RL-17 love affair with my 25-06 (pics included)

M

MOJO67

New member
Ok guy's, been dying to try RL-17 in my 25-06. Mostly to see if the increased velocity claims are true. Also, to find out how my gun likes it. My gun is a Remington 700 Classic with a 24 in. tube. All stock, besides a bedded barrel.

After researching what little load info there is for RL-17 and the 25-06, I decided on 3 different charge weights, all with the 100 grain Sierra Sptz FB. I started with 51 grains, then 52 and finally 53. All cases were Neck sized Remingtons with a Rem 9.5 Mag primer. OAL was 3.17.(My gun prefers this length for most loads.) Distance was 100 yards.

Here are the results.....

51.0 grains- I know this is going to sound like a tall internet tale, but the first 3 shots went into ONE friggin hole. I couldn't believe it. My gun has never done this!(pic below) I really took my time and then fired the 4th shot. It went just a skosh low. Group was now at .41. Now the infamous 5th shot that always screws up the group. Pulled the trigger and peered through the scope. Crap, I miffed it. Not sure if it was bench rest fever or what, but it opened the group up to 1.1. I was so dissapointed. I really feel it was me, and not the gun. I'm taking a Mulligan on it.

so... 3 shots= 1 hole
4 shots= .41
5 shots= 1.1
Velocity= 3317 avg.


52.0 Grains

First 4 shots= .73(2 bullets in one hole)
5 shots= .90
Velocity=3375 avg.
I consider this the max load for my gun with the above bullet primer combo.


53.0 Grains

5 shots= 1.0 inches.
Velocity=3386 avg.
This load was a little hot and I will consider it above max for my gun. Seemed the pressure really spiked with 53.0 grains. The primer was flattend and there was scarring from the bolt face. No sticky bolt though. Also, notice a 1 grain increase in powder only netted 11 more fps velocity.

Thats it for now. Overall, I'm really happy with the results. I bested my best ever 4 shot group and the advertised velocity increase seems valid. That being said, I can equal the velocity with RL-22 and not have signs of excessive pressure. The accuracy isn't quite as good. It's close though. I plan to try several different bullets. Hopefully todays results are a precursor of future performance.

First pic- 51.0 gr group
Second-52.0 gr. group

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Good shootin'! I have been trying to find some RL 17 to try in my 25/06. Looks like I better keep looking for it. What twist is your Remmy?

kevlars
 
Originally Posted By: Jack Roberts"All stock, besides a bedded barrel."

Could you elaborate on this?

Jack


No modifications or tuning to the gun other than bedding the barrel.
 

Looks like things are promising.

I think what Jack is getting at is that actions and or recoil lugs are usually bedded but not entire barrels. You probably don't have a bedded barrel right?
 
Originally Posted By: Jack Roberts"All stock, besides a bedded barrel."

Could you elaborate on this?

Jack


Not that is what I call thinking outside the box!

Try Winchester brass in your 25/06, you may not have pressure problems at all.
 
Originally Posted By: ackleyman




"Try Winchester brass in your 25/06, you may not have pressure problems at all."

Could you elaborate on that, please sir?
 
Nice shooting.

I have been using reloader 17 this past year and it has shot very well. I run a load of 41 grains in my 6mm rem with a 105 amax with a fed 210 or cci br2. It shoots real nice. I am trying to find some more. I think I bought the only 2 cans in the U.P.
 
I also tried RL-17 in my 25-06 AI. I had similar results. It was as good as RL-22 in velocity, but not quite as good for accuracy.
 
I have been trying RL17 in four different calibers, including
the .25-06. Best has been 5/16", three shot group with Nos
85gr BT ahead of 54.5gr ignited with Rem 9 1/2 primer,
3500fps.

Got 1/4" group using Sierra 70gr MK with the .243. Still
working with groups with .22-250 and 7mm WSM for "bragging
rights". Looks promising, though.
 
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