Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles IMR 8133 in 25-06

So, shot last weekend and results were a bit confusing and disappointing.

M70 Sporter, 25-06, 120 gr Nosler Partition, IMR 8133, new Federal primesd brass (assuming Fed primers). About 50 degrees outside

59.6 gr
Ave 3115 FPS
ES 40
SD 17
3 shots, 0.84”

59.8 gr
Ave 3127 FPS
ES 37
S.D. 13
5 shots 1.72”, 4 shots 1.06”, 3 shots 0.52”

60.0 gr
Ave 3137 FPS
ES 23
S.D. 13
3 shots, 1.2”; third one blew primer

For reference, IMR lists max at 62.0 gr and 3173 FPS. Soi am hitting max well before their max charge and below their velocity. My load is using Federal brass and primers. Their’s uses Remington

Certainly looks like some accuracy potential, but running hot. Going back and looking at my cases for the last two sessions, it. Looks like I may have had some very slight marking on the case beads @ 58.5 gr. Looks like it was as slight but more consistent at 59.5 gr, which really didn’t change much until the primer blew @ 60.0 gr.

Think I may just go back to RL-22. More speed and less pressure in my rifle.