I went to the range this weekend and came back with some interesting results(well, to me anyway). The rifle was a Rem 700 in 25-06. The bullets I worked with were 100 gr nosler BT's, 115 gr partions, and 100 gr tsx. For powder, I chose AA3100, IMR 4831, H4831, and RL-22. With anywhere from 50-53 gr IMR 4831 behind the 100 gr BT's, I got one ragged hole at 100 yds, but with the other powders, groups opened up anywhere between 2-3". The interesting thing is that I obtained the same results with the 115 gr. partition and 100 gr. tsx. There was no significant change in accuracy with these bullets. I used to believe that when using bullets of the same weight, differences in their construction played an integral role in accuracy. I am now begining to think that powder selection is the more important variable(given that bullet weight remains constant). I am interested in hearing your opinion on this matter.

Molar, it definitely varies. I think it is our poster 'Reloader' that really emphasizes finding the right bullet (Reloader if that's not you I apologize in advance), but as you found sometimes a rifle loves a certain powder. I've not found that very often with my rigs. I find seating depth to be really important to getting the final tweak for accuracy like you described.

I think that if there isn't a significant difference in the bearing surfaces in the bullets you try, they will shoot pretty similar, at least in regards to grouping. I have found often that the groups may be similar, but POI changes from a little to a lot.

I'd load a bunch of the bullets up you like best, with the highest charge weight that you used given those one holers!

You may be right.....but it's going to be a very surprising day when I believe that powder selection is more contributing to accuracy than the bullet used.

Hey....if it works for you then go for it...

For me, it's not hard to get accuracy from several powders under one bullet, but bullets, that's totally diff. I have a finicky .338-06. It loves the 210gr NP using several powders. Switch to a 225gr, forget it, 2" groups at best. Switch again to any 250gr bullet, back to 1moa again. I always start w/ a bullet of choice then choose 2-3 powders to work loads up w/. If the bullet won't shoot w/ one of the 3 powders, it probably won't shoot w/ anyting else either.

Hey molar

IMR4831 was the same way with me and my 270. It is my go-to bullet for light-to-medium weight bullets in a caliber.

With the 120 gr bullets the RL22 would be worth a try.

I agree though that usually a rifle will shoot some bullets much better than others. Never could get a Partition to shoot accurately. If I could I would definitely use it over the TSX. I would have more faith in the Partition performance.

I'm convinced that my (Pre-64 Mod 70 Featherweight) .270 is sensitive to powder.

I've found that IMR 4320 is a far more accurate powder for Speer, Hornady and Sierra 130 grain bullets in my .270 than H 4831, IMR 4831, or IMR 4350, and I've been using IMR 4320 as my "go to" powder for 130s.

But then I grabbed some Nosler solid base 130s, and loads using IMR 4320 have been far less accurate than those using H 4831 (or H 4350, for that matter).

Just FWIW.

FWIW; In selecting components obtaining a good bullet is the lion's share of the accuracy search. Case, primer,and powder probably make up about 25% of the accuracy result. Some rifles are more finicky with powder selection than others it is true but I never found a powder that could give you the same bad result as a tipsy bullet.

Note this only referes to component selection and not rifle characteristics,ergo seating, bedding etc. roger

Going to throw my 2 cents in here. I do believe that bullet selection is #1, especially in a .257 bore. My .257 AI has been a real son of a gun to make consistant. Powder is probably the #2 important factor, once again shown to me by the cantankerous .257 AI which likes a different powder with each bullet weight. I feel that once cases and primers reach an acceptable standard of quality they become a non-issue. All of the above assumes a great deal in that the barrel and fit and finish of chamber is also assumed to be of an acceptable standard.

Roger's statement "...it is true but I never found a powder that could give you the same bad result as a tipsy bullet." Works for me.

The powders listed below are my best performing, with some overlapping of course.
75 - IMR 4064
85 - IMR 4350
100 - IMR 4831
110 - R22
115 - IMR 7828
120 - IMR 7828


R22 and the Nosler Accubond are a wonderful combination in the .257 Ai, and I would think worth a try in the .25-06.

Sounds to me like youve got a rifle that is agreeable with the three slugs you chose to work with. It doesnt always work that way. I feel that both bullets and powder (along with the amount of powder charge) are the most important factors. In my experience they are far more a determining factor than most other variables. Excluding the rifle itself of corse.