VZ-24 in a .25 cal

[EOD Rob]

So, years ago, I bought a VZ-24 Mauser chambered in 308 with an unknown aftermarket barrel. The only thing on the barrel is "308 WIN .340 NK". I know that it is a tight neck chamber and have tried loading for it several times with little luck of getting it under .75" groups. Also, I have several 308s that shoot lights out, so maybe its time to give this old girl some new life.
I'm thinking of going with a .25 caliber (since i do not have a .25 cal) that will fit the .473" long action bolt. This will be a long range target rifle that will primarily shoot 131gr Black Jack Match bullets, so I need horse power! My first thoughts would lean to 25-06! With the right twist, it would be hard to turn your nose up to. Brass is pretty common or can be formed from a lot of other calibers(very important), I already have dies for it and is a very proven round.
However, I'm not afraid of a challenge to get away from milk toast! Caliber and Bolt face are my only left and right lateral limits.
What does everyone think? What rabbit hole should I go down?

 

[std7mag]

Would also be a good candidate for 257 Roberts AI, or the 25-284.

I have shot short action (308 family) cartridges in a long action.
Which would open up the 250 Savage, 25 Souper, and the 25 "C word".
My wife's Savage 110 is in 223 Rem.
Still not sure of the person that thought THAT was a good idea!

 

[OKyote73]

25/284 gets my vote!

 

[Adam in WI]

Is the VZ-24 a true long action or is it considered intermediate? Another vote for the .284 parent if this is an intermediate length receiver.

 

[LaMan]

I built a 6.5-06 on a VZ-24. It's a super slick action and there is no issue fitting an 06 size case into it with no mods needed. It is throated for the 140 gr. partitions and they are not seated deep enough into the case to intrude on powder capacity. I used a Douglas high grade barrel with a one in 9 twist and this rifle shoots a lot of bullets well but loves 130 Scirocco's. I also have a G33-40 that is supposed to be an intermediate action but handles 25-06 easily.

 

[z2013]

I have one in 22-250 and does a real nice job.

 

[EOD Rob]

I have one in 22-250 and does a real nice job.

Love the 22-250, but I already have a really good one in a Rem 700. The only cals I dont have are .17, .20, .25 and .338. Not to much out there in the .17 or .25 cals and not really looking to go .338.

 

[EOD Rob]

Liking both the 06 and 284 options. Both have plenty of horse power for the 131gr bullet and although the 06 seems to be the better option for brass, 284 would not be to hard to find either. Planning on staying with .25 caliber so it would be 25-06. However, that 25-284 sounds pretty nasty too.

 

[EOD Rob]

Love the 22-250, but I already have a really good one in a Rem 700. The only cals I dont have are .17, .20, .25 and .338. Not to much out there in the .17 or .25 cals and not really looking to go .338.

I meant .17 and .20 not .25!

 

[EOD Rob]

Any thoughts on the 25 Creedmoor? Only reason I ask, I already have a 6 creed and also have some 6.5 creed brass that could get me started.

 

[EOD Rob]

Would also be a good candidate for 257 Roberts AI, or the 25-284.

I have shot short action (308 family) cartridges in a long action.
Which would open up the 250 Savage, 25 Souper, and the 25 "C word".
My wife's Savage 110 is in 223 Rem.
Still not sure of the person that thought THAT was a good idea!

25 Souper would not be a bad choice either! I have more 308 brass then I know what to do with! Sorry, had to look up the Souper, didnt know what it was.

 

[std7mag]

Just bear in mind, if you want to shoot the heavies, your gonna want a fast twist.
Probably along the lines of 1:7.5.
The ole traditional 1:10 won't cut it.

 

[EOD Rob]

Just bear in mind, if you want to shoot the heavies, your gonna want a fast twist.
Probably along the lines of 1:7.5.
The ole traditional 1:10 won't cut it.

Tracking! Was looking at X-Caliber blanks. They offer a 1in7 twist and have had a lot of good luck with them on my Savage builds! Good thing to point out though!

 

[Shawlerbrook]

I currently have my 25 06 VZ24 at the gunsmith getting blued. Going to be my 2023 Wyoming antelope gun.

 

[86alaskan]

I have several of your fast twist 25 cal options. with a 26" barrel, the 25creedmoor will be good for around 2950ish fps, may go either way a few fps. the 2506 is good for 3200fps when pushed hard and would benefit from 26" barrel or longer. I have a 25 saum that'll run 3400fps but its a mg bolt face. I'd vote 25-06 standard or AI, for a solid 2150fps performer. Also consider something like a 25-6.5x55, 25 roberts AI, they'll do about the same as the '06.

 

[Clark]

I have converted VZ24s to 308, 257 Roberts Ackley, 260 Rem, 7mmRemMag, and 300WinMag, and I have one that came converted to 30-06.

So far I have only converted a 1953 Win M70 to 25-06.
I own a 1994 factory Browning B-78 in 25-06.

The 25-06 conversion of a VZ24 could be easy, if the bolt is already bent.

 

[Preacher]

Anything the 25/06 can do the 25/28 will do better.
Gotta love that short fat case that allows a full case of powder..
Peterson makes excellent brass for the 284.......
A 7.5 twist Brux will do you well with the 131 black jacks...