25-06 with Varmint bullets

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Vanderdootch

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I have been doing a lot of reading across many threads across CGN and it is quite astounding as to how many different powders across a wide range of burn rates are used when loading the 25-06. I am looking to use it for light weight varmint bullets because I already have a .270 that works famously for deer and other larger game. I have seen guys posting that they have success with 4064 and Varget. Then I’ll see people indicating they have great success with H4831 and IMR 4831 all within the 75-85gr bullet range These powders are significantly different when it comes to burn characteristics.

My question is, what could be the cause of this and which powers should I consider starting with. I plan to use either the 75gr Vmax or the 85gr Nosler ballistic tip. I’ll be shooting it from a Sako AV hunter with a 22” barrel and a 1:10 twist.

Thanks for any input and guidance!
 
While I have not had a 25-06 for many years now and there is lots of new powders out since then and I cannot speak from experience about them in the 25-06, when I loaded it I used IMR4831 for everything from 85 to 117 gr bullets, mostly because that's what I had. It worked good back then so no reason it shouldn't work now
 
waldo54 said:
While I have not had a 25-06 for many years now and there is lots of new powders out since then and I cannot speak from experience about them in the 25-06, when I loaded it I used IMR4831 for everything from 85 to 117 gr bullets, mostly because that's what I had. It worked good back then so no reason it shouldn't work now
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If only IMR powders were still available today. The availability is getting scarce for IMR these days.

I am mulling over the idea of trying H4350 with a 75gr Vmax. I have both Varget and H4350 on hand. So I am likely to try them both before moving onto a different powder. I just wonder if there is tried and true powder that just seems to always work. 4831 does keep cropping up as one of those powders for 25-06.
 
A buddy of mine that still shoots 25-06 loads with Hybrid 100V which has a burn rate between 4350 and 4831 I have never personally tried it but he seems to like it. 4350 and 4831 have always been powders that I have kept a good supply of, they just seem to work in many cartridges
 
H4831 is an old standby that still works extremely well with bullets from 70 grains to 125 grains.

It seldom surprises in a negative manner, and when it does, it's usually because to many rounds have been sent down the tube since the last cleaning.

I find the 25-06 is especially prone to jacket fouling build up when shooting light for caliber bullets very fast.

It also tends to burn throats quickly.

Varget can give you some unpleasant surprises with altitude changes, maybe because it's a bit on the fast side for such large case capacities compared to bore diameter?

H100V is better, IMHO, as it's slower and fills the case better. It also works well with all bullet weights, without surprises.

H100V is an excellent powder, slightly slower than IMR4350, and people are just starting to find out how good it is. Not only that, it seems to be available at most outlets. It meters better than all three of the others mentioned here.
 
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I loaded varget and 75gr v max to about 3600fps. It is not fur friendly inside 100 yards unless you shoot chest on facing you for coyotes. Smaller game basically explodes. Almost cut a fox in half at 30 yards. Also separated a crows head from the tail by 42' off the burn barrel. The rest couldn't be found
I've started using a 223 for coyotes since I burnt out another 2506 barrel. The 25 with the 75gr bullets has a drastically more violent impact and there's no swirling and biting or running when chest shots are taken. Ain't so with the 223
 
58.5 grains of IMR4831 launches an 85gr Ballistic Tip to near hypersonic speed in my custom 700...Primer pockets are getting easy after 6-7 loadings and Chrome moly barrels last around 900 rounds...You don't spare the fuel with a quarter bore rocket...HA.

I tried H4831 and found it lackluster...I use a ton of Varget in 308's but IMR4831 has worked so predictably fast and accurate for so long in my 25's that I have never felt the need to try it.

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Thanks for you replies everyone! It is still funny how wild of a spectrum of burn rates apply to all bullet weights! IMR powders are off the table since they are very few and far between. I will certainly be exploring the H100V for the lighter bullets. I have also been considering H4350, but it seems to be a little too fast and down provide adequate case fill.
 
Vanderdootch said:
Thanks for you replies everyone! It is still funny how wild of a spectrum of burn rates apply to all bullet weights! IMR powders are off the table since they are very few and far between. I will certainly be exploring the H100V for the lighter bullets. I have also been considering H4350, but it seems to be a little too fast and down provide adequate case fill.
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You are going all technical, when you need to see what your rifle will like.

Theory colliding with reality.
 
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A 22" barrelled .25-06 shooting 85gr bullets is not really any better than a 24" barrelled 6.5x55mm shooting 85gr bullets and the 6.5x55's barrel will last longer before it is shot out and will burn a lot less powder to do it too.

This is 6.5 Creedmoor data and a 6.5x55mm can easily match or better it in a modern rifle as it is a larger capacity case.


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Lefty #### said:
You are going all technical, when you need to see what your rifle will like.

Theory colliding with reality.
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It’s fun to wax poetic about what is the best path to success. I would like to develop an accurate load in as few shots as possible. I have a wide variety of powders on hand (Varget, IMR 4064, H4350, H4831) to try out and look forward to putting some rounds down range! I should be able to find a load that works with one of these powders!(provided the barrel likes the bullet choice).
 
I reload for a shooting/hunting buddy, his 06 with 85GR Ballistic tips, does extremely well with Reloader 19 and my Ruger 77Varmint SS really liked the IMR 4831 when I was using it. Guns are like fingerprints and none are alike. Only your gun can show you what it likes to eat! Great round but not fur friendly but since theyre not worth anything anymore I just use whatever floats my boat that day but the 257 Bee turns the switch off rather quickly. If you require any IMR4831 just send me a PM!!
 
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