25 Stevens Centerfire Conversion

mac100

mac100

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I have read many subjects on this on cast boolits etc but seems load data is non existent.
I chose not to use 6.35x28.6mmSR cases and went with 22 Hornet since I have a lathe and case trimmer it was easier to acquire the 22 hornet cases.
I have an RCBS mold that casts a 257 projectile at 85gr. I slugged my barrel and came out to .254. I made my own sizer die to 254 and case expander to match.
Conversion to centerfire is done and test fired a few 25ACP cartridges to check function and works perfectly.
Thinking of using trailboss or 4198 for my smokeless powder load in a Remington model 4 25 Stevens.
I have converted 32 rf in a Remington model 6 and use 2.0 grains of trailboss and is perfect and accurate. Chronoed a 90gr projectile at 960fps. Thinking 1.0-1.5 of trailboss in the 25 may be fine but it’s never great to experiment with things like this and am hoping someone has a similar experience and can share some info. Thanks guys
 
mac100 said:
I have read many subjects on this on cast boolits etc but seems load data is non existent.
I chose not to use 6.35x28.6mmSR cases and went with 22 Hornet since I have a lathe and case trimmer it was easier to acquire the 22 hornet cases.
I have an RCBS mold that casts a 257 projectile at 85gr. I slugged my barrel and came out to .254. I made my own sizer die to 254 and case expander to match.
Conversion to centerfire is done and test fired a few 25ACP cartridges to check function and works perfectly.
Thinking of using trailboss or 4198 for my smokeless powder load in a Remington model 4 25 Stevens.
I have converted 32 rf in a Remington model 6 and use 2.0 grains of trailboss and is perfect and accurate. Chronoed a 90gr projectile at 960fps. Thinking 1.0-1.5 of trailboss in the 25 may be fine but it’s never great to experiment with things like this and am hoping someone has a similar experience and can share some info. Thanks guys
Click to expand...

Lil Gun will give you better velocities, with consistent accuracy and acceptable pressures in your Stevens.
 
I have a stevens marksman in 22k hornet. I down load for it...but I have shot full loads out of it. But it has had a lot of work done to it...firing pin was drilled out, and a new setup in place, new barrel ( New to the gun...lol) had a period correct scope...and shots one at a time...fast and fun, and very easy to carry..
Cheers
B
 
While I quite enjoy my Stevens Favorite [Yankee spelling for a Yankee rifle!] in .32 S&W & its twin barrel in .32 S&W Long, I have always been disappointed that there is no equivalent [factory] rimmed CF cartridge in .25 calibre, suitable for a Favorite conversion. [think .25 Long RF, but in a CF format, or the 25 ACP in rimmed form] as even the .25-20 Stevens Single-Shot [the smallest, least pressure variation in factory form on the .25 platform, at least that I am aware of] is a bit too hot-rodded for a Favorite frame.

Your use of the shortened, expanded Hornet case brings to mind my idea of a .25 Hornet on a Ruger #1 platform, but that's a horse of a different persuasion, sort of like comparing a Clydesdale, Percheron or Belgian [my favourites!] to a race horse. Of course, I already have a Ruger #1 in .22 Hornet, as well as a .357 Magnum, in which I mostly shoot 200+ grain cast bullets, on the same platform. Then again, I already have a Westley Richards in .298 Minex [a .32-20 case, albeit with 0.300" bullets of 78 grains [at either 1,100 fps or 2,100 fps] or 140 grains @ 1,400 fps].

Being well into the era of collecting OAS, the appeal of light recoiling, light weight, pleasant-carrying rifles does have a certain appeal!

;-)

My $0.02 Cdn.
 
I have a 25 Stevens Tip up in beautiful condition. I am sloooooowly working towards making it a centerfire. I have some 22 Hornet brass but I gave away my lathe to a young friend of mine but I found that a mini tube cutter works great to shorten the brass. Before I go any further with it, I need to figure out loading dies and case expander to accommodate the 25 cal bullets. Moving the firing pin looks easy but the gun will stay unchanged / unmodified until I get the ammo figured out.
 
There where 25 Stevens CF straight walled ammo, I had a 25/25, and a 25/21, in 44 actions, but it is all collector ammo, there was one more I believe, but for get what it was , never had one.
 
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