new 25-06 range report

[sa doc]

I just bought my first Encore. Its a 25-06 with a 26inch heavy barrel. I went to the range with 4 different factory loads. results of 5 shot groups are below. I shot from a Shooter's Ridge rest. It was a little windy, so I plan on trying again on a calm day. Gun is new out of box with no modifications. Scope was a Leoupold VXII 3-9x40.

Winchester 120gr "positive expanding point-  1inch, 1 1/4 inch, 1 1/4 inch- 2 of the groups had 4 of 5 shots touching with a flier opening up the group

Federal Fusion 120gr- 1 inch, 1 1/4 inch

Remington 100 gr-   2 7/8 inches (group was so bad only shot 1 group

Remington 120 gr- 3 1/4 inches (only shot 1 group)



This gun obviously does not like the Remington ammo. I'm  glad I tried several loads: If I'd just tried the Remington's I'd have been pretty PO'd. Although the overall group size with the Winchesters and Federals is about the same, I think the Winchester's have more accuracy potential. In 2 groups 4 of 5 shots were touching.  I was amazed at the difference in accuracy of the Remington's versus the Federal and Winchester's.


Has anyone tried the Winchester 120gr "positive expanding point" on deer sized game? I Don't want to get set on this load if it's not a good deer round.

Scott

[Dee]

SA, I don't know if you reload but, in case you do, here is my two all time favorite loads. An 87 grain Speer TNT hollowpoint, in front of 60 grains of RL19. This load is as close to match grade in both rifles, as I am capable of shooting. One a Remington Sendero, (which I sold) and the other a Remington 700BDl which I tuned  for accuracy myself.
The other is a 100 grain Nosler partition in front of 58 grains of RL22. It too, shoots much tighter than I am capable of anymore.
The velocity on the first load is 3600fps, and 3400fps on the latter. Both will shoot under an inch at 100 yds, with the 87 grain the tighter of the two consistantly.
I have been shooting and reloading the 2506, since 1973, and would try anything in North America with it, and the proper load. In my opinion, with the match grade accuracy a 2506 is capable of and someone who is intimately familiar with it, it will serve one well, on any game in this contienent.JMOO

[quickdtoo]

If you're limited to factory ammo, I'd recommend trying the Federal 115gr Nosler Partiton or Hornady 117gr BTSP Interlock, they both shoot MOA or less in my H&R.

And welcome to GBO!!

Tim