25-06 Remmington

[308Loader]

I’m starting to work with the 25-06 Remington (again), rifle is a Thompson center encore breach loader, single shot. Working with CCI-BR2 primers, IMR 4350 and Hornady 100gr FB-SP. Last time I ran this ladder I used IMR4350 and landed at the Hornady book start with best accuracy. Probably didn’t run it up to any near max, don’t feel I need to. Since then I feel I have progressed as a reloader and am starting over. I am using the Hornady 10th manual as a reference. This shows 45.7-52.2 start to MAX. before you all post the hodgdonreloading.com reference and how far below start this is and under max… consider the rifle. My goal is accuracy, whitetail deer at 200yrds max, paper at same.

Back to the Hodgdon site, I see that IMR4064 might give me 100FPS less in velocity but 3200 CUP less in pressure. What are you all using for the 25-06 rem?

[TX Nimrod]

When I owned a .25-06 I had best results with IMR-4831. This powder fills the case well and gives high velocity at reasonable pressures. I don’t remember the exact load with 100-grain Noslers, but it was a couple grains under max.



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[Mike / Tx]

For my standard version I used IMR 4831 for 95% of the 100gr loads. The Sierra and Barnes X were the odd losds. Both shot best over IMR 4350.

I settled on the 115gr Partition with RL 22 as a standard load though getting almost the same velocity but better all around performance.

[std7mag]

Personally, i'd not use the 4064 due to case fill, or rather lack there of.
I try to pick powders that will give me a minimum 85% case fill.
Max load of 4064 in the Nosler manual is showing 73%.

When getting low on case fill, the powder lays in the bottom of the cartridge, giving uneven ignition. Combine that with the large air capacity in the case and you can get some weird (and pretty nasty) pressure spikes..

If your looking for something other than IMR4350, i'd try something in the 4831, Ramshot Hunter, RL19 range.

Sierra showing best accuracy AND best hunting loads with RL22 using a 100gr bullet.

As a side note, i shoot a LOT of Hornady bullets. Mostly for the economics side. (aka, they are cheap to buy)
Best accuracy comes with different bullets though.
All else being the same i've consistantly shrunk my group sizes using Nosler or Sierra bullets vs Hornady. Ditto Berger VLDs but they are a different animal altogether.

[Don Fischer]

Originally Posted by 308Loader

I’m starting to work with the 25-06 Remington (again), rifle is a Thompson center encore breach loader, single shot. Working with CCI-BR2 primers, IMR 4350 and Hornady 100gr FB-SP. Last time I ran this ladder I used IMR4350 and landed at the Hornady book start with best accuracy. Probably didn’t run it up to any near max, don’t feel I need to. Since then I feel I have progressed as a reloader and am starting over. I am using the Hornady 10th manual as a reference. This shows 45.7-52.2 start to MAX. before you all post the hodgdonreloading.com reference and how far below start this is and under max… consider the rifle. My goal is accuracy, whitetail deer at 200yrds max, paper at same.

Back to the Hodgdon site, I see that IMR4064 might give me 100FPS less in velocity but 3200 CUP less in pressure. What are you all using for the 25-06 rem?

So what kind of accuracy is required on a deer at 200yds?

[std7mag]

Depends entirely upon whom you ask.

I know lots of people that say minute of deer is 2 MOA.
Of course most of those pull the gun out of the cabinet the week before season & shoot maybe 3 rounds before calling it good and off to hunting.

Myself that shoots a lot more & some local matches, if 5 rounds aren't sub MOA, i'm not happy!

[308Loader]

Guess I should redefine the goal. Sub MOA on paper and deer out to 200yrds? Basically, the best the rifle and I combined can shoot out to 200. I know 2" is more than fine for deer, just want to have my cake and eat it too.

"Myself that shoots a lot more & some local matches, if 5 rounds aren't sub MOA, I’m not happy!"

While I don’t shoot matches, I could not agree more. Tight groups off the bench build confidence in field condition shots. Off the bench we have little adversity, in the field there are many more variables.

[stagpanther]

I haven't heard a hunter yet that complained about their rifle being TOO accurate--but ya never know.

120 gameking driven by 4831 @ 200

[joed]

I would pass on IMR4064 and use something that fills the case better. My first choice would be RL19 followed by IMR4350, IMR4831 or the Hodgdon versions.

I've shot the .25-06 for over 40 years now. If you want accuracy you'll find that it usually happens at near max charge in this cartridge.

[TX Nimrod]

The OP found out that the best accuracy with his rifle was at the starting load level....


.

[Savagehawg]

Mine is 49 gr of IMR4350 behind a 120 gr BTHP Hornady Interlock 4 rounds touching at 100 yards out of a Savage model 111 been using it for about 10 years

[joed]

Originally Posted by TX Nimrod

The OP found out that the best accuracy with his rifle was at the starting load level....


.

Good luck to him then. I like to think I learned something about the .25-06 in 40+ years of loading and shooting it.

[308Loader]

that was the first time ran a ladder when I was brand new to reloading. starting over, dont shoot this rifle much. I like my 308's. thanks for the segestions, need to see if any of those powders are available at the LGS.

[reynolds357]

Originally Posted by 308Loader

I’m starting to work with the 25-06 Remington (again), rifle is a Thompson center encore breach loader, single shot. Working with CCI-BR2 primers, IMR 4350 and Hornady 100gr FB-SP. Last time I ran this ladder I used IMR4350 and landed at the Hornady book start with best accuracy. Probably didn’t run it up to any near max, don’t feel I need to. Since then I feel I have progressed as a reloader and am starting over. I am using the Hornady 10th manual as a reference. This shows 45.7-52.2 start to MAX. before you all post the hodgdonreloading.com reference and how far below start this is and under max… consider the rifle. My goal is accuracy, whitetail deer at 200yrds max, paper at same.

Back to the Hodgdon site, I see that IMR4064 might give me 100FPS less in velocity but 3200 CUP less in pressure. What are you all using for the 25-06 rem?

You never know where the accuracy load will fall. I usually find them at or slightly over max.

[Sure Shot Mc Gee]

25-06 powder choice? IMR4831

[Guybo]

I've been loading for the 25.06 for around 30yrs, it's a sweet shooter and no doubt my favorite caliber. It shoots fast and flat with mild recoil and hits the target hard. I've always liked shooting the heavier bullets from 110gr-120grs and their performance on game has been excellent for me.

I've tried lots of different powders and combinations over the years with good results but my powder of choice is RL22 followed by RL25 especially with the heavier bullets. Both these powders have been both accurate and consistent . I've heard of both these powders being temp sensitive but i've personally never experienced that here in NC. My favorite deer load is a Speer 120gr Hot-Cor with RL22 but i also have a load with the Hornady 120gr HP and RL25 that performs equally as well.

As mentioned, the 25.06 tends to perform at it's best with a full house of whichever powder you decide to go with. Good luck, i'm sure you'll find a good load and enjoy your new rifle.