25 wssm or 25 wssm improved 40 degree or 25-284

reed mosser · #1 05-14-2005, 09:28 PM

I have been throwing around the idea of another long range target shooting barrel. I thought the 25 cal bore would be well suited for what I want. I saw a reamer for the 25 wssm improved and thought it might work well with either Richards 140's for target work or Noslers for hunting. I know the 6.5 wssm imp are about on par with 6.5-284's with 140's. I also thought that you could get away with a shorter barrel to achieve max velcioty in wssm case. I would think a 27 inch barrel would be max for a case like this but I could be wrong. Do you think the case is worth improving. Do you think velcioties would be close to 25-284 or 25-06. I would think the 25 wssm would be easy on barrels and should be very consistant. But with 25-284 uses laupa brass. I need some help just tossing around some ideas for a new project.

brian b · #2 05-15-2005, 09:11 PM

Reed,
After using Norma and Lapua brass on several custom gun projects this is a no doubt question for me . 25-284 and throw the wssm brass in the round file. (just as a side note I found a totally custom 25-284 in a little gun store a few month's ago ,I went home to get some money to buy it but when I went back they had allready sold it thinking first one with the cash wins)
B

reed mosser · #3 05-15-2005, 09:23 PM

laupa brass is the best there is no doubt. I just got a bug after a 1000 yrd benchrest shooter daughter kicked my but with a 6.5 wssm improved. I don't know how much brass prep he did but it would shoot. The only thing I was thinking was a more efficent case that would use less powder and get good velcioty. But winchester brass is not laupa. decisions decisions

Mikecr · #4 05-16-2005, 09:50 AM

A standard 25wssm would be right between a 25-06 & 25/284.
The 25-284 would waste barrels quickly. The 25wssm brass I've measured is as good as my Lapua 6br brass. It's just way too thick. Too thick to mess with improving in 25cal(if you plan to have enough barrel life left to actually use it). The 25wssm is fine for use as is.
I have a couple barrels chambered in 6.5wssm, and can't wait to use em. I'm blowing the shoulder 5deg steeper on it, just to bump capacity enough to compete. One barrel is just for fireforming/load developement.
For a 25cal, you would ruin a good thing to change capacity.

reed mosser · #5 05-16-2005, 04:10 PM

I never messed with the wssm brass, if it weighed out close to laupa, than it is much better than the 7 wsm I been using. Im not real worried about barrel life. I want to be able to drive the 25 cal 140's close to 3000 fps. I also want to get good speed out of the Nosler 100 and 110 and 115gr for hunting. How bad is it to fireform the brass of the wssm. I know its thick and tough as nails. I was going to get a reamer with a tight neck. What case captivity would the improved version be? I thought it might be from 52 to 55 grains of powder.

Mikecr · #6 05-16-2005, 06:13 PM

First off, I made a mistake in my post above. I appologize.
The 25 wssm is not between the others, but much less in capacity. Even in an improved form, it would be pushing it to get 3000fps in a 140gr 25cal.
The 25/284 would probably be a better choice for you. Way way less work. Unless you want a short action.

reed mosser · #7 05-16-2005, 08:25 PM

I think your right. I just saw the 6.5 wssm improved shooting the 140's near 3000 fps and it sparked a interest. They were probably shooting hot loads. The only reason I was thinking wssm imp was the chance of maybe less barrel to get maximum speed, and more efficent case. It is a toss up. The 25-284 and laupa brass is already a proven cartidge and a proven performer. I am always pushing the enevlope put its more troble than its worth a lot of times. Thanks