25-06

[ajj]

A friend wants to try Highpower silhouette with his 25-06 deer rifle, just to get his feet wet. I've offered to help him handload. Our range must presently use half-size, half distance turkeys and rams so the toughest target to knock over is the regulation, 300 meter pig. I've suggested 85-87 grain hunting bullets which I plan to start with about 38-40 grains of H4895. I've checked Hodgon's website for the use of 4895 in reduced loads and this seems to fall well within the formula. I don't want to exceed about 2800fps and I do want to keep the recoil and muzzle blast at a minimum given the challenge of a lot more powder space than we need. So, the questions:
(1) Is there anything wrong with this plan;
(2) Does anyone have experience which would suggest a better one? TIA.

[Lone Star]

I haven't shot rifle silhouette with a .257" rifle, but have a lot of experience with various .25s on handgun targets.  I'd recommend using 120-grain bullets, or you'll likely lose some hit pigs.  You can load them to lower velocities to reduce recoil, but the 87s may prove frustrating if you hit a target but it doesn't fall.   I lost some 100 meter pigs with the 87s loaded to ca. 2200 fps.  Again, no direct experience but based on extensive .25-caliber IHMSA shooting - use the heavier bullets.

[ajj]

Good to know, thank you.

[Jerry G]

On a full distance course and with full loads, the 25-06 is the worst gun I have ever shot next to. It has a very bad muzzle blast and does quite a bit of damage to the targets.  In my experience, high velocity (over 3000 fps) is what does the target damage.  If you are shooting reduced targets where you don't need the energy (1200 f/lb) for the rams, then the most any rifle shooting under 2900 fps should be fine.  I shoot a 243 and with 100gr bullets at 2800 fps, I haven't lost any pigs at 300m.