I have a Browning 25-06 that just doesn't like any factory ammo I feed it. I've tried several different brands from 100 grain bullets to 120. I've decided that I'll just have to handload for the thing. I'd just like some advice to narrow down what I buy to get this rifle shooting acceptably. I'm not looking for anything special. Just components that reliably perform in a 25-06 for standard hunting accuracy.

I'm up for any suggestions on primers and powders. I'll use what brass I have on hand.

My biggest decision is the bullet, I reckon. I'd really like to shoot Partitions. I'd also like to shoot the heavier options, but I understand this is a hit and miss proposition with standard twist 25's. Any thoughts?

The 115-120 grain bullets will work in a 10" twist Browning, but can be finicky. I'd be curious to know what your methods are for testing the different loads (bipod, lead sled, sand bags, barrel cleaning (or not cleaning), etc). The Partitions are a great hunting bullet, and are not seating depth sensitive so they are generally easy to dial in, especially in a short mag box that Browning uses. Anything in the 4831, R22 burn rate to H1000, even Retumbo would work for powders with the heavy 120 grain bullets. Standard primers will work fine, Fed 210, Win LRP, CCI #250, etc.

My methods are pretty much just a sand bag under the fore stock and whatever I can get under the butt stock to get on target. I recall shooting enough to break in the barrel, shooting some fouling loads after cleaning, and shooting/cleaning/fouling as I went. I've never gone too long between cleanings, but always fouled the bore before giving a particular load a chance. And I'd shoot half a box or so before giving up on that load.

So, I would most likely be good to order some heavier Partitions and just work up a load that it likes?

Thank you so much for the feedback.

Yes, that's basically it. Select the correct burn rate of powder for the weight bullet you are shooting. Start with a powder charge in the middle of min and max, and work up to max, or slightly above max. Shoot 3-4 rounds at a time, and keep the barrel cool. It takes me about 1.5 hours to shoot 20-25 rounds of testing when letting the barrel cool between groups.

I'll do just that. Again, thank you.

117gr Sierra BT's and IMR4350 have worked in several 25/06's for me.

Sierra's "accuracy load" is 49 grains. If there is not a problem with the gun/scope, I'd bet something close to that load would shoot pretty well.

Thank you for the info.

what model is your Browning?

I had an early 80's, 700 custom back when remmy's were good, Load was the Hornady 120gr interlock with H4831, cant recall exact recipe.

always grouped well

good luck, don't over think it. If it doesn't shoot, sell it, start over

I can't sell it. Can't rebarrel it. It was a gift from my wife. It's a beautiful White Gold Abolt. Maple stock and octagon barrel. It has to work as it is. That's the catch. I don't take it out often, but I do want to make use of it. I'm sure I can get it to shoot with y'all's advice. The factory ammo groups haven't been terrible, just lacking. We'll get it there.

If you can't convince the rifle to shoot heavy Partitions, consider dedicating the rifle to targets of opportunity---hogs, coyotes, etc. and give the 85-grain Ballistic Tip a try. This is what I'm doing with my .25-06 since I have rifles on either side of .25-caliber set up for deer and the like. Mine seems to like the 85 BT at around 3400 fps, a mild load using H4831SC. Shoots bugholes.

I have a Marlin XL7 25-06 with a 1x10 twist. My hunting load is 115-grain Nosler Partition over 51.6 grains of IMR 4831 and CCI #200 primers. I haven't shot it past 100 yards because that's my max hunting range, but it's quite accurate at 100.

My 25/06, shoots 100 grain well.
This is a Savage 110.
I have used seria partitions, and Barnes x with 1/2 inch groups at 100 yd

Whatever Chad loaded for me shoots pretty darn good. Havent shot it past 100 yet

That's always an option, too.

Got some 4831 and CCI #200 primers. The bullets and dies are ordered. Hopefully, I can work up a load later this week.

This^^^ Or a 115 NBT.

That's a beautiful rifle, a fine weapon which will shoot without major modifications. there are some after market triggers for the A-Bolt, a lighter trigger pull could help. Also maybe having it bedded could settle it down.

I agree the ballistic Tips or Sierra Gamekings usually shoot good in anything. Again H4831 was my ONLY powder, I think it was 51.5 gr. , it just worked. Make sure all screws, stock and scope, are snug.

What scope are you using? a cheap or broke scope could mess with accuracy too.

I think a 1" group should be acceptable accuracy in your set up.

Buzz, I appreciate the ideas. I will check on those things to be sure. I have installed the lighter spring which did amazing things for the trigger. Bedding is a good idea, though.

The scope is a Bushnell Elite 4200. Supposed to be as tough as a scope gets, and it was on before I put it on this rifle, but I'll keep in mind that it could be the issue.

I have the 4831 and my dies and bullets came in today. All I need, that I forgot, is the correct shell holder. Hopefully the guys at the gun shop in Abilene sold my wife what I need. Then I'll be ready to make this work. 1" groups would be alright by me.

Sneaky, I have a rifle (not .25-06) that doesn't shoot well after cleaning until I've run 10-12 thru it....if you're shooting a "half box or so before giving up on the load", it could be too soon. I'm pretty sure 10-12 is more than most rifles, just a thought. P_102

I would do that with two or three boxes at a time. It's possible that the magic load wasn't given a chance due to a bore not thoroughly fowled, being it was the first and most unlucky batch, but most rounds were fired with plenty of other rounds shot before them. I certainly won't rule out the possibility, but it looks like I'm committed to working up my own load, at this point. I do appreciate the feedback. I'll be sure my bore is good and dirty come load work-up day.

My go to load for the old quarter bore in my Abolt stainless stalker is 51.0gns of IMR-4350, RP brass, CCi-200, 100gn Nosler BT. My FIL's abolt like the same recipe with 50.3gns. I would start around 49.0 and work up.

Factory rifles can sometimes be a little tricky, and just need a few tweaks here or there. If it were mine I would go through it and make sure everything was torqued correctly, and I would have it bedded as well. I have seen factory rifles come with a bad crown before too, and that is a pretty simple fix. It might not hurt to have a reputable gunsmith or someone who really knows how to squeeze accuracy out of a rifle to take a peek at it for anything obvious. Might be something simple would really turn it around.

As far as loading for it, H4831 for sure would be the powder I started with, though others will work too. The 115 Nosler Ballistic Tip is a bullet that seems to shoot pretty dang good in most 25-06's I have seen. I have played around with different bullets over the years, but always come back to that bullet, and shoot it for everything. Deer, hogs, coyotes, whatever. The Partition is a good choice as well, or the 117 Hornady.

Work with your shooting setup, and try to get a nice consistent method from shot to shot for testing.

You might also try the Sierra Gameking 120gr HPBT. That has been a very accurate bullet for me in several different rifles, and great on game. My standard load is 49.5gr IMR4350 and CCI LR Primers. Good luck. Sounds like a very nice rifle.

Good news. I found me a decent load. 51.5 grains at 2950 fps. It was grouping just a hair under an inch, which I think I can shave down some with more precise loading at the house. I even hit steel with it at 400, just to do it.

I appreciate everyone's help. It saved me a lot of trouble.