Fast twist 25 cal real world data

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Hey guys, I got out to validate a couple loads from my 25-284 and my new Athlon this morning. I've only had a Magneto bayonet in the past and the Athlon was pretty awesome. Being able to connect to the app on my phone was cool too. I will break this up into two posts for the 2 loads.

Rifle- Tikka T3x with 22" McGowen #3, chambered in 25-284 by UM. Stock is OEM Tikka with vertical grip and Limbsaver. Mountain Tactical LA bolt stop and Tikka L mag.

The 110 ELDX load, Athlon data, and target pics are attached. Mag holds 3 rounds, so I shot 3 mags on the same target.

This was the first round of testing out of three, and the group size is indicative of my being a tad rusty after a long winter. I'm certain I can improve the size of this group in future sessions. ES and SD weren't great, and that was apparent for all 3 loads tested.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

The 134 ELDM load, Athlon data, and target pics are attached. Mag holds 3 rounds, so I shot 3 mags on the same target. Again, ES and SD weren't great, but I'm happy with around .75" for 9 rounds at 100.

All shots were taken prone with an old Harris bipod in the front and a stuffed backpack in the rear.

I used the same KGM R30T (titanium) can for all 3 load tests with a LS Wild Ultralight cover. I am super impressed with this cover as after 27 high velocity rounds in fairly rapid succession, I had zero mirage.

One interesting note, the last time I measured this load with the Magneto, average MV was 2828 across 10 rounds. So either the barrel has sped up, or the Magneto was off a hair.

I have a pound of N560 and my next step is to run a pressure ladder and see if I can squeeze any additional MV with the 134.

 

[Tanner]

The 134 ELDM load, Athlon data, and target pics are attached. Mag holds 3 rounds, so I shot 3 mags on the same target. Again, ES and SD weren't great, but I'm happy with around .75" for 9 rounds at 100.

All shots were taken prone with an old Harris bipod in the front and a stuffed backpack in the rear.

I used the same KGM R30T (titanium) can for all 3 load tests with a LS Wild Ultralight cover. I am super impressed with this cover as after 27 high velocity rounds in fairly rapid succession, I had zero mirage.

One interesting note, the last time I measured this load with the Magneto, average MV was 2828 across 10 rounds. So either the barrel has sped up, or the Magneto was off a hair.

I have a pound of N560 and my next step is to run a pressure ladder and see if I can squeeze any additional MV with the 134.

134 Load looks like a winner!

 

[nortac]

What is the ideal barrel length for the 25CM or 25 SAW? I was thinking going 18 or 20 but now second guessing.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

134 Load looks like a winner!

I posted it in a different thread, but the 147 out of my 6.5 WSM was legit as well. Best (and last) round of testing produced best group.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

What is the ideal barrel length for the 25CM or 25 SAW? I was thinking going 18 or 20 but now second guessing.

Depends on how far you plan to shoot, and if for hunting or target? For hunting, plan on 1800+ fps minimum and determine your load and barrel length from there...

 

[BAKPAKR]

The 134 ELDM load, Athlon data, and target pics are attached. Mag holds 3 rounds, so I shot 3 mags on the same target. Again, ES and SD weren't great, but I'm happy with around .75" for 9 rounds at 100.

All shots were taken prone with an old Harris bipod in the front and a stuffed backpack in the rear.

I used the same KGM R30T (titanium) can for all 3 load tests with a LS Wild Ultralight cover. I am super impressed with this cover as after 27 high velocity rounds in fairly rapid succession, I had zero mirage.

One interesting note, the last time I measured this load with the Magneto, average MV was 2828 across 10 rounds. So either the barrel has sped up, or the Magneto was off a hair.

I have a pound of N560 and my next step is to run a pressure ladder and see if I can squeeze any additional MV with the 134.

You should have shot one more round so you could have gotten an accurate idea of what this load was capable of.

On a serious note, that is a great group but what is going on with the velocity?

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

On a serious note, that is a great group but what is going on with the velocity?

I'm not sure what's up. I shot 2 rounds with the 25-284 with different bullets and powders and one with the 6.5 WSM with another different powder. The ES and SD for all three were very similar. So either the Athlon is being weird or I have a systemic issue with my process. However, I have no idea what it could be, as I measure CBTO for every round, so I wouldn't expect seating pressure issues. One other variable could be my Hornady auto dispenser could be throwing inaccurate loads. IDK... I'm probably not going to worry about it too much at this point.

110 ELDX (SB 6.5)
95/31

134 ELDM (H1000)
108/41

147 ELDM (N565)
95/31