Author Topic: Which 25 to get? (Read 3077 times)

anthony passero · « **on:** April 19, 2005, 04:58:14 AM »

I am thinking of getting a 25 bore for deer/coyote for use here in the northeast. in a bolt gun. My question is which one? I am leaning towards a 250 Savage but have a soft spot for the 257 Roberts. the new Win Short Mag is interesting also. I am shying away from the 2506 and 257 Weatherby , effective as they are, as I would like a short action gun. Also can I rebarrel/ rebore a 22-250 to 250 savage?

Anthony

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2005, 11:05:05 AM »

Quote from: anthony passero

I am thinking of getting a 25 bore for deer/coyote for use here in the northeast. in a bolt gun. My question is which one? I am leaning towards a 250 Savage but have a soft spot for the 257 Roberts. the new Win Short Mag is interesting also. I am shying away from the 2506 and 257 Weatherby , effective as they are, as I would like a short action gun. Also can I rebarrel/ rebore a 22-250 to 250 savage?

Anthony

Anthony,

The .250 Savage will work just fine. The .257 Roberts actually requires an action of longer length than the standard "short" action. The new .25 WSSM is a great choice too and is even a shorter action than short by around 1/2". Yes you can have a .22-250 re-bored or any short action re-barreled to the .250 Savage. Being a Big Quarter Bore fan it is hard for me to choose but if you want to stick to a short action then the only real viable chooses are the .250 Savage and the more powerful .25 WSSM. And although I do love my .250 Savages I have to give the edge to the .25 WSSM. Just more loading options. Lawdog

Ramrod · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2005, 01:02:57 PM »

For a .257 Roberts, an 1898 Mauser action is just about perfect.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2005, 02:59:07 PM »

If there was ever a cartridge that should not have been lost it's the 250 Savage. But in a choice between the 250 and the 25 wssm, I'd pick the 250. If the 25 wssm doesnt make it, what will you make cases from down the road? 250 cases can be made from 22-250 and 300 Sav cases, both avaliable. In fact, you can still get 250 cases. I can still recall a bunch of guys that got 5mm rem mags. Nice rifles, no ammo! Remember the 6.5 Rem mag? The problem is a new cartridge based on a non-existing case.

anthony passero · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2005, 04:39:57 AM »

Thank you gentemen for the feedback. I love the 250 because of its history, Larry Kollers and all, but that 25wssm seems to really sizzle! Has anyone chronograghed one? I hear that it will barely get to 2700 fps in a 22" barrel with a120 grain bullet . Thanks again , Anthony

Lawdog · « **Reply #5 on:** April 20, 2005, 11:08:20 AM »

anthony passero,

I cant comment on a 22 barrel but in our 24 barreled M70 Coyotes we are getting 2,926 fps. using 47.2 gr. of IMR 7828SSC with 120 gr. Hornady hollow points(I got 10 boxes of them on E-bay two years ago for a song- use them for practice(bore break-in, etc.), NOT FOR HUNTING). And I wouldnt worry about whether or not the .25 WSSM will "make it or not". With the way sales are going that isnt going to be a problem. Lawdog

Catfish · « **Reply #6 on:** April 20, 2005, 03:14:30 PM »

They are all good, but if your going to load your own I would recomand the .257 AI. Same velosities as the .25-06 but with less powder and more inharent accuracy, for what that`s worth.

Racepres · « **Reply #7 on:** April 20, 2005, 05:28:06 PM »

I vote for the "bob". If ya wanna go fast tho why not the '06 or wby??? Too old?? anyway I am not in that big a hurry so make mine the 257 unless you really want a short action (light) then the ole 250 is a stand-out. Marty

jro45 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 08, 2005, 06:50:20 AM »

I have the 257 WBY Mag. and I wouldn't need a different 1/4 boar for anything. It's light, accurate, and can kill alot of different game and varmints. But if you want a Savage 250 go for it. It has its good points also.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #9 on:** May 08, 2005, 07:15:13 AM »

Kind of a hoot. You talk about "barely 2700fps" as if moss will grow on the bullet in flight. While I am not a fan of the .25 calibres, I would imagine that a 120gr bullet at "barely 2700fps" would be a good start toward putting a deer in the freezer.

Coalminer7 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 08, 2005, 12:13:38 PM »

I have 1 .250 savage and would like another, but I know on no mfg. that chambers a model rifle for it. Are you going to have it custom made?

Big Paulie · « **Reply #11 on:** May 16, 2005, 10:23:23 AM »

If you don't handload, then forget the .257 Roberts. A great round, but it is only accurate if you handload it.

nomosendero · « **Reply #12 on:** May 17, 2005, 04:13:09 PM »

Big Paulie, it appears to be the case with all the .25 Cal. rounds except for
the .257 Wea. that you must reload to realize the potential of the round. The 25-06 has some decent loads, but I far exceed them with reloads. I
think that I have a fast barrel, but I have obtained 3,304 FPS with the 120
Nos. Part. & 3,250+ FPS with the 115 TSX with my 26" Sendero. RL25 made this possible along with the long tube. Even though I do not need
more velocity, I am about to get this gun Ackley Improved. Some on this
sight & others don't think it is worthwhile but enough people that I trust
have proved it is with their experiences & because of new components when using a 26" barrel. I started to buy a Vanguard MOA in .257 Wea. but I found out that they only offer a 24" tube. That is a silly combo & the Wea. Rep admitted it but Howa will not listen at this time. One thing I like
about the Roberts is you can do well with good reloads & a 22"-24" tube but I have a 6.5 for that role.

kombi1976 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 17, 2005, 06:29:18 PM »

Go the Roberts I say.
If not, a 250 Savage is perfect.
The WSSMs and muscle bound 25 cartridges are overated.
If you're interested in something really cool try a 257 Rob. Ack Imp.
And if you're concerned about the 2700fps I wouldn't be fussed. :roll:
My 303/25 pushes 90gn Sierra BTHPs at about 2650 and the roos I've culled with it don't know what hit 'em. :eek:
It rips through their engine room and they drop like flies. :twisted: :wink:

Squeeze · « **Reply #14 on:** May 18, 2005, 02:49:40 AM »

I don't know if I would call my .25-06 Rem, Tikka M695 SS/Laminate
over rated. I would call it accurate, and I might call it Thor's Hammer,
with a 100 gr. Barnes TSX bullet, and I would even call it "Purty",
but not over rated :-D

Someday I will get a .257 Roberts, and it might even be an AI version,
but until then, I will load down my .25-06 Rem, to "Bob" velocities,
for the leisurely stroll down range at 2700fps MV :grin: Of course
when I want to see total quarter bore devastation, like a woodchuck
flipping in the air, I will push those 85 gr. NBT's up into the 3500-3600
fps range. Now we are talking new levels in "Red Mist"... Again,
I see nothing over rated about the .25-06 Rem... :twisted:

Squeeze

Lawdog · « **Reply #15 on:** May 18, 2005, 08:11:48 AM »

Quote from: nomosendero

The 25-06 has some decent loads, but I far exceed them with reloads. I
think that I have a fast barrel, but I have obtained 3,304 FPS with the 120
Nos. Part. & 3,250+ FPS with the 115 TSX with my 26" Sendero. RL25 made this possible along with the long tube. Even though I do not need
more velocity, I am about to get this gun Ackley Improved. Some on this
sight & others don't think it is worthwhile but enough people that I trust
have proved it is with their experiences & because of new components when using a 26" barrel.

Sorry but lets be fair about comparisons here. Factory to factory, reloads to reloads. I own 26" barreled rifles in both .257 Roberts and .25-06 and there is no way you can safely load the .257 Roberts to beat reloads in the .25-06 no matter what components you are using. The 3,304 FPS with the 120 Nos. Part. that you posted far exceeds maximum for the .257 Roberts even using a 26 barrel. In my 26 barreled .257 Roberts loads around 3,000 fps. starts showing signs of excessive pressure(primers start bulging - cases start sticking, hard to eject). Personally if I need to drive a .257 caliber 120 gr. bullet over 3,000 fps. Ill grab one of my .25-06s or my .257 Weatherby. Lawdog

nomosendero · « **Reply #16 on:** May 18, 2005, 04:17:56 PM »

Lawdog
I should have been more clear I guess. My Sendero is a 25-06 & I will always be fair when comparing as I am not really trying to convert
anyone. I don't think the Sendero was ever offered in the Roberts anyway!
I guess my leading statement was confusing.

nomosendero · « **Reply #17 on:** May 18, 2005, 04:24:18 PM »

Lawdog, I am still looking at where I wasn't clear. I am refering to
converting my gun to a 25-06 AI, not a .257AI as it is already a 25-06.

nomosendero · « **Reply #18 on:** May 18, 2005, 05:17:00 PM »

Sqeeze
I would agree in fact I would say that my .25-06 Sendero would be
underrated if anything. I mentioned some loads earlier in this thread but
I guess in a confussing way. Sounds like you have a great rifle!

Lawdog · « **Reply #19 on:** May 19, 2005, 10:18:50 AM »

nomosendero,

Where you were responding to Big Paulie's post where he was talking about the .257 Roberts. Your post was as follows;

Quote

Big Paulie, it appears to be the case with all the .25 Cal. rounds except for
the .257 Wea. that you must reload to realize the potential of the round.

Then you go on to talk about "THE" .25-06 with the following;

Quote

The 25-06 has some decent loads, but I far exceed them with reloads. I
think that I have a fast barrel, but I have obtained 3,304 FPS with the 120
Nos. Part. & 3,250+ FPS with the 115 TSX with my 26" Sendero.

I just assumed you were talking about loading .257 Roberts to those levels. Sorry for any mistake I made on my part. Small groups and tight lines to you. Lawdog

nomosendero · « **Reply #20 on:** May 19, 2005, 03:21:16 PM »

Lawdog

Thank you very much for your kind words. I went from one subject to
another without starting a new paragraph. If I don't screw up some each
day I know that I am not doing enough.

I think that we have alot in common when it comes to quarter bores. I use
several calibers but I make sure that I do my share of shooting with the
fast 25's. Thanks again!

Rod Smith Pocahontas, Ar.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #21 on:** May 20, 2005, 05:32:32 PM »

anthony -

I agree with Big Paulie, forget the .257 Roberts if you don't handload, but not for the same reason. My reason is there isn't the choice of ammo available that there is for the .25-06.

Velocity-wise, I use +P data as the basis for my .257 Roberts reloads and have no problem breaking 2900fps with 120g Grand Slams or Partitions in my 22" Ruger M77.

Although the .257 Roberts does not lend itself to a short action, the 22" Ruger is a sweetheart to shoot.

Savage .250 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 31, 2005, 09:10:02 AM »

If you can "find" a nice,clean 99 Savage in .250 and do get it you will
be in high-cotton. Not only will it do what you want, it`s also a valued
part of Americana hunting lore.
The .257 is nice as well. When i find one i`ll buy it in a heart-beat.
Life is good.

" The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience".

victorcharlie · « **Reply #23 on:** May 31, 2005, 11:13:11 AM »

I've always wanted a .257 Roberts..........Old classics for me! Don't need the new whig-bangers for what I do! :eek:

kombi1976 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 21, 2005, 07:44:51 PM »

Quote from: Squeeze

I don't know if I would call my .25-06 Rem, Tikka M695 SS/Laminate
over rated. I would call it accurate, and I might call it Thor's Hammer,
with a 100 gr. Barnes TSX bullet, and I would even call it "Purty",
but not over rated :-D

Again,
I see nothing over rated about the .25-06 Rem... :twisted:

Squeeze

I feel I should re-phrase.
I view the preponderance of many on the 25-06 and .257 Wby as a little tiring.
And I also think that the 257 WSSM is reinventing the wheel. :roll:
That doesn't make them bad...on the contrary, they're fine in terms of performance.
However, with the growth of these 2 cartridges we've seen the slow death of the Savage and Roberts, 2 fine performers in their own way.

I guess I believe you don't need to swat flies with steam hammers.
Don't get me wrong, it's fun, but I'd like to see the old cartridges survive.
And the death of these allgedly-superseded rounds seems like one more indicator of the disposable society we live in.
SHEESH!!! I don't believe it! :shock:
I've become a grumpy old man and I'm only 32..... :eek:
Far be it free me to ruin your fun though, Squeeze.

Lawdog · « **Reply #25 on:** June 22, 2005, 11:19:55 AM »

Quote

guess I believe you don't need to swat flies with steam hammers.

Actually it all depends on the size of the fly. :-D All "Quarter Bores" have their place and when the range starts getting long, having a .25-06 of better yet a .257 Weatherby gives one confidence. Sometimes you just can't shorten the range. Lawdog

kombi1976 · « **Reply #26 on:** June 22, 2005, 02:07:05 PM »

Quote from: Lawdog

All "Quarter Bores" have their place and when the range starts getting long, having a .25-06 of better yet a .257 Weatherby gives one confidence. Sometimes you just can't shorten the range. Lawdog

Touché :wink:

Squeeze · « **Reply #27 on:** June 28, 2005, 03:17:31 AM »

Kombi,

I don't see the .257 Roberts as "superseded". If there is room for
18 odd .224 chamberings, then there is room for 4 good quarter
bores(250 Sav, .257 Bob, .25-06, .257 Wtrby). These choices are
at least spaced out a bit on the performance curve, unlike the
.224, which is so crowded, and has so much redundancy, that
the "gotta have something new" crowd has rushed to the
.20 caliber rifles, for their new rifle fix.

Now that I am smitten with the .25 cal, I can easily see a .257 Roberts,
or a .257 Weatherby, following me home someday. I am told I
will REALLY like the .257 Roberts, but I am 52, and still young
enough at heart to want Mo' Thump, so I could see a .257 Weatherby,
bringing a huge smile to my face upon trigger pull, too. So far the
.257 WSSM does not do a thing for me, so there it one cartridge,
that will not supersede anything, in my mind. If it would have
been a .257 WSM, then it may have replaced my urge for a
.257 Weatherby. Since it did not, then I will probably end up
with some of that funny rounded shoulder Weatherby brass in
my tumbler someday.

Squeeze

kombi1976 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 28, 2005, 04:03:51 AM »

Quote from: Squeeze

Kombi,
I don't see the .257 Roberts as "superseded". If there is room for
18 odd .224 chamberings, then there is room for 4 good quarter
bores(250 Sav, .257 Bob, .25-06, .257 Wtrby). These choices are
at least spaced out a bit on the performance curve, unlike the
.224, which is so crowded, and has so much redundancy, that
the "gotta have something new" crowd has rushed to the
.20 caliber rifles, for their new rifle fix.

I agree completely.
Don't own a centrefire .22 and aren't buying one anytime soon.
For that matter I'm equally bored with .243/6mm despite the fact they call the .243 Win "the Pope gun".
But then I have to keep my grumpy-old-man status up.

Quote from: Squeeze

So far the
.257 WSSM does not do a thing for me, so there it one cartridge,
that will not supersede anything, in my mind. If it would have
been a .257 WSM, then it may have replaced my urge for a
.257 Weatherby. Since it did not, then I will probably end up
with some of that funny rounded shoulder Weatherby brass in
my tumbler someday.

Absolutely....they just re-invented the 25-06 with the 25WSSM when everyone was telling them to make it a WSM cartridge.
And for what it's worth, although I'm not really interested in them, a mate has a few Weatherby's including some collector models.
His fave is a .257 Wby Mag and he loves it like his children.
Says it's the best cartridge he's ever used.

Quote from: Squeeze

Now that I am smitten with the .25 cal, I can easily see a .257 Roberts, or a .257 Weatherby, following me home someday. I am told I will REALLY like the .257 Roberts, but I am 52, and still young
enough at heart to want Mo' Thump, so I could see a .257 Weatherby,
bringing a huge smile to my face upon trigger pull, too.

If you really love 25s try and score a 303/25 barrel and put it in a SMLE action. :wink:
It cycles fast, is easy handling and easy on the shoulder.
It's no steam hammer but it'll put a smile on your face and the brass is really easy to form; just 303 Brit necked down to .257.
Lyman still make dies for it.
If you're interested I can put you onto a couple of dealers here in Oz that would have an old but decent one on a shelf and could ship it to you.
I can also recommend loads.

cal sibley · « **Reply #29 on:** July 01, 2005, 02:03:05 AM »

It took me about 25 years, but I finally got around to buying a .25-06Rem.
It's a Remington 700BDL, and I'm quite thrilled with it. It seems there was always something I needed more so it kept getting delayed. I've given it a thorough workout at the range with many different bullet/powder combinations. It handles most very accurately, will really reach out there quite a ways, and hits hard. Recoil is quite acceptable. I could kick myself for not getting it many years ago. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal