Loads for a Tikka 25-06

[Dave from MN]

Gentlemen,

I am looking for some advice on loads for a 25-06.  I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but if someone has experience reloading for a Tikka T3 (Stainless/Synthetic) in this caliber, I'd sure be interested.  I intend to hunt coyotes and fox in the Winter and deer/antelope in the Fall. Thanks!

Dave from MN

[Lawdog]

Dave from MN,

Try 55.9 gr. of Reloder 22 for 3,355 fps. using a Barnes 100 gr. TSX for deer/antelope.  Very accurate and drops them like lighting.  As far as a load for coyotes and fox goes I quit trying to finds a load that didn’t destroy the pelts using the .25-06.  Maybe someone else has had better luck finding a “pelt friendly” coyote/fox load for the .25-06.  Lawdog
 

P.S. - NOTE: As with any load you get given to you other than those listed in reloading manuals, it is a good idea to cut the recommended powder charge by 10% and work up.  Just a good safety practice.  LD

[riddleofsteel]

I have had great luck with the old favorite for the 25-06, H4831. I use a max load of H4831, a 117 grain Hornady SPBT Innerlock and a BR2 benchrest primer. It will shot 1/4 MOA out of my Sendero.

[Val]

I'm getting very good accuracy with the 120 grain Nosler Partition using 49 grains of IMR 4350. This load is yielding a muzzle velocity of 3008 fps.

[Squeeze]

Dave,

if I was looking for a 1 size fits all round for the .25-06 Rem, I'd be looking at the
100 gr. Barnes Triple Shock bullets.  I have a Tikka Whitetail Hunter, in SS/Laminate
that shoots .5 MOA with these bullets.  I have to check my data for the powder I
am using, but it might be RL-15.  I seat the bullets about .040" - .050" off the
lands, and get some impressive groups on paper.  I don't think you will find a pelt
friendly bullet in the .25-06 Rem, unless you go the small hole in, and small hole
out, approach.  For this approach, the 100 gr. TSX bullet should get it done, if
you don't hit too much bone on the way in.  The 85 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip IS NOT
PELT FRIENDLY!   Although if it hits anywhere near a vital area, we are talking
a very dead coyote.  

As for heavier framed animals, like northern whitetails, the 100 gr. TSX is like
a lightning bolt.  The vitals are turned to jello, and usually there is no tracking
required, for well placed shots.

If your T-3 shoots anywhere near my WH, you will be a happy quarter bore
shooter.  I did struggle to find Barnes X bullet loads, that shot tight groups, like
the Ballistic Tips, until they came out with the Triple Shocks.  Now we're
talking itty bitty groups, that rival the match, and ballistic tip, bullets.  

Squeeze

[Dave from MN]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for sharing your reloading information and experiences.  Since it is apparent that the 85 gr ballistic tips are not pelt friendly, I guess that I will start out reloading the 100 gr TSX and see where it takes me.  

Quick question re: the pelt damage from the 85 gr. ballistic tips - are we talking about irreparable damage or can a good taxidermist fix the hole?  Don't mean to sound naive, but this is my first experience with a 25-06.  Thanks.

Dave from MN

[riddleofsteel]

Actually the heavier and more solidly constructed the bullet the less hole it will make to a certain degree. An ideal pelt saving load would be just fast enough to shoot flat and use a non expanding bullet if one is available.

[irkjr]

Dave from MN,
The 85 gr. BTs don't leave a hole as much as they leave a CRATER on coyotes.  However, a good taxidermist can fix almost anything.  Good luck!
irkjr

[Hildy]

Any load out of a 25-06 will blow a large hole in a yote. Even if you stepped down to the 75 g Vmax it would still devastate a yote.

I use 56.5g of IMR 4350 behind a 75g Vmax to achieve great accuracy and a velocity of about 3600fps. I have no wishes to need anything more than this load for varmints. Nobody should.

My suggestion would be a NON expandin bullet to just poke a hole in and out. Perhaps a Trophy Bonded Bear Claw....Nosler Partition....at least somthing similar to these.

[Randy Flowers]

I like the 25-06 a lot and have tried lots of combinations in it.

As I just posted on another 25-06 discussion, for coyotes I prefer the 75 grain Hornady V-Max.  I use IMR 4831 with this bullet and get half inch groups routinely.

But, as was already suggested some folks would like ONE load for everything they might shoot with a 25-06.  I use what might just work for such use.  I load 54 grains of IMR 4831 behind a 100 grain Nosler Partition and shoot whatever I choose to with my 25-06.  

I have had good succes with that load on deer sized game and on a bunch of wild hogs.
I even managed to shoot a coyote last year with this load that we measured at 522 yards.

Velocity in my custom rifle is about 3400 fps and the groups run 3/4 of an inch.

R F