Best powder choices for lightweight bullet in 25-06

[1K6BRA]

Just ordered a new Winchester model 70 sporter in 25-06 a few days ago. Will be shooting deer at relatively close range 30 out to 100+ yards here in Pennsylvania. I would like to give the 80 grain Barns TTSX a try.I’ve had good luck with them in 6.5 100 grain out of my 6.5x284. I’m not overly concerned about super high velocity more interested in what powder will shoot accurately with the lightweight bullets in 25-06. If anybody out there has experience with these bullets in a hunting weight rifle I would appreciate any info, thanks, Don

 

[Hohn]

There aren't any "best" powders, just ones that are better for your uses and constraints. I'd recommend you look at the Nosler data for "most accurate powder tested" as well as the Sierra data for "accuracy load" or "hunting load" as potential starting points.

There are newer generation powders that are worth considering if they work for your selected cartridge and bullet weight. IMRs Enduron, Hodgdon Extreme series, and several new Reloder powders sold by Alliant. Hornady indicates best results with RL22 and IMR 4831. Those are older powders and the newer RL23 and H4831 and H4831SC are the ones probably most comparable.

 

[STOMP442]

I have had excellent results using H4350 for just about everything from 85 to the Berger 115s. My 26" Criterion sporter much preferred H4350 over anything else.

 

[johara1]

A 25 is deer destroyer, the lightest bullet I shot was a 100 gr. and it was devastating and as close as you are talking it will look like a pipe bomb went off in it. you are going the wrong way with that puppy, go to heavy bullets. BTY I shot H 4831 .... jim

 

[Lone Hunter]

I've had very good accuracy with H4831SC. I shoot 85 gr NBT's for Varmints,Nosler 115 BT for deer. Sierra 100 gr and Hornady 75 gr V Max also shot great. I haven't shot the Barnes in mine but my buddy shoots the 85 in a .243WSSM and really likes it. It goes in and out both shoulders .

 

[BronzeArcher]

Light solid copper barnes bullets won't explode like jacketed lead bullets even at 25-06 speeds. I'd avoid the RL powders. They give higher velocities, but I've had pressure issues relating to temperature sensitivity.

Either H4350 or H4831 will give your very good velocities and likely accuracy also. If you already have one of these on the shelf, I'd try it first. If you need to buy a new powder, I'd lean toward H4831 since at some point you may move to heavier bullets to reduce wind drift at longer ranges, and H4831 is the better choice across the whole range of 25-06 bullet weights.

 

[Murray Brook]

I've had great accuracy and velocity with Norma MRP and 100 gr Sierras

 

[B23]

Probably the best powder, unfortunately, is also one of the most difficult to get right now which would be RL26, but RL16 and H4350 would also be very good choices.

 

[johara1]

The 4831 they have today is super slow form the old stuff when I shot the 25-06... Shot one in the neck at around 300 yds and it almost cut his head off except for a little skin holding it together.I learned not to shoot them in the shoulder also, when it blew it inside the ribcage... The 100 was going 3400 + Back then 60 gr. in a 270 with a 130 flat base was close to 3200, now 63 gr. is about 3000, then I paid 50cents a pound if you had your own container....... jim

 

[cjames]

I had a Ruger 77 25-06 that liked IMR 4350 with the light stuff and heavier bullets also.

 

[joed49]

I have no experience with the Barnes bullet but have shot a lot of the Nosler 85 gr bullets over 40 years. The most accurate powder I've found is RL19 with the lighter bullets with RL17 being a close second. I've seen 3650 fps with RL19 without pushing it, the IMR powders generally go about 3400 fps. I would not use the Nosler bullets on a deer.

I used IMR4350, IMR4831, H4831 and H4831sc, hands down have gotten better accuracy and higher velocity with the RL brands. The .25-06 thrives on velocity and will give its best accuracy at or near the max loads. Cut the charges down and velocity drops to .257 Roberts levels.

 

[Beeman]

h1000 and 115 Berger’s out of my 25-06AI. 3350 FPS and a real deer killer. If you are wanting to try a lighter all copper bullet, don’t forget to look in the Hammer bullets lineup. I’m using the 124 HH in my 6.5x47 with incredible results.

 

[Evan]

I'd almost bet money that IMR 4064 will give you top velocity and exceptional accuracy with the lighter bullets like the 80. IMR 4350 works great for heavier bullets like 100 and 117.

 

[Zero333]

If you want the highest velocities with the 80 gr TTSX.. I think RL-16 & RL-17 would be near the top of the list.

 

[daniel brothers]

https://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/25-06Remington.pdf

WOW... 3800 fps with Barnes 80 gr... WOW

 

[1K6BRA]

Thanks everybody for your input I appreciate it! Going to pick the new rifle up tonight after work. I wanted a 25-06 since I was a kid I had one for a few years and stupid me sold it. Figured it was time I have another one before I get much older.I would blame it on midlife crisis but I’m past that point.

 

[No i deer]

My 25 06 was great on 85gr nosler ballistic tips. It wás my favourite bullet in this calibre, I had several 1.5 inch 3 shot groups at 400yds.

 

[Bill Norris]

In most cases the 25-06 is easy to hand load for even with the lighter bullets. I've never owned one that was finicky about working up a good accurate load for with bullet ranges from 85 gr. to 120 gr.

 

[2506]

Been shooting the 25-06 for over 30 years. One of the 4350s is a good all round powder. I have used more IMR and Accurate 4350 than any powder because they shoot the same with the same load for me. Never fooled with a mono bullet. Lightest deer bullet I have used is 100 gr and they don't get much better than the Sierra Game King. But if you really want a deer hammer from short to long range get some 117 Sierra either the Game King or Pro Hunter. My current rifle shoots the Pro Hunter best. I have killed a train load of deer with the 25-06 from point blank to just about to the edge of the horizon of a NC bean field. LOL 99% of the time they are found dead where they were standing at the shot. One of the deadliest drop them in their tracks calibers I have ever used. I helped do crop damage control on a huge farm in east NC for 15 years and my buddy and I had to take 100 deer each year off the farm. We found what works and does not work for killing deer. Both of us a died in the wool 25-06 fans.

 

[joed49]

Thanks everybody for your input I appreciate it! Going to pick the new rifle up tonight after work. I wanted a 25-06 since I was a kid I had one for a few years and stupid me sold it. Figured it was time I have another one before I get much older.I would blame it on midlife crisis but I’m past that point.

You'll like the .25-06. It was my first centerfire rifle 40 years ago and it is still my favorite. I've used it to hunt groundhogs, deer and even black bear in Canada. It is extremely versatile when it comes to hunting.

Really hope to see reports on how it does for you. Enjoy it, it is a great cartridge.

Oh, and would love to see pictures of the rifle when you get it.