I was going through the load data for 25-06 getting ready to load my first batch. I noticed that the data for imr 4895 shows 42gr as start, max 45gr (hogdon site). That seems to leave the case fairly empty. is this normal? I guess im used to loading 308 cases that get pretty full. im going with the 4895 just because that's what I have on hand.
25-06 rem
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condor bravo
New member
For just a short and quick and gotta run response yes quite normal. Consider 45 gr 4895 that I use for '06 Garand loadings which leaves considerable air space, you would expect the 25-06, with its smaller diameter bullet to leave even more air space (talking about pressure considerations due to smaller bullet diameter requiring even less powder).
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I see the same in Hornady book, looks like slower burn rate powders for 25-06. Is IMR 4895 or 4060 suitable for 25-06 Rem. I am having good luck with 4895 in .223/5.56 - .308Win... Light/medium weight projectiles, short and long barrel. Looking for one powder and many Cal rifle.
condor bravo
New member
4895 seems to be just marginal on the high burning rate side for most .25-06 bullet weights but should still do well with lighter 75s, Lyman indicating 43.5 to 49 gr. So that sounds at least partially similar to your loading data indicating 42 to 45 grains with appropriate bullet weight. By 4060 you probably mean 4064 and that is within the ball park range of the 100gr, Lyman showing 40 to 44.5 gr so you will still be getting what appears to be excessive air space in the '06 case. But the .25-06 just seems to favor the slower burning powders which is considerate since it of course results in less wasted air within the case. 
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The .25-06 is the lower edge of an overbore cartridge. As such, it is more efficient with slower powders.
Medium burning rate powders will all work, but slower powders give you better velocity at max pressures.
I would recommend going to IMR 4350 for best velocities, especially with the lighter bullets.
Medium burning rate powders will all work, but slower powders give you better velocity at max pressures.
I would recommend going to IMR 4350 for best velocities, especially with the lighter bullets.
The 4895 "WILL" get you a decent load but will also leave some room in the case. While it isn't the best option, it has shown very good results with accuracy, and decent enough velocity for hunting with.
I used IMR-4831 with the 100gr Nosler's when I started out with the 25, but I found them a bit explosive, and they tended to drift a bit more in the wind than the heavier weights. The Partition however did account for several deer in the freezer.
As mentioned however, if your looking for top end results with the 100gr loads, IMR or H-4350 will suit you better. IMR-4350 was the powder reccomended by Sierra with their 100gr bullet at around 52grs.
For anything 110grs and up it is VERY hard to beat out RL-22. Our standard load for our 25 uses the 115gr Partiton over 56'ish grains of RL-22 for 3150fps from my stock Rem 700. It shoots awesome at around 3/4" at 200yds, and really puts the smackdown on deer or hogs.
I used IMR-4831 with the 100gr Nosler's when I started out with the 25, but I found them a bit explosive, and they tended to drift a bit more in the wind than the heavier weights. The Partition however did account for several deer in the freezer.
As mentioned however, if your looking for top end results with the 100gr loads, IMR or H-4350 will suit you better. IMR-4350 was the powder reccomended by Sierra with their 100gr bullet at around 52grs.
For anything 110grs and up it is VERY hard to beat out RL-22. Our standard load for our 25 uses the 115gr Partiton over 56'ish grains of RL-22 for 3150fps from my stock Rem 700. It shoots awesome at around 3/4" at 200yds, and really puts the smackdown on deer or hogs.
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I got 1,000 of the Hornady 257 100 gr interlocks as blems in 2004 for $43 from Midsouth when the semi trailer from Hornady backed up to their loading dock.
I have shot them at the range in a 257 Roberts Ackley I built with VZ24 action and 26" Lothar Walther light varmint barrel. I use 42 gr of surplus pull down 1960s 4895 that acts more like H322. That would be 52 kpsi QL with 4895, but 57 kpsi QL with H322 with moly bullets.
The results are always the same; 3225 fps 1" 5 shot groups at 100 yards.
I have shot them at the range in a 257 Roberts Ackley I built with VZ24 action and 26" Lothar Walther light varmint barrel. I use 42 gr of surplus pull down 1960s 4895 that acts more like H322. That would be 52 kpsi QL with 4895, but 57 kpsi QL with H322 with moly bullets.
The results are always the same; 3225 fps 1" 5 shot groups at 100 yards.
the jigger
New member
25/06?
My 25/06 prefers the slower burn rates. I have two rifles in 25/06; sporter weight and varmint weight. Each prefers IMR4831. I have also had good performance with RL22.
My 25/06 prefers the slower burn rates. I have two rifles in 25/06; sporter weight and varmint weight. Each prefers IMR4831. I have also had good performance with RL22.
The difference? I would expect IMR 4895 to use the same space in both cases, I would include the 270, 8mm/06 etc. The case bodies for all of the cases is the came. The difference is in the length of the shoulder between the two junctures and the length of the neck from the shoulder/neck juncture to the case mouth.
I would suggest a reloader condition their thinking, look at the powder burn chart then think in terms of burn rate. Using a full case of fast burning powder is a very bad habit. When filling a case use slow burning powder, after the reloader gets conditioned to think in terms of fast and slow it will dawn on them the old guys did not use scales, they just dipped the case into the drum of powder and filled/leveled it. After leveling the powder they seated a bullet by crushing the powder, back to the start, do not crush the powder in a case that is filled with fast burning powder.
F. Guffey