.257,115Gr. Berger Vld's in the 25-06

[dthunter]

Hello gunnutz! I just thought I would share the results of my first try with Berger bullets in my 25-06. My rifle is a Ruger M77 (Mark 1)bolt, with a 26" stainless barrel I built back in 1996. My recipe is 58.0Gr. Retumbo,Fed.210Match primers,Berger115Vld's(hunting). I seated my bullet 0.045" Off the rifling. I wanted to be 0.010" off the rifling but my magazine length wouldnt permit it.

The group wound up 0.415" for 5 rounds. Average velocity was 3136fps. I was very pleased with this combination. Considering this is the only Vld bullet for hunting in the 2506 that I know of. Gunnutz let me know if there is other 257 cal.Vld's out there. Next trip out I intend to stretch this load out to 500yds. or so. Then I will see what it really can do. For the gunnutz that have shot this bullet, how has it performed for you?

If I were to uniform the metplat how many thou do you think this would take off the tip? 0.005"-0.010"? This would allow me to approach the rifling a little more as well. I look forward to your thoughts guys.

 

[BigUglyMan]

I too have a custom 25-06 and this could be very interesting. I'll have to keep an eye on you and poach some load development!

 

[Northman999]

Me three!

Well, mine is a 25-06 AI, but good starting data is nice to have.

I've got a box of these same bullets sitting in by basement waiting for me to get to them.

Based on my limited experience with Berger VLD's, they have actually not been fussy about seating, and have been crazy accurate. And deadly on game - just be aware of the significant damage they do, and don't plan on eating anything near where you put a bullet.

 

[Cummins4x4]

My Cooper 25-06AI likes the 120SGK's, will have to try the Bergers. Never considered Retumbo, been using RL22 & RL19.

 

[dthunter]

Hi guys! Thanks for the replies! The Retumbo at 58.0 Gr. fills the case to about 97%ish. At 59.3 its 100% afer bullet seating. I will stick with the 58.0 for now and see how it prints at extended ranges. It will be a riot shooting it out to 800+!

It may be a little while before I can get out to do some more shooting. I am strapped for time lately. I am trying to deal with a parent dying of cancer, and it takes a huge toll on my time and emotional energy! My shooting works as a great stress reliever. I will let you guys know on this thread about my results. Take care and straight shoot'in!

 

[Jordan Smith]

Sorry to hear about your parent. That is difficult.

Just wanted to report that my .25-06 likes R17 with the 115gr VLD. It goes ~3100fps average and sub-MOA.

 

[BigUglyMan]

It may be a little while before I can get out to do some more shooting. I am strapped for time lately. I am trying to deal with a parent dying of cancer, and it takes a huge toll on my time and emotional energy! My shooting works as a great stress reliever. I will let you guys know on this thread about my results. Take care and straight shoot'in!

Dude, there is lots of time for shooting, but not lots of time with people. Do what you have to do and take whatever time you can for yourself. None of us are in a hurry for any news. Just take care of yourself and your family...the rest will fall into place on it's own.

 

[dthunter]

thanks for the kind words guys! It is very much appreciated!
By the way Jordan Smith, I have never tried the RL17 yet, but I have a pound just begging to be burnt! How is the loading density with the charges of RL17? Do you have your standard deviation? Mine with the Retumbo is just under 20fps. I wish it was down near 10 or less. I may try a different primer to lower the standard deviation. When time permits, I will venture forth and cast my bullets down range! Talk to you guys later. Have fun and straight shoot"in!