.25 Wildcats

[MrFurious]

I've looked at the .257-300WSM and .257-300 SAUM, and while their performance is impressive most find them to still be a little overbore.

So, I've already started work on what I think will be the ideal high velocity short-action .25cal cartridge dubbed the .257 Baker. It's simply the new .300 Ruger Compact Magnum case necked to .25 caliber. Based on some simulations I have run using the RCBS Load software it should fall right between the .257 Weatherby Mag and the .257-300 WSM in terms of velocity.

The slightly smaller body diameter should help with longer barrel life compared to the 257-300WSM and .257-300SAUM wildcats, and it will be a true non-belted short-action cartridge that doesn't require CRF. Most importantly though, it should feed very well from existing WSM magazines with minor (if any) tweaking of the feed lips.

3400-3500fps with a 110gr bullet should be easily attainable, and the lighter 85 & 87gr bullets should come in at over 3800fps.

All I'm waiting on right now is .300 RCM brass and bushing dies to make up my dummy rounds to send to PT&G for a reamer. Steve Hornady supposedly has brass on the way to me, just waiting to hear back from RCBS about the bushing dies.

[Tracker]

I love flat shooting rounds but can you say "throat erosion" My 243s and 6.5s only go about 2000 rounds before I have to set them back. Some one needs to come up with a way to harden the throats without inducing stress into the barrel.

[usmc1986]

Originally Posted by Tracker

I love flat shooting rounds but can you say "throat erosion" My 243s and 6.5s only go about 2000 rounds before I have to set them back. Some one needs to come up with a way to harden the throats without inducing stress into the barrel.

Old post I know. QPQ, Melonite, Tennifer is looking good for this purpose so far.

[Rikky Lee]

Have a look at the 25/284 with 115 Bergers or the 257 Banshee (6.5 x 68s necked down and blown out).

Have seen both in action and they are spectacular performers. I'd go with a 25/284 myself tho'...

[21buck]

Looking for a hot rod. I am sure there are others but the 25 Pronghorn or the 25/270wsm can be a real hot rod. Just converted a 30-06 with a barrel replacement etc. to a 25 Pronghorn. Speed and accuracy are there to be developed. There really isn't a lot of information on how to load, form the cases and develop a strong following. I have always admired the 257 Weatherby but now I have a race horse that rivals it. I cam achieve super velocity loads but the accuracy goes to pot. Rl 22 , with Hornady 100 gr spire point, cci large primer, 270 wsm resized in the neck, fireformed and you are ready. The first group fired were all touching at 100yds, second increased load 2 of three were touching. The Quarterbore round is an adventure. Ultra high speed is not conducive to saving meat; however, with today's great bullets we can reach out and touch the target. More to come.

[21buck]

Tracker,
I share your concern about the throat wear. I have built a 25x270wsm and in the process of developing a super hard coating for the throat and bore. Actually this coating is super thin and easy to apply. Some of the things that are envisioned are : greater accuracy, lower barrel temps, less throat wear, easier cleaning, less copper deposits, easy carbon removal, and lower co-efficient of friction which translates to higher velocity without increased powder consumption. Now all of the above are monumental goals and I really don't know if they are achievable. Some I have already experienced.
21buck

[NVshooter]

Sorry dont know if this is the best place but I am looking for some help. I am thinking of building a 25 wildcat and I am looking at the 25 stw or the 25-300 any and all help apreciated thanks in advance. Also if you have something else that works good let me know. I am wanting to push a 100 gr bullet between 3800 to 4000 fps out to 800 yards. Mainly for varmints thanks.

[gollum257]

Have had a few 25's 25-06/25 Gibbs/ 257 Weatherby & 25 STW & I am in the process of putting together a 25-300 WSM on an Alpha rifle should make a very nice light handy hunting rifle & I am sure it will push a 87 Gr. over 4000 as for throat wear shoot a 30-06 I am tired of hearing about efficient rifles this is about performance pure & simple when she wears out I will build another.

[sha-ul]

for those concerned about erosion, how well do you think nitriting would hold up?

[21buck]

I've been shooting the 25 Pronghorn and it turns things inside out. Great accuracy and velocity.
A Sako 7mm was converted to a 25STW by Pac Nor. Those guys did a great job. We were aiming for the majic 4000fps. We loaded a handful of shells. One of them was the winner. no ladders no experimenting. I tried to improve but Up or down with powder, bullet weights same problem. This rifle loves 110 Accubond at a velocity of 3850 fps.super good accuracy. The barrel is 28" same contour as factory barrel with V brake. Longest shot to date has been 350 yards. Largest beast killed 700# Blue Bull of India on the King Ranch. It is a super good hog killer at that range also.

Several contributors had very good comments years ago. are they still valid?

Let us know.