Reloading 25-06 28" Barrel Stats

[Savage 25-06]

OK, you may have seen my post on Barrel length suggestions. Well I have decided.
A Hart Barrel 28" 1-9 Twist
I'll shoot mainly 115gr - 120gr Bullets and powder H4831SC

So I'm looking for reload and ballistics data to see what ball park I'll be in.

If anyone knows this information or can point me in the right Direction I'd be grateful.

Savage 25-06 gun)

 

[Nomosendero]

The length and twist is a smart choice, esp. if Berger or someone comes out with a good 120-130 grain bullet. If I ever rebarrel my Sendero 25-06AI, I would do the very same.

 

[Savage 25-06]

Nomosendero Thanks for the post and the thumbs up on the choice, I'm trying to find out more about AI, is this something i need to do/have done when I'm ordering the barrel?. Not sure how to go about this, but very interested, from what I've been reading (not a lot) it sounds like the choices I made for the new Barrel would be ideal to AI.
Can you let me know.

Savage 25-06 gun)

 

[snox801]

I agree with the barrel choice and length. I used the exact same barrel for my 257 Roy. Also shooting 115 to 120.

 

[Savage 25-06]

Snow801, thanks for the Post, do you have the Hart 28: 1-9 twist, how does it shot. PM me please about Hunting Possibilities, or I can shoot you my #

Savage 25-06 gun)

 

[Clark]

I bought a 25-06 reamer. That was easy.

I just waited 18 weeks for my #3 Stainless 6.5x8 Ratchet barrel. That was harder.
I have a couple of 260s and three Swedes, so I already have the bullets.
I like 120 gr ballistic tips.

Whoops, wrong post office.

I also just waited for 18 weeks for a #3 Stainless Caliber 257x9 twist.
And I already shoot 25acp, 25-20, 25-35, 250 Sav, 257 Roberts, 257 Roberts Ackley, and 257 Roberts Ackley rimmed.

And I already like 115 gr ballistic tips.

 

[Nomosendero]

Nomosendero Thanks for the post and the thumbs up on the choice, I'm trying to find out more about AI, is this something i need to do/have done when I'm ordering the barrel?. Not sure how to go about this, but very interested, from what I've been reading (not a lot) it sounds like the choices I made for the new Barrel would be ideal to AI.
Can you let me know.

Savage 25-06 gun)

Well, whether to AI depends on your reloading experience and if you want to dedicate the extra time and step. It will not make it a 257Wea but it is close to half way between with all 3 loaded to max with a 26" tube, plus you can have better brass. The round performs well, I was getting 3250 with the 125 Wildcat, can get around 3350 with 115 BT, with your barrel you would be close to 257wea with a 26".

 

[Savage 25-06]

Nomosendero Thanks for the information, let me phrase it this way, How is AI achieved?.

Is it something I need the Barrel maker to do, or is it the head spacing from barrel into the receiver?


Savage gun)

 

[flashhole]

An Ackley Improved (AI) cartridge has the shoulder blown out to a flatter angle allowing a bit more powder to be put in the case. You need to have the barrel rechambered if you go this route.

The standard 25-06 is a fine cartridge in its own right. Mine is a Ruger #1 with a 24" barrel. It loves the Nosler 115 Ballistic Tip bullets (deer don't) and shoots them very accurately. I use Retumbo powder for heavy bullets and H4831SC for bullets 90 grains and lighter. With that long barrel you may find a slower powder like Retumbo gives better performance.

 

[RT2506]

The AI chambering must be done by the gunsmith when the new barrel is chambered. It basically takes most of the taper out of the 25-06 case and blows the shoulder forward making a steeper angle on the shoulder thus it creates more powder capacity in the case. You make your AI cases by firing standard 25-06 rounds with reduced loads. To each his own but I have used the 25-06 for a looooooooog time and I have never needed it to be AIed. As has been said when you go to AI cost goes up for shooting it. Plus you use up some of your barrel life just getting cases that you can work up loads with. With your 28" barrel and powders like Retumbo with the heaver bullets will probably fulfill your need. If you want to shoot longer range than what the standard 25-06 is capable of then you should go to a 6.5-06. It is the 25-06 case necked up to .264.

 

[Savage 25-06]

flashhole: Thanks for those tips and pointers, I may at this time just stay without doing the AI, as It can be done later if I'd like.

On powder I was under the impression that the H4831SC is what I'd want for throwing 115gr - 120gr Bullets, or the Heavier grained projectiles. But I know nothing of the newer powders so I'm open to what will give me tight groups,accuracy and knock down power.

I'll need to research more on my powders before I start loading for this new barrel.

Thanks Savage 25-06 gun)

 

[flashhole]

You can go to the on-line Hodgdon Data Center and select your cartridge, bullet and powder and it will show the choices. Take Aim at Rifle Reloading Data | Hodgdon Reloading

Select 117 and 120 grain bullets and Hodgon powder. What I like about Hodgdon is they always publish pressure data. Many will argue the published pressures are not accurate for anything but the barrel/gun they used to develop the data but it has always been a good reference for me. I generally go with the powder that gives the highest velocity with the least pressure. I also like a completely full case of powder so I tend to look at the compressed "C" data. I've yet to find a load that gave best accuracy at the max published limit. I usually end up 1.0 - 1.5 grains below max.

FWIW - I did not have much luck with H-1000. Good luck.

 

[Savage 25-06]

Thanks Flashhole, I played a little bit on their web page, I'll go back and study a it more, do you know where the longer Barrel comes into play as far as looking at a Powder/Load.

Savage 25-06 gun)

 

[Savage 25-06]

Thanks RT2506 for that helpful information, I think i'm staying with the standard 25-06 Chambering, I think I'll have a good edge with my barrel length (I'm an old goose Hunter, lol).

Flashhole, I wrote Hodgdons and told them of my build asking their thoughts on the powder, ie... length twist of barrel etc..., not that I don't believe you, I surely do, I just want to check recheck, and check again giving the exception of the barrel I chose.

If I miss anyone its not my intent, I thank all you folks giving me sound and years of advise, though I've been shooting for sometime, I know nothing.

Savage 25-06 gun)