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25/06 Loads?

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Whelen Man

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Hey folks. I've got a question. I just picked up a Ruger 77MkII Varmint in 25/05 and have never touched that caliber before. If I remember right Tim has reloaded for this caliber and maybe others. I primarily want to just load for target accuracy with a possibility of deer sometime, who knows. I've picked up a box of Sierra 120 HPBT bullets for starters and have RL22, IMR4831, and IMR4350 powders that I've seen used in this caliber. Anybody have any suggestions as to max loads, seating depths, etc. as I'm starting from scratch.

I prepared some old once fired brass that I had and also tried sizing down some 270 brass to see if there would be any difference in neck size in prepared cases from sizing down. I seem to have gained .002 on the neck dimensions by doing this. I'll have to be careful and not exceed my neck's safe dimensions but want to try some brass closer in dimensions to the chamber. We'll see what develops. I may order some cerrosafe and check my neck dimension before trying anything further. Accuracy in different cases should be interesting I've got Winchester 25/06, Remington 25/06, Federal 270's necked down, and Remington 270's necked down. I tried necking down some 30/06 brass but it was a little more finicky trying to size down in one step and the finished dimensions of the brass necks was the same as that for 270 brass in the end. The 270's require a little extra case trimming when forming but I can live with that. Just an interesting side note.
 
I currently have 2 25/06`s but mr big is the one to ask about this caliber. He gave me advise on what to use with the 100 grain bullet, and it worked out in my rifle. IMR4831 was fast and accurate. RL22 worked quite well in another 25/06. Most of the ones I have loaded for have liked to be seated .005" or closer to the lands. big may have more ideas.
 
Here's the new toy...
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Dr. Dickel said:
I notice the Ruger you have is a VT.........you already know that it is not a carry rifle, I am for sure.
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It's a carry rifle as long as I don't have to carry it far. I'll probably play with it more than hunt with it though. I've always thought about what people consider carry rifles and noted that my
Dad carried a 19 pound BAR all over Italy, North Africa, and Cicily for four years and never worried about it. That makes even our Sendero's seem light by comparison. Guess we do what we have to.
 
moondog said:
I may have some brass and a few bullets left over from when I was shooting a 25-06, if so you can have them, I'll call you in a day or two.
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I'd be happy to take it off your hands. I thought this might be one of your rifles since it came from the used guns at Benton Shooters.

Tim, I may have to give the 100 grs. a try. I checked the throat length on this thing this morning and evidently Bill Ruger intended for it to be a varmint rifle. It's really throated too short for the 120s. They will intrude on case space quite a bit and can't even be loaded to Saami COL specs. One of those 36x B&L scopes sure would look nice on this rifle when you decide to part with it Tim. Right now I've got an older Simmons Gold Medal Silhouette 6-20 on it that I've had for years and on several different rifles. Back when I bought it that was the only scope Simmons made that had a Leupold price tag and I've been happy with it. They discontinued the scope after a short period. Resolution is good with very little aberration around the edges.
 
270 brass has a longer neck and is not good for necking to 25,if the throat is short and your using 100NBTS I would start at 54 grs IMR-4831 and work up,mine likes 56 or so depending on how hot it is.if it builds pressure before you get the speed try H-4350.the long throated ones with the 100 like IMR -4831,RL-19,H-450 speed powders..

odd as it may sound the most accurate 120 SBTHPGK load I ever shot was 46 grs IMR -4064 but it was slow,RL-22 gets the nod for speed and groups.

the most accurate load period was the 110 Berger and 52 IMR-4350
 
Thanks for all the input. I loaded up some of the 120 Sierra BTHPs this morning with IMR4831 powder .005 off the lands. I also loaded some test loads with some 117 Hornady SSTs with RL22 these .010 off the lands. We'll see what happens with the first trip. I think I'll be buying some 100 gr. ballistic tips and Sierra Match Kings to try next. I have a feeling that's where I'll go with this rifle. It says that's what it wants. Thanks again! Info coming when I get to the range.
 
I know you said your looking to only take it out for a deer a lil bit but be careful, after shooting a deer 1 time with it you may be hooked.
The 25 is a great deer gun and although that rifle is heavy you only have to tote it to the stand. I have one in a Sendero and its heavy but very accurate.

I like the 115gr Nosler partition and the 115gr Nosler Ballistic Tip but have heard good things about the Accubonds.
 

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