06 January 2005, 00:51
Mark in GA25 Souper a.k.a. the 25-308 published load data found!
Don't know if anyone here cares, but I stumbled across some actual published loading data for the 25-308 wildcat. I don't have a rifle chambered in 25-308 yet, but want one one day.
Use the link below and then select 25-308 from the dropdown list.
http://www.adi-limited.com/handloaders-guide/rifle.aspThis is data published by ADI (Austrailian Defense Industries) who happen to manufacture all of the current Hodgdon extreme powders.
They list pressure data using AR2206, AR2208, and AR2209 powders. That may not sound like it helps us here in the U.S. much, but further research yields the following:
AR2206 = Ever so slightly faster than AR2206H which is bottled and sold by Hodgdon as H4895
AR2208 = Bottled and sold by Hodgdon as Varget
AR2209 = Bottled and sold by Hodgdon as H4350
So here we have usable (pressure tested) data for a very fine wildcat with commonly available powders.
I sure wish Remington would legitimize the 25-308 as the 25-08 just like they did for the 25-06 back in 1969. The cartridge would give us 257 Roberts +P or better performance in a true short action cartridge. It would trounce any 243 or 6mm out there as a true dual use cartridge too since it can handle heavier more effective bullets for deer sized game while keeping recoil down to 243 levels. In my mind this is the perfect rifle for equiping recoil sensitve (kids and ladies) deer hunters. Heck I'm 6'00" 210 lbs and I get tired of getting beat up by the larger 30 cals. etc. too.
Not only that, it is the "magical" .257 caliber!
God Bless,
Mark in GA
06 January 2005, 03:46
257 RobertsFinally somebody that shares my liking for the 25 cals. I get taunted by friends who prefer the 6mms and 6.5s. Not that they are bad cals either, but there is just something about the 257 that intrigues me!
One thing i will say though is that bullet selection is a lot better with the 6 and 6.5s than the 257. Mainly when talking about match style bullets. Could get some with some better BCs.
The 257 Roberts +P is one of my favorite rounds, hence the handle here on the AR forum. More punch than the small stuff for deer sized game and still applicable for small game too, granted the right bullet selection is made. I shoot a lot of 300 mags, and going back to the 257 BOB is simply a joy to shoot.
28 January 2005, 06:45
UrodojiA-Square has a section on the .25 Souper in their load manual.
06 February 2005, 17:31
oakrch708I have a 25-308 AI with 24" bbl. My favorite load is 43.5g H414 with 120g bullet. Chronographs about 2925 fps. Nice cartridge, but with the 260 now available, I can't see building a 25-308.
10 February 2005, 16:33
deciple-of-keithMARK IN GA. THE RELOADING MANUAL FOR RIFLE &HANDGUN LOADING BY NICK HARVEY (A AUSTRALIAN PUBLICATION) LISTS MANY LOADS USING IMR POWDERS .If you want a list of these loads please let me know & I'll post em for you. I still use a 25-303 myself . which is 303 necked back to .257 (Like a Irish Virgin 'pure & simple')and I might add I have a lot of fun with the Old Girl

10 February 2005, 17:16
GonHuntinI'm shooting a 25 Souper in a 16" barreled single shot handgun and I'd certainly appreciate it if you posted the info!
10 February 2005, 17:33
deciple-of-keithGone huntin Here goes.60gn prject; starting ld IMR4895;46 MAX48. IMR4320 SL 46GN MAX48. IMR4530;SL48 MAX52. 87GN IMR4895 SL 40 MAX44 IMR4350 SL 47.5 MAX 50. 100GN IMR4320 SL 36 MAX39. IMR4350 SL 43.5 MAX 47. 120GN IMR4350 SL 41 MAX 44. IMR4831 SL 42 MAX 45.HOPE THAT GETS YOU OUT OF STRIFE.

13 February 2005, 23:37
Pedro in IdahoThe reason I went with a 25 Souper is action length. I have a 6.5X257AI(260AAR) on a med. length Sako and didn't want to go down that road again. In the med. length Sakos or short action Rems. a 308 case length really makes sence. Plus they feed perfectly. Pedro