117 SGK & RL 26 - little dissappointing

[Bbear]

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?

 

[MAinAR]

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.

 

[6mm Remington]

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.

 

[Harv6]

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.

 

[Bbear]

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.

 

[Guy Miner]

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

 

[muleman]

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

 

[Bbear]

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.

 

[FOTIS]

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.

 

[Bbear]

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.