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25 Custom Project

For my next 25 caliber, I'd probably go with the 25 Souper Improved 40°.

Unless I run across a deal on 250 Savage AI dies.

I already have
250 Savage
257 Roberts
257 Roberts AI
25 WSSM
(2)25-06
257 WBY Mag
thats a lot of 257s! What bullet is the most accurate? Gosh, thats a lot of knowledge.
 
thats a lot of 257s! What bullet is the most accurate? Gosh, thats a lot of knowledge.
Depends on the bullet.

The 115gr Berger VLD is really good.
But I don't use it with the Weatherby. Freebore is too long.
They don't like the jump.

I use the 115gr NBT in the all of them with decent accuracy.

Both bullets work well on game.

The 90gr Sierra BlitzKing is a great bullet for accuracy and is really hated by coyotes.
Ditto the 75gr Sierra HP Varmint.
 
Weatherby just released the .25 Weatherby RPM case. Like the 6.5-300 Weatherby, the case hold a lot of powder! Just not quite as much.

From Weatherby:

Key Features and Performance
  • Case Design: Features a 35-degree shoulder and a .500" body diameter for, as described by The Armory Life forum users and Weatherby, high efficiency.
  • Velocity: Pushes 107-grain bullets to 3,350 fps and 117-grain bullets to 3,150 fps from a 24-inch barrel, according to MeatEater and Weatherby.
  • Bullet Compatibility: Uses a 1:7.5-inch twist rate optimized for heavy, long-ogive bullets like the 133-grain Berger Elite Hunter, says American Hunter and Field & Stream.
  • Action Type: Designed for the Weatherby Model 307 and Mark V 6-lug actions.
  • Factory Loads: Weatherby offers 107g Hammer, 117g Hornady SST, 117g Barnes LRX, and 133g Berger Elite Hunter.
Advantages
  • Flat Trajectory: Ideal for western, long-range hunting.
  • Efficiency: Delivers high velocity with less recoil compared to larger magnums.
  • Modern Design: The .473" rebated rim allows compatibility with standard bolt faces.
The .25 WBY RPM is positioned as a top-tier .25-caliber cartridge for long-range,, according to Field & Stream.

I think the 138 grain Hornady A-Tip will be just right!
 
Update on the 25-08 ackley. Finally had time today to run a powder test. I was curious where the velocity would end up. I was hoping in the low to mid 2900 range. Boy was I surprised.

I fire formed my Peterson srp cases with 40 grains of N160. The necks are turned down to .282 the chamber is .285. I’m running CCI 450’s and sorted 135 Bergers. Out of a 30”- 7.5 twist straight brux barrel.

I’m using a Redding 7-08ai sizing die with the correct bushing for this caliber and a Forster universal seating die. I usually run a bushing.004 smaller than loaded neck size followed by an expander mandrel .002 under bullet diameter. My bushing came in today but they sent the wrong size so I only used a bushing.002 smaller with no mandrel. I also ordered a Wilson micrometer seater blank to chamber at home.

I fouled the clean barrel with 5 shots loaded with 42 grains then started the powder test.

43.5 grains - 2841 fps
44.0 grains - 2851 fps
44.5 grains - 2899 fps
45.0 grains - 2897 fps
45.5 grains - 2947 fps
46.0 grains - 2957 fps
46.3 grains - 2981 fps
46.7 grains - 2996 fps
47.0 grains - 3016 fps

I only shot 3 shot groups at 100yds. All of the groups were .35 or less and the crazy thing to me was there was no POI shift. There was no pressure signs. No heavy bolt The primers were still round at the shoulders with no cratering.

Now that I have a starting point I’m going to do a proper load work up tomorrow. I’ll do a tuner test after that. This thing is pretty impressive for a rookie to make at the house. I might be the crazy one with a 25 cal at the Tack Driver if I gets much better. I’ll keep updating the thread.
Blessings
Dwayne
 
That will work my friend....quite nice.
Gotta love the load development that does it all for you, .....and makes it seem like no work at all.
 
Update on the 25-08 ackley. Finally had time today to run a powder test. I was curious where the velocity would end up. I was hoping in the low to mid 2900 range. Boy was I surprised.

I fire formed my Peterson srp cases with 40 grains of N160. The necks are turned down to .282 the chamber is .285. I’m running CCI 450’s and sorted 135 Bergers. Out of a 30”- 7.5 twist straight brux barrel.

I’m using a Redding 7-08ai sizing die with the correct bushing for this caliber and a Forster universal seating die. I usually run a bushing.004 smaller than loaded neck size followed by an expander mandrel .002 under bullet diameter. My bushing came in today but they sent the wrong size so I only used a bushing.002 smaller with no mandrel. I also ordered a Wilson micrometer seater blank to chamber at home.

I fouled the clean barrel with 5 shots loaded with 42 grains then started the powder test.

43.5 grains - 2841 fps
44.0 grains - 2851 fps
44.5 grains - 2899 fps
45.0 grains - 2897 fps
45.5 grains - 2947 fps
46.0 grains - 2957 fps
46.3 grains - 2981 fps
46.7 grains - 2996 fps
47.0 grains - 3016 fps

I only shot 3 shot groups at 100yds. All of the groups were .35 or less and the crazy thing to me was there was no POI shift. There was no pressure signs. No heavy bolt The primers were still round at the shoulders with no cratering.

Now that I have a starting point I’m going to do a proper load work up tomorrow. I’ll do a tuner test after that. This thing is pretty impressive for a rookie to make at the house. I might be the crazy one with a 25 cal at the Tack Driver if I gets much better. I’ll keep updating the thread.
Blessings
Dwayne
Every thing looks good, good for you.
If you’re seeing Pressure while fire forming brass, You are most likely about 3grs Over. My experience with Wildcats and Ai.
Find a good load that you fill comfortable with, then if you want to check pressure on 3rd firing.
Thanks for sharing.
 
With the newer bullets Id take a 25ai over a 260 any day. Nice job. I think you will like it. Dont overlook the 133 berger. Keep an eye out for some rl22 as well
I have not tried the 133’s yet, but you are the second person to mention that. I’ve also never shot any Reloader powder. But I just shot some N555 in it at 330yds and if it repeats itself Saturday i’m unscrewing the barrel to save where everyone can laugh at the 1/4 bore in the tack driver.
 
One more update on the 25 project and I’ll quit bothering yall. I was trying some different things with the N160 and loading another round of tests. I had 7 cases left over after loading the different groups. So I decided to try some N555 in those 7 cases. Those two powders are basically identical in my PrcW so I loaded a charge with an educated guess. I was practicing at 330yds because that’s an odd number for my f class, but I know I need to practice there some before the Tack Driver in October.

Not only did the N555 shoot well, it was the smallest group I’ve shot at 330yds. IMG_5849.jpegI really thought it was a fluke because it was only one group. So today I loaded some more N555 to play at that distance. It repeated the same outcome today. Velocity was 3028 with a 2.8 sd over 22 shots with no visible pressure signs.IMG_5854.png
My plan was to carry it to an f class match next weekend, but i think I’m gonna clean it, and put it away until right before the tack driver. I know I won’t even be competitive there but this little project is the most accurate rifle I’ve ever shot, my best chance of not getting embarrassed. I am scared to shoot it much more. It has around 340 rounds on it and the brass is all formed and the barrel is seasoned. Now if I can get my hands on a few more of them Brux barrels I’ll chamber a couple of more to play with in f class matches.

This action is a Remington 700 that is untouched other than working on the fire control. The stock is homemade. I made it with a little work and lots of trial and error. I’m using Peterson 260 brass (srp), N555 (47 grains), 135 Bergers (2.391 cbto) cci 450 primers. A Brux 1.25 straight 30.5 inch finished 7.5 twist .257 cal barrel with a Cortina V2 tuner. I’m using my night force comp scope. My trigger took a dump and I put a rifle basix l-3 trigger in it set to 2.5oz. I’ve been shooting it off of my Trident front rest. And I’m in love with that thing also. IMG_5855.jpeg

I’m no inventor. And I’m not a benchrest shooter. But this little 25 project has taught me a lot and gave me some confidence. Thank yall for the advice and tagging along.
Blessings.
Dwayne
 
Dwayne,
Don't think for a minute your bothering anyone, cause your not !!!!!!!
Well at least not me...
I have the twin to that barrel if your interested..
I was going to do a 25 creed one of these days with it, but bellying up to the lathe is getting to be a problem..
Your doing so good with the other one I figured I can part with it...
Take care,
Bruce
 
Dwayne,
Don't think for a minute your bothering anyone, cause your not !!!!!!!
Well at least not me...
I have the twin to that barrel if your interested..
I was going to do a 25 creed one of these days with it, but bellying up to the lathe is getting to be a problem..
Your doing so good with the other one I figured I can part with it...
Take care,
Bruce
Thank you Mr. Bruce. This thing would have never came to be if not for your generosity. I just sent you a message.
 
One more update on the 25 project and I’ll quit bothering yall. I was trying some different things with the N160 and loading another round of tests. I had 7 cases left over after loading the different groups. So I decided to try some N555 in those 7 cases. Those two powders are basically identical in my PrcW so I loaded a charge with an educated guess. I was practicing at 330yds because that’s an odd number for my f class, but I know I need to practice there some before the Tack Driver in October.

Not only did the N555 shoot well, it was the smallest group I’ve shot at 330yds. View attachment 1759158I really thought it was a fluke because it was only one group. So today I loaded some more N555 to play at that distance. It repeated the same outcome today. Velocity was 3028 with a 2.8 sd over 22 shots with no visible pressure signs.View attachment 1759160
My plan was to carry it to an f class match next weekend, but i think I’m gonna clean it, and put it away until right before the tack driver. I know I won’t even be competitive there but this little project is the most accurate rifle I’ve ever shot, my best chance of not getting embarrassed. I am scared to shoot it much more. It has around 340 rounds on it and the brass is all formed and the barrel is seasoned. Now if I can get my hands on a few more of them Brux barrels I’ll chamber a couple of more to play with in f class matches.

This action is a Remington 700 that is untouched other than working on the fire control. The stock is homemade. I made it with a little work and lots of trial and error. I’m using Peterson 260 brass (srp), N555 (47 grains), 135 Bergers (2.391 cbto) cci 450 primers. A Brux 1.25 straight 30.5 inch finished 7.5 twist .257 cal barrel with a Cortina V2 tuner. I’m using my night force comp scope. My trigger took a dump and I put a rifle basix l-3 trigger in it set to 2.5oz. I’ve been shooting it off of my Trident front rest. And I’m in love with that thing also. View attachment 1759175

I’m no inventor. And I’m not a benchrest shooter. But this little 25 project has taught me a lot and gave me some confidence. Thank yall for the advice and tagging along.
Blessings.
Dwayne
Thanks for posting all of this and congrats on your success with everything.
I like that you’re new rest is working well too.
 
With the newer bullets Id take a 25ai over a 260 any day. Nice job. I think you will like it. Dont overlook the 133 berger. Keep an eye out for some rl22 as well
25GT? Thoughts?
I actually have a 25 Grendel reamer thats made a few really accurate varmint rifles.
 

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