The internet is interesting. Marlin 25-35�s and TC�s with 25-35AI�s with some simple posts! That is some very good shooting with a handgun.
I agree the 1-10� twist is probably my dream barrel for the 25 Remington and the 25-35. I see both cartridges at their best with the 100-grain bullets.
My 25-35AI barrel is a 24� TC and I like Alliant Reloder 10X best. I alternate between 29.0 grains (2,719 fps) and 30.0 grains at 2,788 fps. There is not a lot of difference between the two loads accuracy wise. Both loads will shoot less than 1� with bulk Remington bullets and the premium bullets are only limited by my mediocre skill at the bench. This barrel and frame combination are best describes as �eager,� they shot so well I do not want to separate them.
For maximum velocity, I switch to Alliant Reloder 15 as you mentioned. The bulk 100-grain Remington bullets ahead of 35.5 grains give me 2,926 fps and 36.0 grains will beat 2,970 fps. I insisted I had to shoot a 3,000 fps load in this rifle and 36.5 grains of Reloder 15 will just top 3,000 fps, hitting 3.010 fps with no case life problems and no extraction trouble. While this is a good load, I don�t have to shoot it every day and the 2,900 fps loads work fine. I like the 24� barrel for it low muzzle blast, there is no fuss or muss with this rifle and cartridge.
34.0 grains of Hodgdon 4895 will deliver 2,903 fps with equal accuracy. Hodgdon 4895 is an easy powder to load in the 25-35AI. The 34.0 grain is best in my rifle with everything seeming to be �in balance.�
For group shooting at 100-yards 28.0 grains of Alliant Reloader [10X]will deliver 2,660 fps and I am able to approach a half inch - but I cannot quite say I get there.
With the 117-grain Sierra bullets I manage to stuff 40.0 grains of IMR 4350 in the case and seat the bullets to 2.750� COAL and this load will deliver 2,820 fps.
Reloder 15 will do the same thing with a different muzzle report, this is not to say the load is �stressed,� it just sounds different. 36.5 grains of Reloder 15 will give 2,970 fps and the load is easy to shoot.
These loads are all put up in formed R-P 30-30 brass with the necks inside reamed.
IMR 4320 is a favorite powder in the standard 25-35 but in the Improved case I have not been able to develop the accuracy other powders are capable of deliering. I am surprised Reloder 10X delivers such accuracy and velocity in the standard 25-35 and the Improved case but I find it delivers top performance with the 100-grain bullets.
I would like to have a 24� 1-10� barrel 25-35 Tomcat in a Marlin or Winchester AE. Maybe some one with a .25 Bullberry will post.
[Edit] I added 10X to the accuracy data to clear up the powder type. You are in Oklahoma, have you been over to see David White?
Last edited by william_iorg; 12/15/11.
