117 SGK & RL 26 - little dissappointing

Bbear

Beginner
Jan 13, 2015
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0
I found a VERY accurate load with RL 26 and the 117 SGK. 3 shot groups under .5" out of my 22" factory Remington.

Ran 9 loads across the chrony yesterday, average speed, well, take a look:

Min 2611 Max 2676
Avg 2634 S-D 24.5

That isn't max load yet but it sure is slow for a 25-06 load. At least in my book.

Thoughts?
 
How much charge weight? I would expect it to push 120grain bullet at 3,000fps with 49 to 51 grains RL 26, Fed 210 primed.

Should be making approx 60 fps per grain velocity.
 
I'm using 49.0 grs. of IMR4350 in my wifes 25-06 which is the Remington MTN Rifle with the 22" barrel also. It chronographs exactly at 3000 fps and shoot well. The bullet it shoots is the 120 gr. Nosler Partition.
 
With Retumbo, I've taken 115 grain partitions over 3200 fps without any pressure signs. So I wouldn't be happy doing 600 fps slower with the same cartirdge. Don't get me wrong... Im all for downloading cartridges. But the I think most 25 caliber bullets are designed for expansion at full 2506 velocity.
 
The load was 50 gr of RL26. Here's the results of 9 rounds over the magnetospeed:

Series 1 Shots: 9
Min 2611 Max 2676
Avg 2634 S-D 24.5
ES 65

Series Shot Speed
1 1 2676 ft/s
1 2 2636 ft/s
1 3 2620 ft/s
1 4 2623 ft/s
1 5 2616 ft/s
1 6 2615 ft/s
1 7 2673 ft/s
1 8 2638 ft/s
1 9 2611 ft/s

The rifle is one I picked up in a pawn shop in the mid-80's for $125. I had it stocked in a really nice piece of wood from Fajen. I have put over 2000 rounds through it since then. I'm thinking it's time for a new barrel.
 
Great accuracy, but you're right - that's slow. :(

I use the .25-06 for a light-recoiling, accurate, high velocity cartridge. Usually run 115 gr Noslers at either 3120 fps or 3190 fps, depending on the bullet. Retumbo is my powder of choice, I haven't played with RL 26 at all. I am using published loads, not some hot-rod, unsafe load.

Good accuracy. Have had no problem making 20 yd - 400+ yard kill shots. I am using a standard 24" Remington 700 CDL.

Best of luck with the loading and in the field

Consider running factory 120's through the rifle to get a baseline for velocity?

Or just keep on handloading, and seek the highest velocity & best accuracy attainable.

Regards, Guy
 
Bbear,
Quick Load says Max should be somewhere around 57.9gr ,94.7% fillw with a speed of 3066 from a 22" barrel.
I'd take it up a few notches and see how your pressure is.

Scott
 
muleman,

Thanks for the QL info. I got the same info from another board and I'll run the loads up looking for any pressure signs and see if I can find a bit faster load with near or better, accuracy. I'll post the results.
 
you're nowhere near max! RL26 is very very close to 25 but not interchangeable.

I worked up to 58 gr for the 110 AccuBond so work up slowly.
 
Found another node at 52 grains but didn't have time to finish out the rest. I've got some loaded up to 57 grains for testing purposes. If I can find another node above 52, I'll come back and chrony some and post.
 
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