What is the velocity difference between the two using 75 or 85 gr. bullets?
How hard is it to form the 25-284 brass?

AVM

"Not very" is the answer to both questions.

The .25-06 has a slight bit more capacity, therefore more velocity potential. However, the .284 case is built heavier in the web, therefore can be loaded to a bit higher working pressures, somewhat offsetting the .25-06 capacity advantage.

If the .284 brass is virgin, it is usually no problem to simply run it through a full length .25/284 die, and there you have it. As with any neck-down procedure, if the brass is work-hardened or comes from the factory too hard in the neck area, it may need judicious annealing to ease resizing (but don't get it too soft because the sharp shoulder will just fold in on you). In loading for a friend's .25-284 I've never had case losses run more than about one per box.

By the way, if you want maximum velocity combined with cheap and easy cases and don't mind a wildcat chambering, go for the .25/06 Improved.

[This message has been edited by Stonecreek (edited 01-15-2002).]

You could probably make reformin even easier if you use Hornady 6.5-284 brass, then you are doing minimal movment of the brass.

The reloading page for the 25-06 lists these figures for a 75 gr. Sierra:
RL 19 62.0gr. at 3799fps
VVN 140 53.0gr. at 3771
VVN 160 61.0gr. at 3714

How much more could the 25-06 Improved offer?
Velocity? How much more capacity?

AVM

I shoot a 23" barreled 25-284 and another,in 24". I also shoot a 24" 25-06Ackley.

All are twisted 1-10". The 25-284 will make 3400fps,with a 100gr XLC and 3750fps with a 75gr. The 25-06Ackley,will make 3600fps with the 100 and crowd 4000fps,with 75's.

If I had an extra short action laying around,I'd build the 25-284. If I had an extra long action,the 25-06Ackley.

Both are superb,but the 25-06AI is of more capacity and has more muscle due to that..........

I just recieved my 25 Gibbs (25 06, 35 deg shoulder with shoulder mover forward) 28" barrel on a 700 action. 75gr at 4000 fps and not to max in my rifle. 100gr match kings run 3650 with no pressure.

------------------
Growler

growler,

I'd always contemplated the 25Gibbs. It is a 25-06Ackley Improved/IMPROVEDER(grin).

Short necks never bothered me. I've always liked the Gibbs appearance. I hope your shoots as good as those cases look!.............

Would the 25-06AI or 25Gibbs be considered a barrel burner like the 30-378 Weatherby?

AVM

The 30-378 is nearly of TWICE the capacity.

What is it you are building your rifle to do? Most guys that worry about barrel life,wouldn't shoot enough in 10 lifetimes,to wear the new out of the first barrel.

Don't get me wrong,but everything has it's price. If you want an ever lasting barrel,shoot a 25-221.

Relate the task you wish to accomplish and guys can chime in,with realistic expectations.............

I have been told the 30-378 is good for about 750 shots before rebarreling. I know that would depend on other variables as well.
I have no experience to draw from in wildcatting. It seems to me a person can go so fast as to burn the barrel out very quickly. This I do not want to do. I feel the need for some extra speed in the 75-85 gr. range, but I do not want to go to the extreme at this point.
4000fps in a 75gr. bullet would be fine. What do you think barrel life will be?

AVM

[This message has been edited by avmcgee (edited 01-15-2002).]

A 75gr at 4000fps,is pretty extreme. ANYTHING at 4000fps,is getting pretty "extreme".

My thoughts are,the case that can push a 25cal 75gr at 4000fps,is better served with a higher BC projectile at reduced speeds,for a steady diet.

Take the 25-06Ackley/25Gibbs/257Wby,for example. All will push the 100gr,to at least 3600fps. That bullet has a superior BC,but is still sizzling. It also incorporates less powder to do so(as compared to Warp Speed 75's). That helps barel life and performance isn't sacrificed.

I've never shot a 25cal out,using 75's,so couldn't give an exact round count. I've got over 1500rds through both 25-284's with that weight bullet and have yet to see an accuracy degradation.

I've over 1500rds,through one of my 257Wby's and it too is still going strong. My 25-06Ackley I built last year. I only have about 600rds through it,thus far.

It is very dificult to assign an exacting number,to your question. My thoughts are,if you are going to shoot that much,you are going to rebarrel when you loose accuracy. Extreme performance,never comes toll free.

At an absolute minimum,1500rds is a fair amount of shooting,in a Hunting Rifle.

If that sounds like a very short lifespan,you are contemplating the wrong class of cartridge........

You are right that is extreme, but I think ok with me .
I guess I had the 25-300 Win. Mag in my mind as EXTREME. At 4158fps using 80.0gr. powder. I appreciate you spending the time to help me.

AVM