25-06 & 280_Ladder Test input

[M7025-06]

Got to the range for the first time in about 2 months to run some ladder tests with the 25-06 & 280.

This is my first go with ladder testing and I'm pretty sure there are a few things to tweek with my process. Couldn't have asked for a better morning...55*, 5-10 mph.

All 3 sets were shot at 318 yds (300 meters) off bags...no chronograph cause it forgot to jump in the pickup before I left.

I ran 1 set of 10 shots with the 280 with 140 Sierra GK's over IMR-4831 (52.0 gr. - 56.0 gr. / .020'' off lands / Virgin Norma brass). Shots #1 & #2 were off of the target (low). I don't see anything that really jumps out at me. I may have to run this one again moving up the powder charge since I no signs of pressure at all.

Ran 2 sets of 10 shots with the 25-06.

#1: 100 gr. Ballistic Tips over H-4831sc (52.0 gr. - 55.0 gr. / .030'' off lands / 2-fire Hornady brass). Shots #1 & #2 were off of the target (low).
Got a nice little cluster from 54.2 to 54.8 grains. Not sure why 54.6 gr. shifted so far left.

#2: 100 gr. Ballistic Tips over IMR-4831 (51.0 gr. - 54.5 gr. / 0.030'' off lands / 2-fire Hornady brass). 53.0 - 53.8 gr shows some promise.

Fire away...any input is appreciated, good or bad. This 25-06 has been giving me nothing but headaches for awhile so I'm happy to see some potential.

 

[SJB358]

On your last target with the 25-06 it looks like your on a node at 53-54 grains. The H4831 target looks like a node around 54 grains.

I can't really tell much from your 280 target.

Your 25-06 looks like it is doing something though. I wouldn't worry too much about the horizontal when doing a ladder. Cool test, ladders are pretty great ways to gather information on powder charges. Seems like your getting somewhere.

 

[Guy Miner]

Smart going with a good, proven accurate bullet like the 100 gr Ballistic Tip, then coupling it with a powder known to produce good accuracy in the .25-06, H4831.

Shot my tightest .25-06 group ever from a varmint weight Ruger Number One with the Sierra 100 gr SPBT and H4831. It was consistently in the .2's and .3's at 100 yards. Liked that rifle & load...

My current .25-06 Rem 700 isn't usually that accurate, but not half bad. I've found the .25-06 a very easy cartridge to load for accuracy. Believe Nosler was using it for accuracy testing of their .25 cal bullets for some time.

Looks like you're getting good results to me! If for some reason, H4831 doesn't satisfy, consider H4350... It's not as fashionable as some of the newer powders, but works really well with 100 gr bullets and the .25-06, and is considered something of a "standard" load, along with H4831.

Regards, Guy

 

[M7025-06]

On your last target with the 25-06 it looks like your on a node at 53-54 grains. The H4831 target looks like a node around 54 grains.

I can't really tell much from your 280 target.

Your 25-06 looks like it is doing something though. I wouldn't worry too much about the horizontal when doing a ladder. Cool test, ladders are pretty great ways to gather information on powder charges. Seems like your getting somewhere.

I agree with you on the 280. Im gonna run this one again....might try a ladder with some 140 gr AB's when my backorder comes in. I've already got a decent load with them but it could be a little better.

 

[M7025-06]

Looks like you're getting good results to me! If for some reason, H4831 doesn't satisfy, consider H4350... It's not as fashionable as some of the newer powders, but works really well with 100 gr bullets and the .25-06, and is considered something of a "standard" load, along with H4831.

Regards, Guy

I've got a few pounds of IMR-4350 that might get a test run. I've tried it in the past in this rifle without much success but may be worth another look.

Thanks for the input fellas.

 

[jimbires]

when I shoot a ladder I look at elevation , not windage . on your top target I'd be looking in the 55.0 & 55.8 grain area . I'd also look at the 53 & 53.5 grain area . I'd load a little under the charge , and increment up through until I'm a little over the charge . on the higher powder charge I'd probably load from 54.5 and go to 56.3 , by using 0.3 grain increments . put up a target at 400 yards and try to find the node again . I usually dial in an extra minute or two of elevation , so I get the slower bullets to punch the target .

 

[M7025-06]

Second trip out to run some ladder tests. I only got 1 set in before the fog got bad enough that I couldn't see the target anymore, but I think I've definitely got something going with the 25-06.

It looks like 53.0 gr. to 53.8 gr. (maybe 54.0 gr.) is gonna be my sweet spot. I haven't run anything across the chrony yet (waiting on a new Magnetospeed I ordered last night), but I don't this load is screaming down range. It seems like the barrel on this rifle runs a little slow. That and I don't have access to my quickload anymore since work took away my laptop and replaced it with a tablet.

The nice little triangle is 53.0, 53.3, & 53.6 gr. measuring 1.14'' at 318 yds.

 

[SJB358]

Yeah, I'd say you found the spot!

What sorta speed is it running in there?

 

[M7025-06]

Yeah, I'd say you found the spot!

What sorta speed is it running in there?

Not sure. I'm waiting on my Magnetospeed and I don't have access to my quickload anymore. Based on other QL's I've ran with 117 gr. SPH & IMR-4831...I'm guessing in the 3200-3250 fps, but like I said, this rifle seems to run a little slow so it's just a guess right now.

 

[M7025-06]

A little update. Got the range this morning. I loaded up 3-sets of 100 gr Ballistic Tips with 53.0 gr, 53.3 gr., & 53.6 gr. of IMR-4831 for the 25-06 and shot all groups at 300 meters. 53.0 gr. & 53.3 gr. didn't too bad grouping at 2''-3''. 53.6 gr. was the obvious winner going 0.481''. The velocity was way lower than I expected at just under 3100 fps, but for what I use this rifle for, I'm going to go with this load. I'll retest it tomorrow with a couple of 5-shot groups and run 5-10 rounds over the chrony.

Oh and another thing...if I wasn't a believer in OBT before today, I am now. After adjusting QL to match my velocities, I'm sitting right on Node #5 for a 24'' barrel. I might try creeping up to Node #4 in the future (56-57 gr. if I have QL adjusted right), but for now...I'm sticking with this load.

Also tested 4-3 shot groups, with the 280, of 140 gr. NAB's over 53.5 gr, 53.8 gr, 54 gr, & 54.3 gr at 300 meters. The first 3 groups all went about 2.7''-3.5'' with velocities ranging from 2950-2980 fps. 54.3 gr went 2.3'' at 2998 fps. I think I'll tweek the seating depth to see if I can tighten things up a little, but I'm more than happy with the accuracy and velocity of this load. According to QL, I'm right outside Node #4 (23'' barrel) so I'm thinking a seating depth adjustment might do the trick.

Another thing...I ran 3 rounds of a my previous pet load over the MagnetoSpeed and was surprised by the results. My old Shooting Chrony had given me velocities of around 2950-2975 fps (56.0 gr IMR-4831). The MagnetoSpeed showed 2800 fps as the high velocity.

Anyway...any input is welcome.

 

[Guy Miner]

That .25-06 is really showing some great accuracy. You've done well.

 

[jimbires]

nice target . man it's nice when things come together .

 

[ElmerThud]

That's a really nice 300m shoot with the .25-06 & Nosler 100gn bullet ...Excellent work & good to see. Your MV is certainly much less than mine which is 3257fps with the 100gn bullet, but what a great group at 300m.

I've only ever checked my rifle/loads out @ 100m and have great results from my 22" barrel with both Sierra Prohunter 1620 100gn & Nosler 110gnAB. The 100gn Sierra does seem noticeably better, but the AB is certainly well good enough for my hunting needs.

I've shot 'gongs' with both those loads out to 500yds though, but never done ladder tests for accuracy & finding the premium load. Too much interference here in UK with available time and weather conditions actually coinciding on the same day for such tests.
ATB ET