Hi there! I've recently got both a Stevens model 200 in 223 and a Browning A-bolt in 25-06. I really enjoying shooting both guns and I'm looking for some help finding some good loads for both, so if anyone can find the time to send me some tried and test loads then I'd really be greatful. Thanks Fishgutz
Looking for some 223 and 25-06 help!!!
- Thread starter fishgutz
- Start date
Like Maynard says, no two rifles will shoot the same ammo the same way. You'll have to work up a load for each rifle.
Beginning with the starting load, load 5 rounds only. Go up by half a grain of powder, loading 5 of each keeping them separate until you get to the max load in your manual.
Then go shooting. Shoot at 100 yards, for group only, slowly and deliberately off a bench.
Change targets between strings of 5 and allow time for the barrel to cool.
When you find the best group, sight in 4" high at 100. That'll put you on target out to about 300 yards with no hold over. At least with the .25-06.
Beginning with the starting load, load 5 rounds only. Go up by half a grain of powder, loading 5 of each keeping them separate until you get to the max load in your manual.
Then go shooting. Shoot at 100 yards, for group only, slowly and deliberately off a bench.
Change targets between strings of 5 and allow time for the barrel to cool.
When you find the best group, sight in 4" high at 100. That'll put you on target out to about 300 yards with no hold over. At least with the .25-06.
A far easier method to work up a load is to use a ladder method, whereby you increase powder charges slowly, shooting at the same target, and noting thier impact point.
Then you find the charges that group closest together, and make samples of those to shoot into groups. Shooting one target of 5 rounds of .5 gr difference is a waste of time and bullets, as you really onl get to know what that particualr group did, and you may have pulled a sht, the wind picked up or the hand of god intervened to make a one hole group, never to be repeated...
I found that in my Stevens 223, a 55gr Ballistic Tip wiht a max load of Benchmark (25.6gr IIRC) and a Federal primer worked very well. Work up...
Then you find the charges that group closest together, and make samples of those to shoot into groups. Shooting one target of 5 rounds of .5 gr difference is a waste of time and bullets, as you really onl get to know what that particualr group did, and you may have pulled a sht, the wind picked up or the hand of god intervened to make a one hole group, never to be repeated...
I found that in my Stevens 223, a 55gr Ballistic Tip wiht a max load of Benchmark (25.6gr IIRC) and a Federal primer worked very well. Work up...
- Location
- South Cariboo, BC
Yes, 4" high at 100 will cause lots of misses if your targets show inside of 200 yards.
My stevens 223 was very easy to find accurate loads with both H335 and H4895, and I'm sure it will do well with other powders as well. You have a great rifle to learn loading with, enjoy the process.
My stevens 223 was very easy to find accurate loads with both H335 and H4895, and I'm sure it will do well with other powders as well. You have a great rifle to learn loading with, enjoy the process.
john-brennan
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver Island B.C.
25-06
For the 25-06 Retumbo with 115gr partitions works great, 61gr MAX gave me 3230fps with a 24'' tube and decent accuracy, but H4831 is a great powder to use for bullets 100-120gr, good accuracy.
For the 25-06 Retumbo with 115gr partitions works great, 61gr MAX gave me 3230fps with a 24'' tube and decent accuracy, but H4831 is a great powder to use for bullets 100-120gr, good accuracy.
- Location
- Virden, MB
My Stevens 233 loves benchrest. I find 40g noslers, 26.5 grains of benchrest, Winchester brass and federal primers. I get great 100 and 200 yard groups with my stock stevens.
.223-25grns Benchmark, 55grn Nosler Balistic varmitbTip
25-06-49grns IMR 4350, 100grn Nosler Balistic hunting Tip
These loads are close to max. Try them out, the .223 load is the most accurate load I found for both my sako and my stevens. The 25-06 works great in my Tikka. These loads shoot under 1" in my rifles.
25-06-49grns IMR 4350, 100grn Nosler Balistic hunting Tip
These loads are close to max. Try them out, the .223 load is the most accurate load I found for both my sako and my stevens. The 25-06 works great in my Tikka. These loads shoot under 1" in my rifles.
