load for both weights. Accuracy has been outstanding with both.

The following were shot by the grandson and myself last summer. He has never shot past 150yds much less with this rifle. I was letting him burn through some Partitions I got that were coated, and I decided that they could be tumbled clean. Well they couldn't and ended up being nicely rounded over on the tips.

Anyway, he used them for practice, and didn't do bad at all. His first group at 235yds,

After he had gotten done burning up the rounds we took the picture, and moved the target out to 250yds. We then cleaned them up, and reloaded them with the 110gr AB. This was also his first time helping Pawpaw actually load bullets. He loaded up 60 rounds with the Accubond for him and his mom to hunt with. I cleaned the barrel, and fired one shot for a fouler, then two for group,

I was checking the scope for zero before hunting season came up and with the wind blowing the way it was that day I didn't mess with it. I know two shots usually doesn't mean squat on the internet, but this particular rifle has been doing this for most of the past 20yrs. In fact if it doesn't shot this or less, it is not the rifle or loads fault.

The following data is from an older manual, and has proved safe in my rifle only. It should only be used fora comparison of recent data. Should you choose to load to the listed charge weight do so very slowly checking for known pressure signs.

I worked this load up for the 115gr Partition, years ago using the Hornady 4th Edition data for their 117gr bullets. It uses 56.5grs of RL-22, Winchester cases, Winchester Primers, and is seated to a OAL of 3.250" or there abouts. I actually set the seater up to that OAL using a 100gr Ballistic Tip. Then during some load development I forgot to switch it back and found there was no need to it shot better than the previous setting I had been using with the 115. From my Remington 24" barreled BDL this load with the 115gr gets 3150fps, and with the 110gr, and everything else being the same, I get just over 3200fps.

To be honest, I have found this powder to really start to do it's best work on the upper end of the load data. If you have worked up to 54grs with no issues then you might start to play with your seating depth a bit. Give the listed 3.250" (base to tip) lenght a try, it certainly worked for this particular rifle.

homesick · January 23, 2012, 07:32 AM

Thanks Mike I have found the same thing with my 25s they don't seem to group well untill near max. Iam usung H4831 /52 gr / 115 Nosler BT Rem brass/ CCI 200. this load shoots under 3/4" all the time.
I only went to 52 gr with RL22 I'll have to go back out with some that are a tad hotter. The 52 gr had no pressire signs at all.

PawPaw · January 23, 2012, 09:46 AM

Several years ago I worked up a load for a Ruger 77 in .25-06 using RL22 and 117 Sierra Gamekings. I settled on a load using 50.0 grains and the bullet shot into 0.80 in that rifle. As this is a bone-stock hunting rifle, I stopped there. I've had other folks tell me that RL22 responds well to an increased powder charge and that the groups tighten as the charge increases.

Recently I got some new bullets (Hornady A-Max) and from looking in the Nosler Manual I've decided to try a load with RL19. Haven't fired it yet, but as soon as I do, I'll be talking about the results.

warbirdlover · January 23, 2012, 09:55 AM

I used to use RL19 and RL22 for 30-06 and had great luck with both powders and Nosler Balistic tips. The RL22 gave me a flatter trajectory though and the best groups came from using RL19.

I watched my buddy (now owns a sporting goods store) shoot a running deer at 500+ yards with open sights on his unsporterized (mint) 1903 Springfield sniper rifle with my RL19 load. I had to load him ammo every year until I quit reloading.

chiefr · January 23, 2012, 02:32 PM

In my particular 25-06 rifle, I have experimented with many powders with Sierra 100gr bullets. Hands down, the best groups I have attained are with RE22 powder.

homesick · January 24, 2012, 08:16 AM

I have tried many different load combos and I have found a few things so far.
It does not like mag primers with the loads I worked up. It does like H4831sc / 52 grains / WW brass / CCI 200 / Nosler 115 BT. It holds these under 1".
I have about 125 rounds through it now and it has setteled in pretty good.

I am going to get some 110 gr accurbond this week and try those, their a bit expensive but this will be a deer load only.

HiBC · January 25, 2012, 05:24 PM

My 257 AI is not a 25-06,but the H4831sc and 115 Ballistic tip work great for me.

If you just feel a need to experiment,early on I did find I got good results with Accurate 3100,and with the 100 gr bullets H or IMR 4350 shoot good.

Once again,that is 257AI.

homesick · January 25, 2012, 10:03 PM

I did pick up a box of 110 gr Accubond today. loaded with H4831sc, I had 3 test loads 3 shoots each nothing over 1 1/4" and nothing under 3/4". In fact the hottest load was the best which seems normal for the 25.
I did shoot some 115 Nosler BT with H4831 long cut and had 2 groups just a tad under 3/4".
This rifle only has about 140 rounds thru it now and seems to be settling in.
I just have this desire to hunt with the accubond for some reason, even though the ballistic tip has never let me down.

HiBC · January 27, 2012, 05:51 AM

Likely if it is new and you have 140 rounds through it a copper solvent cleaning is in order,if you have not been removing metal fouling.

You may find an accuracy improvement .Nothing brutal,just try one of the real good newer products per directions.

Something else to know when experimenting,when you change powders,do not be surprised if your groups open up for a while.Whether you choose a quick clean and a couple fouling shots,or just allowing a couple of groups for the barrel to get used to the new powder,you can be fooled by firing a group or two with 3 different powders looking for the accurate one.

homesick · January 27, 2012, 02:00 PM

I went to the range this AM with some test loads (Reloader 22) and found that 53.5 grains /110 Nosler Accubond/ CCI 200 / Win brass. shot 1/2".
I have 3 loads that do that one with 100 gr Sierra / H4831/ CCI 200 and the other is a 115 Nosler BT/ H4831/CCI 250 primer. This seems to follow the same pattern as other 25s I have had. They seem to function at one specfic powder charge and a 1/2 grain either way just does not work.
I called Nosler and talked to their service rep Mike (nice guy) he told me their test load max. was 53.5 gr of Reloader 22 / He also said it clocked out at 3197 FPS.

Guybo · January 28, 2012, 11:36 AM

I've been using RL22 in my 25.06 for years and have had excellent results with it. For me it has always been accurate and consistent with good velocity especially in the heavier weight bullets (110 - 120gr). Here's a load that i worked up with the 110gr Accubond back in 05. Mike

homesick · January 29, 2012, 06:56 AM

Guybo nice group,I have had the same success with the very same load and am about to go back to range with some more as soon as it breaks light. This load was given to me by Nosler via phone call to them. One day soon I will figure out how to post a picture on here

. Its the old dog new trick thing.

Remington 700 XCR II
Sightron Bigsky 4X16

53.5 gr RE22
110 nosler Accubind
Win brass
CCI200 primer
Nosler listed Vel 3197 FPS

This is a max load listing from Nosler, if your gona try it make sure you work up to it as each rifle is different.

Easy extraction , primer is not flattened ,

homesick · January 30, 2012, 07:26 AM

Went to the range yesterday, the load held up. I shoot 3 groups all under 3/4" not as good as 1st group but very close. One group opened up but it was not the load, it was me. (human error)

I'll now work up from 53 grains one 10th at a time to find if it will improve. Most of the time there isn't much improvement if any but every once in a while I will.
3/4" is good for big game loads IMO.

January 22, 2012, 10:57 AM	#1
homesick Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 378	25-06 with Reloader 22 Has any one tried RL 22 in a 25-06 with either a 115 gr Nosler BT or 110 gr Accubond? I tried some this AM and the accuracy was not very impressive. I did not find a lot of data on this powder but used 49/50/51/52 gr. none were under 1" nor over 1 1/2 " .( no signs of pressure)

January 23, 2012, 04:23 AM	#3
Mike / Tx Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Posts: 2,101	I have been using RL-22 going on 20yrs now with the 115gr Partition, and just recently the 110gr Accubond. I use the same load for both weights. Accuracy has been outstanding with both. The following were shot by the grandson and myself last summer. He has never shot past 150yds much less with this rifle. I was letting him burn through some Partitions I got that were coated, and I decided that they could be tumbled clean. Well they couldn't and ended up being nicely rounded over on the tips. Anyway, he used them for practice, and didn't do bad at all. His first group at 235yds, After he had gotten done burning up the rounds we took the picture, and moved the target out to 250yds. We then cleaned them up, and reloaded them with the 110gr AB. This was also his first time helping Pawpaw actually load bullets. He loaded up 60 rounds with the Accubond for him and his mom to hunt with. I cleaned the barrel, and fired one shot for a fouler, then two for group, I was checking the scope for zero before hunting season came up and with the wind blowing the way it was that day I didn't mess with it. I know two shots usually doesn't mean squat on the internet, but this particular rifle has been doing this for most of the past 20yrs. In fact if it doesn't shot this or less, it is not the rifle or loads fault. The following data is from an older manual, and has proved safe in my rifle only. It should only be used fora comparison of recent data. Should you choose to load to the listed charge weight do so very slowly checking for known pressure signs. I worked this load up for the 115gr Partition, years ago using the Hornady 4th Edition data for their 117gr bullets. It uses 56.5grs of RL-22, Winchester cases, Winchester Primers, and is seated to a OAL of 3.250" or there abouts. I actually set the seater up to that OAL using a 100gr Ballistic Tip. Then during some load development I forgot to switch it back and found there was no need to it shot better than the previous setting I had been using with the 115. From my Remington 24" barreled BDL this load with the 115gr gets 3150fps, and with the 110gr, and everything else being the same, I get just over 3200fps. To be honest, I have found this powder to really start to do it's best work on the upper end of the load data. If you have worked up to 54grs with no issues then you might start to play with your seating depth a bit. Give the listed 3.250" (base to tip) lenght a try, it certainly worked for this particular rifle. __________________ LAter, Mike / TX

January 23, 2012, 09:46 AM	#5
PawPaw Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2010 Location: Central Louisiana Posts: 3,137	Several years ago I worked up a load for a Ruger 77 in .25-06 using RL22 and 117 Sierra Gamekings. I settled on a load using 50.0 grains and the bullet shot into 0.80 in that rifle. As this is a bone-stock hunting rifle, I stopped there. I've had other folks tell me that RL22 responds well to an increased powder charge and that the groups tighten as the charge increases. Recently I got some new bullets (Hornady A-Max) and from looking in the Nosler Manual I've decided to try a load with RL19. Haven't fired it yet, but as soon as I do, I'll be talking about the results. __________________ Dennis Dezendorf http://pawpawshouse.blogspot.com

January 27, 2012, 05:51 AM	#11
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,289	Likely if it is new and you have 140 rounds through it a copper solvent cleaning is in order,if you have not been removing metal fouling. You may find an accuracy improvement .Nothing brutal,just try one of the real good newer products per directions. Something else to know when experimenting,when you change powders,do not be surprised if your groups open up for a while.Whether you choose a quick clean and a couple fouling shots,or just allowing a couple of groups for the barrel to get used to the new powder,you can be fooled by firing a group or two with 3 different powders looking for the accurate one. Last edited by HiBC; January 27, 2012 at 05:57 AM.

January 28, 2012, 11:36 AM	#13
Guybo Member Join Date: November 30, 2008 Location: NC Posts: 58	I've been using RL22 in my 25.06 for years and have had excellent results with it. For me it has always been accurate and consistent with good velocity especially in the heavier weight bullets (110 - 120gr). Here's a load that i worked up with the 110gr Accubond back in 05. Mike __________________ Life's Tough......God's Good......Pray Hard!

January 22, 2012, 05:48 PM	#2
LSnSC Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2010 Posts: 514	I use RL-22 for the 115 NBT and Sierra 117 gr BTSP in my 25-06. I get very good accuracy with both projectiles. IMR 4831 works as well.

January 23, 2012, 07:32 AM	#4
homesick Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 378	Thanks Mike I have found the same thing with my 25s they don't seem to group well untill near max. Iam usung H4831 /52 gr / 115 Nosler BT Rem brass/ CCI 200. this load shoots under 3/4" all the time. I only went to 52 gr with RL22 I'll have to go back out with some that are a tad hotter. The 52 gr had no pressire signs at all.

January 23, 2012, 09:55 AM	#6
warbirdlover Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2009 Location: central Wisconsin Posts: 2,324	I used to use RL19 and RL22 for 30-06 and had great luck with both powders and Nosler Balistic tips. The RL22 gave me a flatter trajectory though and the best groups came from using RL19. I watched my buddy (now owns a sporting goods store) shoot a running deer at 500+ yards with open sights on his unsporterized (mint) 1903 Springfield sniper rifle with my RL19 load. I had to load him ammo every year until I quit reloading.

January 23, 2012, 02:32 PM	#7
chiefr Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: AR Posts: 1,401	In my particular 25-06 rifle, I have experimented with many powders with Sierra 100gr bullets. Hands down, the best groups I have attained are with RE22 powder.

January 24, 2012, 08:16 AM	#8
homesick Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 378	I have tried many different load combos and I have found a few things so far. It does not like mag primers with the loads I worked up. It does like H4831sc / 52 grains / WW brass / CCI 200 / Nosler 115 BT. It holds these under 1". I have about 125 rounds through it now and it has setteled in pretty good. I am going to get some 110 gr accurbond this week and try those, their a bit expensive but this will be a deer load only.

January 25, 2012, 05:24 PM	#9
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,289	My 257 AI is not a 25-06,but the H4831sc and 115 Ballistic tip work great for me. If you just feel a need to experiment,early on I did find I got good results with Accurate 3100,and with the 100 gr bullets H or IMR 4350 shoot good. Once again,that is 257AI.

January 25, 2012, 10:03 PM	#10
homesick Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 378	I did pick up a box of 110 gr Accubond today. loaded with H4831sc, I had 3 test loads 3 shoots each nothing over 1 1/4" and nothing under 3/4". In fact the hottest load was the best which seems normal for the 25. I did shoot some 115 Nosler BT with H4831 long cut and had 2 groups just a tad under 3/4". This rifle only has about 140 rounds thru it now and seems to be settling in. I just have this desire to hunt with the accubond for some reason, even though the ballistic tip has never let me down.

January 27, 2012, 02:00 PM	#12
homesick Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 378	I went to the range this AM with some test loads (Reloader 22) and found that 53.5 grains /110 Nosler Accubond/ CCI 200 / Win brass. shot 1/2". I have 3 loads that do that one with 100 gr Sierra / H4831/ CCI 200 and the other is a 115 Nosler BT/ H4831/CCI 250 primer. This seems to follow the same pattern as other 25s I have had. They seem to function at one specfic powder charge and a 1/2 grain either way just does not work. I called Nosler and talked to their service rep Mike (nice guy) he told me their test load max. was 53.5 gr of Reloader 22 / He also said it clocked out at 3197 FPS.

January 29, 2012, 06:56 AM	#14
homesick Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 378	Guybo nice group,I have had the same success with the very same load and am about to go back to range with some more as soon as it breaks light. This load was given to me by Nosler via phone call to them. One day soon I will figure out how to post a picture on here . Its the old dog new trick thing. Remington 700 XCR II Sightron Bigsky 4X16 53.5 gr RE22 110 nosler Accubind Win brass CCI200 primer Nosler listed Vel 3197 FPS This is a max load listing from Nosler, if your gona try it make sure you work up to it as each rifle is different. Easy extraction , primer is not flattened , Last edited by homesick; January 29, 2012 at 07:04 AM.

January 30, 2012, 07:26 AM	#15
homesick Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 378	Went to the range yesterday, the load held up. I shoot 3 groups all under 3/4" not as good as 1st group but very close. One group opened up but it was not the load, it was me. (human error) I'll now work up from 53 grains one 10th at a time to find if it will improve. Most of the time there isn't much improvement if any but every once in a while I will. 3/4" is good for big game loads IMO.