Hunted for many years with this rifle from the time I was 17 back in 66. It is a Rem 722 with a rechambered 257 Roberts factory barrel. Had to leave Montana in 89 and left the rifle up there - I felt like I had abandoned a child. Took a trip to Montana a couple of weeks ago and retrieved the rifle. Brought it home - refinished the stock, touched up the bluing and scrubbed the heck out of the barrel. Ordered new Redding dies and brass and box of 100 gr NBT's. Reloaded some rounds using RL 19 and SC4831. Didn't have a chrono back then but I do now - off to the range. How nice to shoot this weapon again - I would keep it over all the others I have just because of the memories. Settled on 3308 fps with 57.5 gr SC4831 - 1/2" three shot groups. RL-19 gave higher velocity deviations and didn't group as well.

Rifleman,

I have a 25-284 coming my way from the stockmakers....
It's an Interarms Mark X that I had reworked, engraved, etc.

It shot well before I sent it off, but I will try the recipie that you just mentioned (I was mainly using RL-22).

The stockmaker has had it for 2 years...was putting the most gorgeous piece of Mesquite I had ever found on it (with which he agreed), but he told me the pistol grip area wasn't deep enough, and he is finishing it in a exhibition grade Circassian walnut stock.

I have never owned a 25 caliber hunting rifle until this one, and was sold on the idea after watching 3 different hunters take whitetails with single shots (that stopped the deer where they stood) in 25-06.

I realize it is most likely from very good shot placement due to low recoil, but it almost looked like magic to an interested observer.

Garrett

N. Garrett

Sound like a nice rifle you have coming there.

I shot animals with every 25 cal bullet that was out there -at the time. Most with the 115 gr NP and the older 117 gr semi spitzer NP's thats not made anymore. A carribou I shot in Alaska pile drived into the ground when hit with the old 117 NP behind the shoulder. Also shot a Montana whitetail buck at 300 plus yard with an old - even then - 100 gr round nose corelock - ran about ten yds. 100 gr Sierra on an Antelope at 150 yds severely bloodshot the impact side from shoulder to hind quarters - in general the 100 gr put them down faster than the heavier weights - never recovered a bullet from any animal regardless of weight. Messed around with 75 gr hp's and 87 gr stuff but the rifle was never intended for varmints. My dad took the factory stock which was an ugly style even for its day but had nice walnut fiddleback grain and whittled on it until it looks like a modern day classic style - including steel grip cap, solid black recoil pad (to lengthen the pull)and fiberglass bedding. Also replaced the stamped trigger guard with a 700 short action trigger guard/hinged floor plate. The only thing I don't like about it is the safety - which I checked regularly by habbit since it would slide to the fire position when carried in sling on left shoulder - would bang against the hip. Hope you enjoy the new rifle - I checked some old data I had and 53 gr of IMR 4831 with 120 gr something gave 3020 fps measured over a friends chrono back when they were expensive. Barrel on this thing is 24".

Glad to hear the cartridge has been around awhile. I recently received a 25-284 back from Pac-Nor. I've loaded several rounds, but haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. I had it throated for 100 Gr. Ballistic Tips, and that's the bullet I want to try to stick with. That and the 100 Gr. Partition - if I ever need it. Very easy round to reload with Redding dies. No fire-forming, etc. I used Lapua 6.5-284 brass, and expect it to last a long, long time.

I've been shooting a 257 Roberts for many years, and I love the 25's. Perfect for everything from small varmints to deer, and no recoil to speak of.