25 TCU load dta [message #37967] |
Sat, 28 March 2015 20:38 |
roy-boyguns
Messages: 16 Registered: December 2014 Location: Illinois
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Forum Newbie |
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Does anyone out there have any reliable loading data for the 25 TCU.
I want to try 75gr.-120gr. bullets. Going to combo varmit/deer guns
for Grandson. Have 15" pistol and 23" rifle barrels. Any help will
be appreciated.
Thanks,
roy-boyguns
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Re: 25 TCU load dta [message #45159 is a reply to message #37996] |
Thu, 02 May 2019 18:03 |
unkl chuck
Messages: 4 Registered: November 2012 Location: south of the Piney Woods
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Forum Newbie |
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Just came back to the forum after a long vacation.
I'm a 257 TCU fan and shooter. Searching for reliable load data is a formidable task. I haven't found any that I would trust or recommend. However, we are talking wildcats and with that comes d.i.y. load development. I'll give my methodology and you can take it for what you want.
Starting out, I had a new 257 TCU barrel and no dies. CH lists them on their die chart and indicated that they would be running some in the near future. I put my name on the list and waited. While waiting, Midway ran Lee 25-45 Sharps dies on an attractive sale. Bought a set. That set me up to expand the necks to .257 and seat bullets. MY fireforming loads were 75g Vmax over a charge of 4895 [I used the starting charge from the Hornaday X manual for the 6.5 TCU reduced a couple of tenths] seated to just touching the lands. Success and no signs of excess pressure. From that point, I used my L.E.Wilson bushing neck die for 7MM TCU with an appropriate bushing to neck size the brass and seated with a 6.5 TCU seating die. The CH dies finally arrived and they work fine.
I've tested loads with H-322, N-133, and CFE 223 with reasonable results. I suspect if I put more work into it, that H-322 might be the winner. Also, I start with new Starline brass, dry lube the necks on the first expanding, and general OCD case prep. The 6.5 is close in bullet diameter and weight and case capacity as well, the starting 6.5 load data can serve as a start point. 4895 has been recommended for 'reduced loads' [these fireforming loads aren't exactly reduced] and I find it to be a good 'all round' powder.
Good luck. Be careful and thoughtful in load development and keep notes on everything.
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