Can anyone give me the trim to length of a 25-06AI or better yet a diagram of cart. dem. specs.?? Also a good starting 100 gr. bullet load.., thanks, Doc Stone

I am currently own 2 rifles that are chambered for the 25/06 AI (by same gunsmith) and have about 16 years experience with this calibre.

During this time I have noted widely varying load data, and chamber dimensions, so it is virtually impossible to use data from other rifles. The dimensions of my cases are length 2.494, head .4665, shoulder .4545, shoulder angle 40 degrees, and case capacity using Remington brass is 70.5 grains in 1 rifle, and 72.1 in the other.

I use 25/06 cases for fireforming, with the bullet seated to firmly engage rifling. I find a maximum 25/06 load with any bullet weight will form cases, which will shorten approximately .005 to .020 inches on fireforming.

In both rifles I have mainly used the Nosler 100 grain Ballistic tip, as it has given terrific performance in the field on medium game here in Australia. However I have also chronographed the 90, 115, and 120 grain bullets. Recent testing in rifle number 2, has shown that the Nosler 115 grain ballistic tip has given sub 0.5 moa accuracy when working up loads, but I have not yet used this bullet in the field to gauge its performance.

My testing has shown that this case using the 100 grain bullet, is best suited to using powders like H4831sc, Re 22, Viht N165, or others which have a similar burning rate.

I recommed that after the cases have been fireformed (and annealed), choose one of the above powders, then begin with what would be a maximum load for that powder in the 25/06 case, and then firing 3 shot groups, work up to maximum pressure increasing loads by 0.5 grains at a time. Hope the above helps, and good luck. Brian

Brian. thanks so much for the info. I should get my redding dies tomorrow so I can start shooting some fo the fireformed brass. If you are interested I will keep in touch and be asking opinions and advice.. Again many thanks, Doc Stone

Doc Stone, I certainly would be interested to hear progress reports, and am happy to try and help if you hit any hurdles.

I have an RCBS 3 die set comprising F/L, Neck, and seater, which seems to work efficiently. Due to the case design, I would use the neck sizing die about 99% of the time for resizing. Perhaps to give you a comparison with your Redding dies, the dimensions of the case neck throughout the cycle are:
Fired case, neck sized without expander button - .2800
Fired case, neck sized with expander button - .2815
Loaded size .2850
Fired size .2915

Although I always neck size using the expander button, I included the dimension so you could see how much the button was working the brass. I hope that helps, Brian.