I think some of he velocities that are listed are pretty optimistic.
The problem with making an ab or ib in 120grn is that the 1-10 twist .25s are stuck with would mean they would have to be very blunt. So there would be little or no bc advantage over the 110-115s.I find myself wishing the accubond came in a 120. Maybe interbond?
I have RL19, RL17, RL 26.
I keep wondering about those classic hunters too.
Dunno about loads.I am looking at loads and optics right now.
I just prefer a very high quality 1" tube no more than 42mm obj. Usually opt for US made products.Dunno about loads.
What is your budget for optics.?
I just got a Leupold VX-6 for my rifle I just picked up yesterday. 2-12x42, CDS, Firedot. It’s my optimum choice for deer. Clarity is incredible. I had a 4-14x40 VX-R on my previous rifle. Worked very well but I prefer the extra power range on the new scope. Got a great deal. Had a thread running in the Optics forum if you want more info.
WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS LOAD DATA THAT IS OVER PUBLISHED MAXIMUMS. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
I have pushed 117 gr. Sierras as fast as 3,195 FPS average from a non-AI .25-06 without flattened or cratered primers using slower powders like IMR4831 and Reloader 19, N160 and H4831. That particular velocity average was attained in my 24" barrel using 54.2 grs. IMR4831 in Winchester brass, velocity measured over a Chrony Gamma Master November 5th 2003 with an ambient temperature of 35°F, and the highest recorded velocity that day was 3,227 FPS. I also pushed 100 grain Barnes TSX to 3,585 FPS average with a load of 57.1 grs. IMR 4831, although that load was flattening primers a little. Obviously I can't recommend others use such hot loads, but plenty of us have worked up some real screamers for this cartridge.
I backed off to 53.0 grs. IMR4831 over CCI 200s behind the Sierra 117s to get my happy 3,150 FPS accurate hunting load.
I appreciate the endeavor to get extra high velocities with a 117 grain bullet and a 25-06. When I was younger I flattened a lot of primers and was satisfied with short case life. Today I am satisfied with a velocity between 2900 and 3000 fps. It is far easier and with longer case life to push a 130 grain bullet from a 270 Winchester past 3000 fps than it is with a 25-06. So, if I wanted the extra power I would just take a 270 Winchester. A 25-06 is a good deer rifle, but a 270 Winchester is better, and a 30-06 is the best of the three. All of them will push bullets above 2900 fps and the heaver bullets from the larger calibers perform better on large deer at long distance. I have always liked a 25-06 because it is easy to make consistent hits out past 300 yards.
In our current world of sliced bread, I really wish someone would give the .25s a 1-8 twist and call them the next greatest thing for long range. Just to see if people will bite.