I have just got a new Stevens with a 22" barrel in .25-06, and plan on reloading for it. What is the best powder to start with when using Hornady 117g BTSP bullets?

The most accurate powder that I have found for my 25/06 is IMR 4350. With that said I have found the Speer 120 grain BTSP bullet to shoot the best in mine also. My rifle is an old tang safety Ruger M77 that my dad bought used years ago and handed down to me when he quit deer hunting.

Theres another thread thats a bit longer already with recommendations. I use that bullet in mine with H4831sc and WLR primers. Nate

I use RL-22 with 115 grain Berger VLDs with excellent results.

H 4831 W/ CCI 200

For a heavier bullet, I use the 115 gr. Nosler partition with IMR-7828. This powder should work fine with your 117 gr. Hornady's. For 87 and 100 gr. bullets I prefer H-4831.

quote:

I use RL-22 with 115 grain

I use Rl-22 behind my 115s. Gave me a little more velocity and accuracy than 7828 in my MKX

Your particular rifle will determine what's "best."

I personally would start with IMR7828 and R22.

7828 has given me the best velocity with this cart.

Good Luck

Reloader

Many years ago, whichever issue of the Sierra Reloading manual I had, recommended about 49gr of IMR4350 with 117 to 120gr bullets. That's been a consistently good load in several 25/06's that I have fooled with. Velocity is around 3000.