Can anyone recommend a hunting load for the Sierra Prohunter 117g over H4350 powder? I have a Marlin XL7 in 25-06 and currently use H4831 and get 1" groups. Looking for a backup load and use H4350 in my 270 and 30-06 with excellent results. Hunting whitetails out to 200 yard max shots.

i load IMR-4831 at 51 grs. with the 117. not the fastest but very accurate. try 50 or 51 grs of H-4350. im getting about .750 groups.

WELCOME TO A/R...

H-4350 and 117 grain bullets in the .25-06 is fine. Work up from about 45 grains.

I'm with Vines however as I'd choose a slightly slower powder....maybe IMR-7828 or H-1000 or Retumbo....but the 4350s will work nicely too.

I agree that 4350 is too fast for optimum performance in the .25-06, especially with 117 grain bullets. I use IMR-7828 (start at 50 grains and work up) in mine, but powders like RL-22, RL-25, etc. are other potentially good choices.

But the H-4831 you are using is also an excellent powder for this cartridge, and if you're getting 1" groups, why would you want "a back-up load" with some other powder?

Powder availability is the main reason for backup loads. My gun shop does not always have H4831 on hand and I refuse to pay hazmat fees.
My ideal scenario is to have 2 load workups for each caliber I reload for. I think it's time to splurge and buy 8 lbs of H4831 and H4350. I just might try R22 as well.

IF you have some 100gr bullets I would use the 4350 for them.

If you get the chance to go in on an order with a buddie and possibly split the cost on hazmat you might try something like H4831 or RL-22 for the heavier bullets. Either of them will work well with your other rifles also.