.25-06 115 grain Berger VLDs

filmjunkie4ever

Handloader
May 4, 2011
1,926
1,206
Anyone have the Berger manual? I cannot seem to find anyone who can loan or tell me the data regarding the 115 grain Berger VLD hunting bullets in the .25-06!

I’m wanting to get a load going somewhere between 3075-3150 fps from a 24” barrel. I have H4831 and IMR7828.

Starting and Max loads, cartridge oal please if you can!?
 
26 inch barrel
COAL 3.250"

H4831 SC
Start--48.5 grain (2682 fps)
Max--54.3 grain (3022 fps)

IMR7828 SSC
Start--49.5 grain (2752 fps)
Max--55.3 grain (3101)

By this criterion, you should approximate the velocities you are seeking.
 
Hunted with the 115 gr Bergers & 25-06 for a few years. Took three mule deer with that combo: 175, 230 and 400 yards. All instant drops.

I used Retumbo, and got 3150+ fps, loaded it up to 3190 fps too. Accuracy was excellent.

I do have a first edition, 2012, Berger manual. The fellow who wrote the 25-06 article in that manual specifically recommended:
115 gr VLD
H4831 SC
Winchester case
Winchester primer

Starting load:
48.5 grains = 2682 fps

Maximum load:
54.3 grains = 3022 fps

************************************

IMR 7828 SSC

Starting load
49.5 grains = 2752 fps

Maximum load
55.3 grains = 3101 fps

Dang, that 7828 looks good too. I haven't ever used it in the 25-06 cartridge. These velocities were from a 26" barrel and they loaded to 3.250" overall length.

Oh - that bullet is ROUGH on coyotes... Huge exit wounds. But drops 'em fast. On mule deer, I seldom got an exit, just lots of destruction in the chest cavity and instant drops. One buck needed a finishing shot when I got up to him.

Regards, Guy
 
Hunted with the 115 gr Bergers & 25-06 for a few years. Took three mule deer with that combo: 175, 230 and 400 yards. All instant drops.

I used Retumbo, and got 3150+ fps, loaded it up to 3190 fps too. Accuracy was excellent.

I do have a first edition, 2012, Berger manual. The fellow who wrote the 25-06 article in that manual specifically recommended:
115 gr VLD
H4831 SC
Winchester case
Winchester primer

Starting load:
48.5 grains = 2682 fps

Maximum load:
54.3 grains = 3022 fps

************************************

IMR 7828 SSC

Starting load
49.5 grains = 2752 fps

Maximum load
55.3 grains = 3101 fps

Dang, that 7828 looks good too. I haven't ever used it in the 25-06 cartridge. These velocities were from a 26" barrel and they loaded to 3.250" overall length.

Oh - that bullet is ROUGH on coyotes... Huge exit wounds. But drops 'em fast. On mule deer, I seldom got an exit, just lots of destruction in the chest cavity and instant drops. One buck needed a finishing shot when I got up to him.

Regards, Guy
Thanks Guy! I figured someone here would have what I needed.

My semi-custom .25-06 only has a 24” factory barrel. Not sure what appreciable effect the difference will be.

Will post results here or on Facebook.
 
Back
Top