I'm trying to get a new Tikka T3 25-06 to shoot 100 gr bullets straight. I am not getting the typical Tikka performance, 1.5 plus with various loads of Imr 4350 and 4831. I think the rifle is o.k., but the brass does not expand to the chamber. The bolt closes snug at 2.037 (Sinclair nut), new cases are 2.032-033. Even after two firings most have stayed the same or gained .001 at most. The brass seems very hard. I will anneal some of them and go from there. Any advise welcomed. Top loads in the 3000- 3100 mv area. Thanks, Barlow
Winchester 25-06 brass
- Thread starter Barlow
- Start date
What nut are you referring to?
I am familiar with the Sinclair bullet comparator nut but I am not familiar with a case comparator nut.
1. Annealing a few cases might give you more information.
2. Your rifle has a plunger ejector that will push the cases forward. You might try shooting it without the ejector if it is easy to remove and replace. The cases will be less likely driven into the chamber.
3. If you have any other brand of brass such as R-P or Federal you might try a few shots to see how they react. I know that when forming cases R-P is usually a bit softer than WW and Federal is even softer in the neck and shoulders than either R-P or WW in the calibers that I have formed.
4. What pressure range and what powder charge are you using?
I am familiar with the Sinclair bullet comparator nut but I am not familiar with a case comparator nut.
1. Annealing a few cases might give you more information.
2. Your rifle has a plunger ejector that will push the cases forward. You might try shooting it without the ejector if it is easy to remove and replace. The cases will be less likely driven into the chamber.
3. If you have any other brand of brass such as R-P or Federal you might try a few shots to see how they react. I know that when forming cases R-P is usually a bit softer than WW and Federal is even softer in the neck and shoulders than either R-P or WW in the calibers that I have formed.
4. What pressure range and what powder charge are you using?
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What part of the cases and what calibers does this data refer too?
I know back in ancient history there was an article published that showed F-C 7mm Rem Mag brass was harder in the head area that other US brands.
If his brass is not forming to fit the chamber the hardness of the case head is not really relevant.
I know back in ancient history there was an article published that showed F-C 7mm Rem Mag brass was harder in the head area that other US brands.
If his brass is not forming to fit the chamber the hardness of the case head is not really relevant.
Are you using some part of the Sinclair bullet comparator on the shoulder of your cases?
The bullet comparator diameters are not nearly as large as the .375 SAAMI gauge ring diameter so your measurements could be up close to the radius between the neck and the shoulder.
I am very familiar with loads like you are shooting since I have used 52 gr of IMR (formerly Dupont) 4350 since about 1972. I use the 100 grn Sierra flat base with WW brass and the #210 Federal primer.
The bullet comparator diameters are not nearly as large as the .375 SAAMI gauge ring diameter so your measurements could be up close to the radius between the neck and the shoulder.
I am very familiar with loads like you are shooting since I have used 52 gr of IMR (formerly Dupont) 4350 since about 1972. I use the 100 grn Sierra flat base with WW brass and the #210 Federal primer.
.223 cases, and the measurement was taken on the case body, not the case head.
Anybody use RL15 with 100 gr bullets in 25-06? I see they have a , 44.9 gr load in their book. I think I will try it today. Also, I think the scope on this rig is bad (Vortex Crossfire11, 3x9). Initial shot always 2 or so inches left, then they drift right group a little and drift back left. Put a Leupold Vari X 3 on in last night 2.5x8. Last 3 rounds yesterday went all over the place 4-5".It was a perfect day to shoot, overcast, no wind 40 degrees. Barlow
I have been shooting the 25-06 for over 25 years and the standard load that has shot great in every rifle I have worked with shooting 100 gr cup and core bullets is 52 grs IMR 4350. This was the suggested accuracy load in the 4th edition Sierra manual and the Lyman 48th edition. Some of your problem is your powder charge is too light. I have found that most 25-06s want to shoot very close to max up to max on the powder charges. Max load in most manuals is 53 grs IMR 4350. Out of a 24" barrel with the above load you should average 3200 fps. Work up to 52 grs to see if your pressure is OK and then play with the seating depth and you will most likely find bug holes at 100. Good luck.
I agree, and so far 51 grs has been more accurate. I'll see what happens after this scope switch. Thanks, Barlow
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