Help me pick my next cartridge - 25cal

[SweaterDood]

I need help choosing my next PRS cartridge. I want to shoot a 130 class .257 caliber bullet. Decision is made on that.

The question is which parent case should I base it on, and why? Top importance is quality brass. Also, I do have a pretty good stock of LRPs so if the case accommodates, that is a plus for me.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

[284winner]

Pretty happy at this point with my 25-284. Haven't run all the bullets I'd like at this point but will by spring. It's chambered with a blackjack reamer from Manson. Throated for that 131 bullet. Shoots 110-120s well at this point before getting into the 131s. Look forward to getting some Berger 133s also.

 

[choprzrul]

2Fity-Hillbilly......If for no other reason than the name

Introducing a New .257 Wildcat Cartridge: The 2Fity-Hillbilly | OutdoorHub

The allure of the .257 Roberts hit me early and lasted long. I’ve owned a dozen or more rifles chambered in that cartridge. The problem was, I never had one I really liked. And, I never owned one that shot outstandingly well. One problem with the “Bob” as it is often called, is that factory …

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[rickiesrevenge]

My next will be a 25sst

 

[284winner]

My initial decision was to go big or go home with the 257 Wby. My next thought was stick with what's been working for me. The 284 cartridge has been the accuracy powerhouse for me for quite a while. It offers all the velocity I'll need for the caliber and the accuracy of that cartridge is undisputed. Having a few other 284 case calibers, I decided that it would be the case I used to load the .257. Being a hunting rig, it should take a while before needing a barrel replaced.

 

[SweaterDood]

This will be a PRS cartridge and needs to be an efficient R700 SA platform cartridge. I already have my 257 QPC (my brainchild) that pushes a 131 Ace around 3150-3225fps. I’m looking to target somewhere in the 2650-2950fps range. Also I do not want a magnum boltface, as I need 10-12rd magazine capacity.

 

[284winner]

This will be a PRS cartridge and needs to be an efficient R700 SA platform cartridge. I already have my 257 QPC (my brainchild) that pushes a 131 Ace around 3150-3225fps. I’m looking to target somewhere in the 2650-2950fps range. Also I do not want a magnum boltface, as I need 10-12rd magazine capacity.

It's gonna leave a bad taste in my mouth saying it but the 25 Creedmoor gets the nod for that.

 

[warrbuk]

It's gonna leave a bad taste in my mouth saying it but the 25 Creedmoor gets the nod for that.

Haha probably the 25x47L or GT or hit the easy button with a 25 Manbun..

 

[darkangel_r2]

25 creedmoor gets my vote. Tons of brass availability small and large pockets and you stay in the 4350 burn rate powders which will get you better stats out of a 24-26" barrel. It will also easily fit in any aics bolt mag.

 

[SweaterDood]

Every one of the cartridges listed will be in the Varget-4350 burn range, they all have high end brass available, and all require only a single operation to convert from the parent case. None would really be any “easier” than any of the others, considering I will have a reamer made regardless of my choice.

I really like the idea of the 25 GT, and have a few dummies made up on the workbench. My only hesitation is that it might be just a tiny bit slower than I’d like. The 25x47L would be that extra little bit of velocity insurance. And 25 SAW/SLR does everything the 25 CM does without me having to admit that I built one of those god forsaken things. Which is more than worth it to me. I debated on not even including the Crudmoor, since I refuse to actually go that route anyway. I figured it might help with the discussion though.

First image is of a bunch 131 Ace bullets stuffed into random cases I had laying around. Second is a 25 GT and 25 Souper side by side. Both loaded to a comfortable mag length.

 

[potatojudge]

Is that the 25 TCU you called useless? It just needs an 85 grain ballistic tip!

I'm actually in the same boat looking to do a 25 for the heavy Bergers. I'm torn between a Husqvarna 1640 and Rem model 7 action. I'm leaning 25 Lapua FWIW at least in the model 7 even though it's a commitment of a chunk of my SRM primers. The Husky I'd go with whatever fit the mag best since it's an intermediate action I believe.

You left off the 250AI. Dimensionally a 25 CM without the artisanal chamber and obligatory IPA.

 

[357Mag]

Every one of the cartridges listed will be in the Varget-4350 burn range, they all have high end brass available, and all require only a single operation to convert from the parent case. None would really be any “easier” than any of the others, considering I will have a reamer made regardless of my choice.

I really like the idea of the 25 GT, and have a few dummies made up on the workbench. My only hesitation is that it might be just a tiny bit slower than I’d like. The 25x47L would be that extra little bit of velocity insurance. And 25 SAW/SLR does everything the 25 CM does without me having to admit that I built one of those god forsaken things. Which is more than worth it to me. I debated on not even including the Crudmoor, since I refuse to actually go that route anyway. I figured it might help with the discussion though.

First image is of a bunch 131 Ace bullets stuffed into random cases I had laying around. Second is a 25 GT and 25 Souper side by side. Both loaded to a comfortable mag length.

sweaterdood -

Howdy !

Thank for sharing the nice comparison pic, of some various .25" cal cartridges / wildcats.

A .250-3000 AI would be an alternative to a notional " .25 Creedmoor ".
Wildcats on the 6XC necked up to .25" cal and made on .35 Remington brass necked down would be in the " .25-47L " - plus capacity range.

With regards,
357Mag

 

[BondJamesBond]

Man I'd love to vote 25-06...my old favorite ctg. but I know there's been new 25's created since the 70's

 

[SweaterDood]

Is that the 25 TCU you called useless? It just needs an 85 grain ballistic tip!

I'm actually in the same boat looking to do a 25 for the heavy Bergers. I'm torn between a Husqvarna 1640 and Rem model 7 action. I'm leaning 25 Lapua FWIW at least in the model 7 even though it's a commitment of a chunk of my SRM primers. The Husky I'd go with whatever fit the mag best since it's an intermediate action I believe.

You left off the 250AI. Dimensionally a 25 CM without the artisanal chamber and obligatory IPA.

The 257 Useless is a .223 Rem necked up. It’s too long for any mag with .223 feed ramps in an AICS platform as well as too long for any .223 platform. It serves no purpose whatsoever.

250AI doesn’t have a quality brass option and I don’t want to use up barrel life and components fireforming.

 

[SweaterDood]

Man I'd love to vote 25-06...my old favorite ctg. but I know there's been new 25's created since the 70's

I have a 25-06 and 25-06AI already. They are practically laser weaponry to 600 yds

 

[std7mag]

Personally, i'd say 25 Souper.
But if you need the long bullets seated out, i'm not sure they would fit in a detachable magazine.
So my vote was 25-47.

If nothing else, it doesn't have the name Creedmoor.

 

[kindabitey]

I'd say, after 3 6GT barrels, that the 25GT would be out. Unless you want to go through the aggravation
of making it from x47 Lapua brass.
That being said, pick one that can be made from Lapua brass ( x47 or Creed). One of the guys I shoot PRS
with is running a 25-08AI. Don't know any details on the reamer, but in 15 mph wind, he doesn't have to hold off of a full size IPSC at 1000 yds.

 

[284winner]

I have a 25-06 and 25-06AI already. They are practically laser weaponry to 600 yds

My 25-06 is a 10 twist gun. Still a laser to 600 yards with what it shoots. My 7.5 twist just allows heavier bullets. Both have a niche in the field

 

[B23]

I'm a pretty big fan of just about everything 284 so my first thought is 25-284 but being this will be a PRS gun and if you want something with a bit more barrel life I'd probably go 25 Creedmoor.

Either, would be easy peasy and both have top shelf brass available for them.

 

[SweaterDood]

My 25-06 is a 10 twist gun. Still a laser to 600 yards with what it shoots. My 7.5 twist just allows heavier bullets. Both have a niche in the field

My 25-06 and AI are basically the same set-up. It’s build on a cheap Savage so the AI barrel is just a Shilen prefit. I was able to call them and have a 1:7 twist made. I know it’s too fast for the ‘06 case, but I just download it some.