Anyone have a pet load for the 25 06 AI with a velocity to go with it?

Do you prefer to use 270 brass to downsize then fire form?

What brand of brass do you like to use?

You did not mention what bullet weight you are using, but I believe that the case capacity of about 72.0 grains makes the 25/06AI best suited to bullets in the 100 - 120 grain range.

I currently have two rifles chambered for the 25/06AI, and each was a standard 25/06 for about 200 shots before it was rechambered, and this enabled me to see what the velocity gains were in the same barrel.

In rifle number one is a Sako L61R Sporter. (23.5 inch barrel) I have fired about 1600 shots, the throat is eroded about .250 inches, velocity is down about 150 fps, but it is still working well in the field.

In rifle Number 1, my main field load for about 1000 shots, has been 60.0 grains IMR 4831 behind the 100 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, and produced around 3,550 fps. A load of 60.5 grains (occupies to base of bullet) would exceed 3,600 fps and would group between .5 and .7 moa, but I found that when the temperature got over 30C (about 90F) the pressures would be a little excessive. Some chronograph results from this rifle using Remington cases, Federal 215 primer were:
Nosler 100 grain SPBT
59.0 grains IMR 4831 - 3494 fps
60.0 grains IMR 4831 - 3547 fps (Max)

59.0 grains H4831 - 3247 fps
60.0 grains H4831 - 3339 fps
61.0 grains H4831 - 3488 fps (Near Max, 100%load density)

62.0 grains WIN785- 3514 fps
63.0 grains WIN785- 3556 fps (Max)

Nosler 120 grain SPBT
56.0 grains IMR 4831- 3252
57.0 grains IMR 4831- 3325 (Max)

58.0 grains H4831 - 3217 fps
59.0 grains H4831 - 3310 fps (Max)

59.0 grains IMR 7828 - 3267 fps
60.0 grains IMR 7828 - 3330 fps (Max, 100% load density)

66.0 grains H870 - 3143 fps
67.0 grains H870 - 3194 fps
68.0 grains H870 - 3300 fps (Normal, 100% load density)

Rifle number two has a SakoL61R action, Shilen SS 24 inch barrel, and Fajen walnut stock. In this rifle I am achieving maximum pressure with about 1 grain less powder than rifle number 1. About 2 weeks ago I tested and chronographed some loads with various powders, Remington cases, Remington 9.5M primer, with the Nosler 100 grain BT, with the results being:
58.0 grains IMR 4831 - 3469 fps
59.0 grains IMR 4831 - 3538 fps (Max)

59.0 grains WIN WXR - 3396 fps
60.0 grains WIN WXR - 3466 fps
61.0 grains WIN WXR - 3529 fps (Near Max)

60.0 grains H4831sc - 3344 fps
61.0 grains H4831sc - 3435 fps
62.0 grains H4831sc - 3479 fps (Max)

61.0 grains IMR 7828 - 3409 fps (Normal, 100% load density)

61.0 grains VihtN165 - 3472 fps
62.0 grains VihtN165 - 3547 fps
63.0 grains VihtN165 - 3591 fps (Max, 98% load density)

62.0 grains WIN WMR - 3438 fps
63.0 grains WIN WMR - 3549 fps
64.0 grains WIN WMR - 3610 fps (Max)

63.0 grains H1000 - 3261 fps
64.0 grains H1000 - 3310 fps (Mild, 100% load density)

I have decided to use 62.0 grains Viht N165 as my field load in this rifle for a while and see how it goes. I have only fired three 3 shot groups with this load, but they were all between .5 and .75 moa, which I consider good,but not outstanding for a hunting rifle.

I have been using Remington 25/06 cases and fireforming them with a maximum 25/06 load, and with the bullet seated to engage the lands. This procedure has worked well for me in numerous Ackley Improved cases. I note however that others have successfully used necked down 270 Win brass for their loads.

I believe it is impossible to recommend a pet load, as you can see (and have probably heard) each rifle is different, and it is courting disaster if you adopt a load from a different rifle. You just have to work up to maximum pressure with each powder/bullet weight, so start about 5 grains below my maximum loads. Good luck, Brian

I am shooting a 25.06 AI, Ruger 77 Mark II action and a 24" Hart barrel with 1:12 twist. I fireform my cases from 25.06 cases at a maximum load. I like Hornady 75gr VMax with 53.7 gr of H4831SC for fireforming, which by the way, is quite accurate as well.

My favorite hunting load so far is using the 100gr Barnes XFB, 52.06 gr. IMR 4831, Remington cases and a Federal Match Grade primer. Average measured velocity is 3200 fps. Best five shot group is .361" at 100 yards, and all groups are under 1/2". Took this load hunting and got my doe at 210 yards.

Every rifle is different so work up to your maximum load gradually.

I have two Ruger's MII 77 one lefthand one righthand. Both shoot 100gr. partitions at 3550fps. with 59.5grs of IMR 4831 over the Pact.

BUMP