Want to build a 25 cal.—-your input appreciated

[20 TAC]

I currently own a few 25-06 rifles and love the chambering but would like to build something with velocities close to the 25-06 but in a short action…and something with a more efficient case design. A little less powder capacity and a little less recoil than the 25-06 would be ideal.
Here’s the difference compared to other threads—I am not looking to shoot heavy bullets. Main purpose of the build would be a relatively lightweight flat shooting coyote rifle out to 500 yds +/- with the ability to shoot occasional Antelope or deer. Currently have an abundant supply of 75 grain V-Max along with some 85 Noslers and 115 Berger hunting. The 115 would be the absolute heaviest bullet I would want to shoot.
Ideas so far are: 250 AI or 25 Creedmoor, also received some excellent input on the 25-243 AI. Any input, thoughts, or additional suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thank you

 

[YBPS]

25x47 lapua. Love mine.

 

[Adam in WI]

Depends on the action. A model 70 short action can be easily modified to take up to 3.050" overall length. If your action can be worked similar to this I would consider .25-284. That would get you closest to .25-06 capacity.

 

[jghoghunter]

25/284

 

[C.E.Smith043]

25x47 or 250 ai
I would base my decision on availability of brass

 

[Bill K]

257 Roberts AI would be very nice.

 

[HardwoodPro]

25x47

 

[Murray Brook]

What about the 25 WSSM. It would seem it has most of what you want.

 

[pintopete]

Neat idea! 257 Roberts or AI version is one preferred by those who don’t want to get beat up. Personally I like the 257R. Unfortunately a bit long for an R700 SA. I’m keeping in mind the OP said short action, not necessarily a Remington, but short nonetheless. I have always thought the Savage 250 & 300 were neat cartridges, especially with the SA limitation. Maybe the 250 AI? It’s on your list, and I think someone else already suggested that. I’ll second that motion then! LOL. Brass may be easy too.

 

[20 TAC]

Depends on the action. A model 70 short action can be easily modified to take up to 3.050" overall length. If your action can be worked similar to this I would consider .25-284. That would get you closest to .25-06 capacity.

Isn’t there hardly any difference in case capacity between the 25-06 and 25-284…maybe 1.5 grains H2O or so? Would like something more efficient in terms of less powder if possible. Don’t mind giving up 200 fps or so but just don’t want to lose 400-500 fps. Currently running about 3,600 fps with 75 v-max and Varget in 25-06.

 

[20 TAC]

25x47 or 250 ai
I would base my decision on availability of brass

Great suggestions so far and thanks all.

Seems the 25x47 would get the nod for brass quality and longevity. Any experience shooting lighter bullets out of one like the 75 v-max and if so what velocities could one expect?

 

[jghoghunter]

25/250AI would get you to 257r velocities with light bullets same with the 25x47.

 

[muleystalker]

How about a 25 SST (Sherman Short mag Tactical), the 25x47 is cool but no venders have brass and Lapua has suspended production. 25 Creed is also a nice cartridge but not the capacity of the 25-06. I think the 25 SST would do what you need, based off the SAUM case but a little less capacity I believe.

 

[std7mag]

What about the 25 WSSM. It would seem it has most of what you want.

25WSSM unfortunately has a magnum rim diameter. So the OP would have to change the bolt face.

@20 TAC, sounds like a 25 Souper (25-308) might be the ticket for you.
I have 250 Savage, 257Roberts, 257 Roberts AI, 25WSSM, 25-06.

The AI & WSSM come close to the 25-06 but i think the 25 Souper would fit your action & bolt face better.

 

[std7mag]

How about a 25 SST (Sherman Short mag Tactical), the 25x47 is cool but no venders have brass and Lapua has suspended production. 25 Creed is also a nice cartridge but not the capacity of the 25-06. I think the 25 SST would do what you need, based off the SAUM case but a little less capacity I believe.

Ditto the SSM about changing to a magnum bolt face.

 

[20 TAC]

25/250AI would get you to 257r velocities with light bullets same with the 25x47.

So based off why I’m finding the 25-06 has a water capacity of 67-68 grains. The 257 Roberts and the 25-243AI both have case capacities of about 57-58 grains. The Souper around 56 grains and the 250AI/25 Creed about 52 grains. And the 25x47L about 48 grains. Do these sound correct? If so, what provides the most efficient use of powder for velocity return is my end quest. If the 250AI/25 Creed get me within 100-200 fps with 20% less powder then that’s a win for my objectives.
So is 3,500+ fps with an 75 gr achievable with the 250AI consistently without wrecking the brass?

Great input from everyone. Please keep it coming.

 

[Kurz]

So is 3,500+ fps with an 75 gr achievable with the 250AI consistently without wrecking the brass?

Yes, using Re-15 in my 26" barrel. Mid-50,000 psi.

Accurate 4064 same thing.

My favorite is still IMR-3031.

 

[DocDoc]

How about 25/.260AI. The .260 Rem can be a little long for the heavy bullets in a short action. But you are going to use lighter bullets, so that should not be an issue. You can use .260AI dies with bushings needed for .257 diameter in the loaded round. It has about 10 grains less water capacity than the.25-06, but does very well in velocity. I love my .260AI.

 

[Kevin Taylor]

I am gonna vote for 257 Roberts. Just cuz. I own and shoot a bunch of them and love them!

 

[jepp2]

If the 250AI/25 Creed get me within 100-200 fps with 20% less powder then that’s a win for my objectives.

I've shot a 25-06 for many years and love them. But more recently I have been shooting more with the 6 and 6.5CM's. At this point I somewhat regret my last 25-06 custom wasn't a 25 CM. I would pick it over the 250 mainly due to availability of quality brass.