Optimal barrel length: .25-06AI Rebarrel
What would be the optimal barrel length to gain or maximize on the potential benefits of the powder capacity of the 25-06 AI?
(I am aware of the criticism of this cartridge being over bore, a longer barrel won't hurt that at all.)
I've had this one for thirty plus years ... and no the barrel is not fried! This barrel just is and had been, a hatchet job and does not realize but a small bit of the potential of the cartridge.
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The 25-06AI that I have is on a nice, solid 98 mauser action with good walnut stock. The barrel was originally for an custom, extreme target rifle, then reduced to heavy varmint, then reduced down to a heavy sport barrel ((that was hacked, way too short!!!)). It was after all of that that I came into the picture ...
The 25-06AI cartridge is definitely to my liking. The action is more than adequate. The stock is adequate for my purposes as well. This barrel you'd not want to use hunting in dry brush, in the heat of summer ... it throws a pretty substantial flame!
I do want to rebarrel and 26" would be the minimum length that I would even consider. If longer might do it better ... I'd go longer. It appears that the way to go is going to be 30" or so.
Figure that the barrel length can be shortened after the fact much more eaily than lengthened. Might be like money and many other things ... easy enough to get rid of if you have too much! So a bit more barrel length I'm not very concerned about.
What are your recommendations for the twist rate? (I have very little concern for stabilizing the light weights.)
I have used this rifle for intermediate ranges (200-500) target and up to deer sized game with 117-120gr bullets.
I will be using the heaviest bullets of the highest BC I can find and afford.
(I am aware of the criticism of this cartridge being over bore, a longer barrel won't hurt that at all.)
I've had this one for thirty plus years ... and no the barrel is not fried! This barrel just is and had been, a hatchet job and does not realize but a small bit of the potential of the cartridge.
- - - - - - - - - - -
The 25-06AI that I have is on a nice, solid 98 mauser action with good walnut stock. The barrel was originally for an custom, extreme target rifle, then reduced to heavy varmint, then reduced down to a heavy sport barrel ((that was hacked, way too short!!!)). It was after all of that that I came into the picture ...
The 25-06AI cartridge is definitely to my liking. The action is more than adequate. The stock is adequate for my purposes as well. This barrel you'd not want to use hunting in dry brush, in the heat of summer ... it throws a pretty substantial flame!
I do want to rebarrel and 26" would be the minimum length that I would even consider. If longer might do it better ... I'd go longer. It appears that the way to go is going to be 30" or so.
Figure that the barrel length can be shortened after the fact much more eaily than lengthened. Might be like money and many other things ... easy enough to get rid of if you have too much! So a bit more barrel length I'm not very concerned about.
What are your recommendations for the twist rate? (I have very little concern for stabilizing the light weights.)
I have used this rifle for intermediate ranges (200-500) target and up to deer sized game with 117-120gr bullets.
I will be using the heaviest bullets of the highest BC I can find and afford.
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SOMEWHAT DEPENDS ON WHICH BULLET WEIGHT YOU SHOOT MOST, L.W. BULLETS -26", HVY.W. 28/30" 0 -
Alan
I'm a big fan of the 25-06 AI. I currently have two of them. From what I know, the 26" Bbl. is the way to go. With the 26" tube, it is right on the heels of the .257 Wby. I have had, or still have other AI, and have never FRIED a Bbl. I do limit my groups to 3 rounds, and clean regularly. Are you doing a re-barrel? HAWKSHAW0
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