I have an old Rem model 30 S EXPRESS in the original 25 Rem chambering with a 26" barrel.
It was the rarest caliber they made them in.
Killed the first two deer of my at that time young life 9 years old.
Factory Rem 117 gr round nose ammo.
That was in 1967.
I used it for a few years until I got my pre 64 Win model 70 in 270 caliber.
It set in the safe until about 16 years ago when I started loading for it as a varmint gun.
I still have about 80 rounds of the original 800 rounds of ammo I got with the gun.
The last time I shoot any of it most of the cases split in the neck area.
Some had already split in the box.
Rem quit loaded it as a factory round about the mid 50s.
They quit making the model 30 in the 40s.
I could get a pretty penny for it if I was to sell it.
NOT FOR SALE.
25 brass is hard to come by but you can get all the 30 Rem you want.
Just run it up in the 25 die to size the neck down and you are ready to load.
75 to 87gr bullets make a nice varmint load and the old 117 roundnose is good on deer with the proper shot placement.
You will be able to step it up quite a bit over factory ammo.
I no longer use it as the value has gotten up to where it is better left in the safe.
Always wanted to have another.
Now you got me thinking again, not good!
You will really enjoy it.
I look forward to reading about it as you get loads worked up for it.
IIRC I was loading about 30gr of 3031 behind the 75 & 87gr bullets at about 3000 or a tad better with the 75s and about 2900 with the 87s.
The 117 gr was about 2450 maybe 2500 with 26gr 3031.
I believe I got my base data from KEN WATERS pet loads book but not sure.
It still has a rather tight chamber and I am sure the 26" barrel didn't hurt any in the speed department as I was getting higher velocity than him but he was using a 22" barrel.
My loads showed no signs of pressure although looking back I think I may have been about at the top of what the cartridge should be pushed to.
Groups ran about 1.5" three shots at 100 with the 117s and right at 1" with either varmint load.
It has been so loooong.
They used to load it over in EUROPE to higher velocity but I don't know if they still use it or not.
A fine under rated cartridge.
Glad to see someone who wants to bring it back!
Good luck!
LONGTOM
