Jerrl: I've run across the same dilemma, from the other side of the table. My .25/06 has a Douglas barrel on Springfield action. I helped my Dad build it back in 1963 or so, before Remington commercialized the round. It is very tolerant of case length, so much so that I never really gave case trimming much thought until last fall, when a friend with a new Ruger asked for help getting a handload for it. First thing I did was take some of my ammo out to the range with him. That didn't last long, for none of the rounds would lock down. I dug out some spent brass and trimmed to 2.48" (the "trim to" spec printed on my case length guage box). All these chambered up OK in the Ruger. Hope ya get yours sorted out. Love that .25/06.
P.S. Just curious. Where in central mo do you live?