Cast Bullets for the 25-06

[357cyrus]

Hey 357 cyrus, have you shot any lead bullets in your 25-06, if so what grain and how

No, I haven't...YET. I just got my 25-06 last fall and have only worked on that 75-vmax for it that I showed in that google drive thread. I've been eyeing up a few cast loads in my Lyman casting book though. What kinda load were you looking to cook up?

[Zippidydoodah]

I have a 25-35win in contender , and 25-06 savage 111 tactical and loaded some lyman 257312 and 257464 up to about 2200 fps in the 25-06 and about 1800 in the 25-35. I have been looking for a heavier bullet as I just use them for plinking. You are right, that 75 grain Vmax is a whiz banger. I also have it in 58 grain .243.

[357cyrus]

If i remember correctly my Lyman book recommends keeping 25-06 bullets under 2000fps for best accuracy. In my mind that would be like bolting a trailer hitch onto a Corvette! Just not what it was meant for. I have a couple more conventional loads I'd like to work up in 25-06 that would serve the type of hunting I do (deer/bear/varm). Once I get those squared away, I could see myself tinkering with one of those molds you mentioned and trying to mimic a 22wmr or 22hornet, but with 25 caliber bullets. Sounds like it would be a great low noise round for busting groundhogs out of my basement window.

[Zippidydoodah]

Yes but they still have a loud crack at 1800 fps. They should be good out to 100 yds or more. I had the 65 grain,lyman mold 257420, 257312, 257464, and 257464. When mold prices went crazy I sold them. I'll probably only buy another 257464 unless Lee finally comes out with a substitute. I was able to cast a little stash to get me by for a while.