A few weeks ago I did my first re-barrel project, a M700 to 25-06 Ackley. First trip to the range I mostly fire formed cases and sighed in. I had only 6 cases that I had fired in the shop (really loud) so I loaded 3 rounds each of 120 gr. Sierra bullets with two different powder charges. First 3 went .80" with the second group .495". I then benched 3 of my fire forming loads and they were well under an inch also. Looking good. My second quick trip was 3 different loads with the same 120 gr. Sierra. Groups went from .55" to .780". This morning I was back at the range with a couple of loads that had the 120 gr. bullet up to 3200 fps + with the same level of accuracy. I loaded up some 115 gr. Partitions to 3225 FPS that put 3 into .430". I think my load development is over. I took the rifle hunting this afternoon and now have a nice fat doe in the cooler. At 215 yds. the 120 Sierra BTHP did a good job through the ribs with good expansion. Thanks again zdrive!!

Your 25-06AI is performing well. I have a new 25-06 that will get the AI treatment soon, and I'm interested in what powder you used?

Thanks,

Don

Nimrod; I see you went the AI route, good decision. That 3200 with a 120 looks real good, what poiwder and how long is the barrel. I'm sure it will put plenty of venison on the table for years to come.

The barrel is 26" and so far RL 22 is the only powder I have tried. I may try something a little slower burning, maybe RL 25 or ? What do you guys think?

rl25,7828,h1000, retumbo, ramshot magnum, aa8700, US 869 and there are some surplus numbers that may work wc860,wc868, wc872. Good luck and enjoy your new toy

quote:

Originally posted by Nimrod308:
The barrel is 26" and so far RL 22 is the only powder I have tried. I may try something a little slower burning, maybe RL 25 or ? What do you guys think?

Thanks for the info.
I have some RL-22 so I'll give it a try while I'm still in the non-AI phase.
I think the 26" bbl is the only route to go with that AI chambering. You get max MV out of the chambering.

Don

Now you just need to work up a load for the new Barnes 80 gr TTSX, and REALLY see what it'll do.....

SBB

nimrod
I am really glad to see that it is working out for you. Heavier bullets seem to be the ticket