Need Help With Tracer Load --

[Got-R-Did]

Howdy Cpt-03,
I am working through my box of 3K M25s as well. I have had good luck with the following specs. The data can be confirmed in the latest Nosler manual and run in the middle of the pressure spectrum of each propellant. Furthermore the propellants below are appropriate for the gas systems of the rifles you mention. I have seated these bullets to a Cartridge Overall Length (COL) of 2.790" and crimped in a seperate step with a taper crimp die. The coefficient of friction due to the slightly longer bearing surface of these bullets in relation to the bore is negated by the lighter weight of the bullets. My particular group of bullets have a nominal weight of 142 gr, and the specs for the M25 state a weight of 145 as standard. As usual all caveats apply to the data included below and I urge you to authenicate before you explore the recipes. That said, I hope the information is useful.

IMR-4895 43.5 gr., CCI-200 primer, LC 88 case @ 2,680 fps.

IMR-4064 45.0 gr., CCI-200 primer, FC 90 case @ 2,750 fps.

Reloder-15 44.0 gr., Fed 210 primer, Fed case @ 2,725 fps.

These are velocities out of my PSS-LTR- 20" barrel, so you may realize a slightly higher speed out of your M1A, but about the same out of the SOCOM.
As for the possible compression of the propellant beneath the bullet, it is unlikely as there is ample room in the case given the less than maximum charges listed.
Let us know if this works for you.
Cheers.
Got-R-Did

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[John Coleman]

Here are some specs to compare.

M-80 = 145gr@ 2750 fps +/- 30 fps @ 78 ft
accuracy = 5" @ 600 yd (in boxes and clips) / 7.5" @ 600 yd on links
powder charge = 44.0 grains extruded

M-61 = 150gr@2750 fps
accuracy = 9.8" (from metric may be 10")@ 600 yd/549m
powder charge = 43.2 grains extruded

M-62 = 142gr@2680 fps
accuracy = 15" @ 600yd
powder charge = 43.5 grains extruded

Dim trace to min 13,7 m
from the muzzle of the
weapon, visible from
max 92 m to min 777 m
from the muzzle of the
weapon

Maximum pressure limit is the same for all @ 3447 BAR / 50, 000 CUP

Data is from company that uses the same powder for all loads. This makes it easier to compare.

case length = 2.015"

cartridge length - 2.80"

M-80 bullet length = 29.00 mm / 1.1417"

M-61 bullet length = 32.40 mm / 1.2756"

M-62 bullet length = 34.50 mm / 1.3583"

[John Coleman]

The 30-06 M25 bullet is 144 grains compared to the M62 bullet at 142 grains.

M25 bullet length is 36.50 mm / 1.4370".

M2 (30-06) = 152 grains / 1.3709" @ 2740 fps - COL = 3.30" - powder=47.8gr
accuracy = 7.5" @ 600 yd

M25(30-06)= 144 grains @ 2660 fps - COL = 3.30" - powder=46.3gr
accuracy = 18" @ 600 yd

Dim tracer to min. 13 m from the muzzle of the weapon, visible from max 92 m to min 823 m from the muzzle of the