Should I build a 25BRA or 25 Dasher Varmint Rifle? (Decided on 25x45AI)

[AllThingsAI]

The small cases, based upon the .222Rem Mag (.204Ruger)/.223, etc., would be very efficient, probably stunningly "accurate" (precise) . . . and, a LOT of fun! If you're interested, I may still have a 25PPC reamer hidden in the reamer stash - if it's there, I could be persuaded to part with it - let me know and I'll check. RG

I’m interested in the Reamer...25ppc sounds awesome. Just PM me with the details and what you want for it. Thanks! Ryan

 

[AllThingsAI]

Ok...I’ve decided on my next rifle. I really appreciate all the input!

Winner is: 25x45AI
Runner-Up: 25PPC (will build a bolt body and barrel at some point)
(Ended up in a totally different place than where I started)

Reasons: Simple, Efficient, Precise, different, and “AllThingsAI”! . Everything is easy to come by or modify. I’ll have a 223AI, 6x45AI, and a 25x45AI.

Questions:
1. Neck diameter for no-turn? I’m thinking ~0.282”
2. Need a .25 cal throater (any out there?)
3. Action...Big Tikka fan (anyone have a T3x .223 action for sale?)
4. Chassis?
5. Barrel twist...thinking 1:10 but I need to do some math. I want to calculate the centripetal force vs RPM for a .257 bullet. My Hypothesis is more CP force = more instant fragmentation...but there is probably an accuracy trade. (I may do a more scientific study on this for fun).

I’ll start a new build thread and blog as I go. Any interest in a thread like that?

I really appreciate all the input! Such a great forum.
Ryan

 

[AWS]

With the 6.5 Grendel available in mini action, CZ-527 and Mini Howa a mini actioned 25 PPC seams like a lot of money down the drain just shrinking the bore diameter .007" and there is a great selection of bullets in the 6.5/.264 bore.

Mini Howa 6.5 Grendel doing its job.

 

[AllThingsAI]

With the 6.5 Grendel available in mini action, CZ-527 and Mini Howa a mini actioned 25 PPC seams like a lot of money down the drain just shrinking the bore diameter .007" and there is a great selection of bullets in the 6.5/.264 bore.

Mini Howa 6.5 Grendel doing its job.

I had this thought as well...only moving up 0.007" in diameter to 6.5mm. Problem is there are zero true varmint bullets available n 6.5mm and no light weight bullets (<80grains). Now if I'm wrong, please let me know...6.5 is interesting if small flat base bullets are available.

 

[AWS]

I too would like to see a light 6.5 bullet, 75 grain Varmageddon would be great for colony critters

 

[Evan]

I’ll start a new build thread and blog as I go. Any interest in a thread like that?

I really appreciate all the input! Such a great forum.
Ryan

No better way to give back to the forum than a great build log with pictures and results and loads that people can follow. Newcomers can find it in the future too when they are searching for 25x45AI info cause they think it'll scratch the itch perfectly!

 

[Webster]

All, I’m looking for opinions on my next build. My last rifle was a 6x45AI and I absolutely love it. I did a lot of homework before I built it and I would like to do the same here.

I’m thinking of moving from 6mm to .25 cal. It seems to me like the larger diameter bullets are more explosive and have a greater initial impact than the smaller cals (just my observation). I’ve shot .17, .20. .22, and 6mm. I’m thinking of a 25BRA or a 25 Dasher. I have 6mm reamers for both so I can make it work by reaming out the neck diameter and purchasing a .25 cal throater.

What are the pros and cons of of each and what do you think of .25cal...looking at 70g SBKs. I’ve never had a .25 cal before so I don’t know it’s accuracy characteristics.

Small varmint gun capable of 600 yds or so is the goal. Accurate AND flat shooting with low recoil to spot shots...but doesn’t need to be a barrel burner. Huge fan of Ackley chamberings.

Your wisdom is appreciated.

Ryan

Bullet construction should have a much bigger influence on explosiveness than diameter.

 

[AckleymanII]

Tubb's 6 XC brass stuff is really good at $69 per hundred.

25 XC would be a hands down winner, bushing adapter for the 6mm reamer pilot, neck reamer, uni throater

 

[6t9dodge]

Ok...I’ve decided on my next rifle. I really appreciate all the input!

Winner is: 25x45AI
Runner-Up: 25PPC (will build a bolt body and barrel at some point)
(Ended up in a totally different place than where I started)

Reasons: Simple, Efficient, Precise, different, and “AllThingsAI”! . Everything is easy to come by or modify. I’ll have a 223AI, 6x45AI, and a 25x45AI.

Questions:
1. Neck diameter for no-turn? I’m thinking ~0.282”
2. Need a .25 cal throater (any out there?)
3. Action...Big Tikka fan (anyone have a T3x .223 action for sale?)
4. Chassis?
5. Barrel twist...thinking 1:10 but I need to do some math. I want to calculate the centripetal force vs RPM for a .257 bullet. My Hypothesis is more CP force = more instant fragmentation...but there is probably an accuracy trade. (I may do a more scientific study on this for fun).

I’ll start a new build thread and blog as I go. Any interest in a thread like that?

I really appreciate all the input! Such a great forum.
Ryan

We too think alike , I am doing this for different reason ....sorta! But since you (sorta )got this the cartridge including dies are available from non custom shop die set prices .... the 25 TCU . Reloading data easy to find too. My reason is specifically the available cheap and plentiful speer TNT bullets ....no one shooting quarterbore. I am leaning toward 25 DASHER Norma 1.600 ONLY cuz I have lots of new brass from when Grizzly/bald eagle closed out all their stuff. BUT and I mean BUT the 25 Tcu is the best solution on a 223 case as the homework is done and data is already available . Btw ptg has reamer prints but might want to confirm throat and leade angle. The same can be said for 6 MM TCU and the 6x45AI -re inventing a 40 year old wheel (see Bob Milek Handgun Hunting circa 1980) . Oh yes I think the remington model 7 with a longer follower and then you are on your way to 25 caliber Valhalla I own a 6.5 Tcu on a rem 600 . Efficient and the 85 gr Sierra is accurate and explosive.but Bc sucks, hence my next project will be quarterbore

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

All, I’m looking for opinions on my next build. My last rifle was a 6x45AI and I absolutely love it. I did a lot of homework before I built it and I would like to do the same here.

I’m thinking of moving from 6mm to .25 cal. It seems to me like the larger diameter bullets are more explosive and have a greater initial impact than the smaller cals (just my observation). I’ve shot .17, .20. .22, and 6mm. I’m thinking of a 25BRA or a 25 Dasher. I have 6mm reamers for both so I can make it work by reaming out the neck diameter and purchasing a .25 cal throater.

What are the pros and cons of of each and what do you think of .25cal...looking at 70g SBKs. I’ve never had a .25 cal before so I don’t know it’s accuracy characteristics.

Small varmint gun capable of 600 yds or so is the goal. Accurate AND flat shooting with low recoil to spot shots...but doesn’t need to be a barrel burner. Huge fan of Ackley chamberings.

Your wisdom is appreciated.

Ryan

12 twist at least and zero freebore. Either cartridge will be great. 70 bk is perfect.

 

[AllThingsAI]

12 twist at least and zero freebore. Either cartridge will be great. 70 bk is perfect.

Just bought a New to me Tikka T3x for the receiver. Probably going to go with a 1:9 or 1:10 twist barrel. I’ll need to calculate the freebore based off the bullet dimensions....not much neck to work with in a 25x45AI. Higher twist gives me options if I’m not liking the 70G BK...should be fun. I’m going to black out the entire rifle in graphite black Cerakote. I coated my first 10/22 the other day and I loved it.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

Don't do it! 1-12, zero freebore/ 70bk . this is a no compromise combination that will impress. You could never dislike a 70bk bullet. They are perfect. My 257 weatherby/Krieger /Tikka produces 1/4"or less every time with 70 bk bullet's. At about 4000+ ? Fps. Compromise= bad!!!

 

[AllThingsAI]

Don't do it! 1-12, zero freebore/ 70bk . this is a no compromise combination that will impress. You could never dislike a 70bk bullet. They are perfect. My 257 weatherby/Krieger /Tikka produces 1/4"or less every time with 70 bk bullet's. At about 4000+ ? Fps. Compromise= bad!!!

You’re a pretty convincing guy! Kinda have me drooling a bit! I promise I won’t compromise! At those velocities it’s impossible to run a higher twist anyway. RPM is way too high with anything faster. Keep pumping me up, I’m getting excited!

 

[redrockranger]

Isn't the selection of 25 caliber bullets weak to say the least ?

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

Isn't the selection of 25 caliber bullets weak to say the least ?

Not really, many varmint bullet's, many heavy hunting bullet's, many medium weight bullet's. And my favorite deer hunting bullet , the 80ttsx barnes bullet. It's perfect for deer.@ 3999 fps. Also BiB match bullet's, they are WoW accurate!

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

You’re a pretty convincing guy! Kinda have me drooling a bit! I promise I won’t compromise! At those velocities it’s impossible to run a higher twist anyway. RPM is way too high with anything faster. Keep pumping me up, I’m getting excited!

My 257 weatherby- 12 twist Krieger/Tikka also like's to make tiny groups with 88 grain BiB match bullet's.

 

[Siko12]

I like the idea of the 25 wssm but the truth is it's just a 25-06 in a super short action. If I were going to build one, I'd put it in a Browning or Winchester action sized to it and then build it up as a mountain rifle for deer and antelope. A 25-223 might be interesting. On the other hand, why not a 250 savage?

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

I like the idea of the 25 wssm but the truth is it's just a 25-06 in a super short action. If I were going to build one, I'd put it in a Browning or Winchester action sized to it and then build it up as a mountain rifle for deer and antelope. A 25-223 might be interesting. On the other hand, why not a 250 savage?

25 creedmore

 

[AckleymanII]

A 25/250 AI would be impressive on coyotes and chucks, ie. 25 Creedmore.

I had a 257 Weatherby that I shot the 87g Speer at 4130 fps, tiny groups with a zero freebore reamer. I have a 257 Roberts AI that I am about to tweek out.

 

[AllThingsAI]

I’m going to eventually build two barrels for the same action. 25x45AI and 25 Creedmoor. Maybe I can chamber each end of the same barrel and just flip it! Ha ha, just kidding!

do you think anyone has done that before?