Best 25 caliber to consider on a build.

[BEEMAN]

I am leaning towards the 25-06 AI myself at the moment. Not quite as fast as the 257 WBY and faster then the 257 Roberts AI and of course the normal 25-06. Not much recoil although I'm shooting lighter weights at the moment. I just sold 5 guns (still crying a little) so I'm thinking about doing up a titanium action, carbon fiber barreled ultra lightweight for Whitetail and mule deer out to 500-600 yards kind of thing.

The issue I'm having/contemplating is a good 115-120 gr bullet. I've used the 117 Eld-X and it was all right, but it doesn't give me warm and fuzzies like my Barnes TTSX do. I'm thinking about trying the Hammers but would have to order into Canada which is a pain.

Bringing Hammers Into Canada is quite easy. Only painful thing is our low dollar and the shipping

 

[sodakota]

25-06

 

[lancetkenyon]

How's the mod 40bb holding out? That's what I have,I'm about 400 rounds into it,they're saying they're not living up to the hype

I am probably around 450 now. It took a long time to break in/speed up. So I am hoping for good barrel life.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I am leaning towards the 25-06 AI myself at the moment. Not quite as fast as the 257 WBY and faster then the 257 Roberts AI and of course the normal 25-06. Not much recoil although I'm shooting lighter weights at the moment. I just sold 5 guns (still crying a little) so I'm thinking about doing up a titanium action, carbon fiber barreled ultra lightweight for Whitetail and mule deer out to 500-600 yards kind of thing.

The issue I'm having/contemplating is a good 115-120 gr bullet. I've used the 117 Eld-X and it was all right, but it doesn't give me warm and fuzzies like my Barnes TTSX do. I'm thinking about trying the Hammers but would have to order into Canada which is a pain.

Do a lightweight steel action. Kelbly Nanook, Atlas Lite, or Defiance AnTi X. I have shot several Ti actions. I own two. I won't own another one.

 

[Playtimefun]

I have read that a few times from different folks about titanium actions. I own 4 titanium actions, and the only issue I have with them is that none of them are smooth, which is to be expected. My 700 Ti in 7 WSM (custom barreled) is an absolute tack driver. Now on the flip side... I don't put a ton of rounds through my titanium actions. Their my "specialty" toys lol. So that helps.

 

[Playtimefun]

Bringing Hammers Into Canada is quite easy. Only painful thing is our low dollar and the shipping

Amen to that. Just had to order some exhaust parts for my cuda because the TTi exhaust wasn't made right to start and OUCHIE!!!!

 

[Poe]

When the barrel on my 257 weatherby is done it will be getting a faster twist. I love it for deer the way it is but with a 139gr bullet I think it would be that much better

 

[HalfMileKiller]

Having shot mulies for years with various rifle calibers, I have to say the good ole fashioned .257 Weatherby. My favorite is a bone stock Mark V Ultralight. Shoots it's favorite load of 100 grain Barnes TTSX @ 3722 fps into .7 MOA and is devastating on game. Most deer dropped instantly where they stood.

 

[Bully]

Very easy choice, 257 wby, with Peterson brass. I had a 257 stw years ago, dropped it like a hot rock. Barrel life was stupid, just for maybe a 100 fps more. With the long necks of the 257 roy, is great for the long bullets

 

[bayou shooter]

I have a problem with deciding on which particular 25 caliber to go with. A lot of in decision running through my head. I have a 25wssm that I'm getting rid of but can't decide what to settle on. Do I go with something like a 25/06 Ackley improved or something like a 25 SST or a 25 creedmoor. What are the components like dies and brass , are they readily available? any help to calm me down , so I can decide what to build and move forward, any help would be appreciated. More reach is the ultimate goal, but I'm wanting a little more knock down and range to the caliber. Thanks in advance
Bdog 35 in Utah

The 25 calbers are fading out with one exception, the 25-06 which appears to have taken on new life recently. There are factory ammunition for it and components can be found. The rifle that I like the most in the 25 caliber range is the 257 Roberts AI. It can do everything the 25-06 can do. The only set back to the 257 Roberts is that brass is sometines hard to find and there is little to no factory ammuntion for it and you almost have to be a reloader. So, if you are not a reloader the choice would be very simple. The other 25 calibers mentioned have the same issue as the 257 Roberts, lack of components especially brass. Good luck with your endeavor.

 

[.7mm.]

The 25 calbers are fading out with one exception, the 25-06 which appears to have taken on new life recently. There are factory ammunition for it and components can be found. The rifle that I like the most in the 25 caliber range is the 257 Roberts AI. It can do everything the 25-06 can do. The only set back to the 257 Roberts is that brass is sometines hard to find and there is little to no factory ammuntion for it and you almost have to be a reloader. So, if you are not a reloader the choice would be very simple. The other 25 calibers mentioned have the same issue as the 257 Roberts, lack of components especially brass. Good luck with your endeavor.

Maybe for factory ammo and chamberings, but for handloaders 25 cals are alive and well with good brass and bullets available. So I would have to disagree

 

[1raggedhole]

View attachment 581263

Anytime an African critter shows up with his popcorn it makes me laugh. Hard.

 

[Kiowa Cowboy]

I am late to the discussion. But I am a huge 25.06 fan. I have both the 25.06 and 257 wby mag. If you are going to do a lot of shooting, I would not go the 257. wby mag route unless you are a reloader with lots of components and you don't mind an occasional rebarrel. I have hunted the 25.06 since I was 9 years old. It is a great caliber for everything in SWOK.

 

[Phil Rizzo]

The 25/06 AI, 25 Sherman LA, 25 PRC, 25 SAUM, 25 PRC/SI, 25SST, 25SS, 25MAX, 257 Blackbird, 25/7PRC and however many others I've forgotten take care of the warm end of the "wildcat" spectrum.

Tame variants are there too, like 25 CM, 25x47?, 25 Souper, and I'm sure many others. Fun time to be a .257 nut.