1915 Favorite - .25 Stevens, Shooting Again

[Odinson]

I have a Stevens 32 Short "crack shot". I think it is a model 16??? It is missing the little side lever for opening the "gate." Started to re-barrel it, then changed my mind and decided to sleeve it with a liner from Brownells. I got as far as buying the liner.
Second project, Stevens Marksman 12 Tip Up in 25 caliber. Thinking of doing the center fire using 22 Hornet brass. Haven't got started on that one either, life sort of always gets in the way.
Need to buy a Lathe and a Milling machine first I guess.
Some day I am going to write a book on procrastination......

 

[quinnbrian]

I had the .25 through a chronograph today, very interesting.

Accuracy was by far the best with around 2.0 grains of Bullseye and that load didn't give any signs of stress; but to my surprise the velocity was a stunning 1172 fps on the high end with a 65 grain bullet. That's pushing (likely exceeding) the limits of backthrust on the Stevens Favorite action. 1.7 grains (so far) showed the most consistency but was still hovering around 1,000 fps. Below that, accuracy was falling off - and the chrono showed the greatest spread (so far). I didn't chrono Trail Boss loads but the accuracy in those loads hadn't been great in early trials, however I like it for this application and I'm sure the velocity would be a lot lower just from previous experience. I'll probably stick with Bullseye but maybe try some light paper filler on a lighter load to help improve consistency (it's a long thin case) - it's only a theory but I suspect the powder position is playing a role.

I also chronied my .32 Long Colt Favorite - that one was a nice consistent low 800's with a heeled bullet from Jethunter (90 gr I think). That was 2.0 grains of Trail Boss (Long Colt), although my favorite powder for this one is also Bullseye. That cartridge as well enjoys the best accuracy with Bullseye but hey....

Thank you very much ! For your reloading data! I don’t have a chronic, so I’m always looking for Stevens marksman conversions ( of unfactory) calibers. I have one in 32 Colt, 22 k Hornet, and one on the way in 25 rimfire, which I do have ammo for... shotshell , if I remember right , but would also like to convert to 25 centerfire( for reloading) . I do reload for 22 magnum ( rimfire) and although do-able, it is a little bit of a pain in the a$$.
Thanks again for the info!
Cheers
Brian

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

Thank you very much ! For your reloading data! I don’t have a chronic, so I’m always looking for Stevens marksman conversions ( of unfactory) calibers. I have one in 32 Colt, 22 k Hornet, and one on the way in 25 rimfire, which I do have ammo for... shotshell , if I remember right , but would also like to convert to 25 centerfire( for reloading) . I do reload for 22 magnum ( rimfire) and although do-able, it is a little bit of a pain in the a$$.
Thanks again for the info!
Cheers
Brian

You bet, obviously use at your own risk there, but I think it's useful to have some idea. 1/10th of a grain can make a world of difference in these small cartridges. Reloading .22 mag must be interesting.

 

[quinnbrian]

You bet, obviously use at your own risk there, but I think it's useful to have some idea. 1/10th of a grain can make a world of difference in these small cartridges. Reloading .22 mag must be interesting.

Yes that all I was looking for .... a good starting point. As far as reloading for 22 mag , well, everything is the same, accept for the priming..and thats what takes the time....
Cheers
Brian

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

Yes that all I was looking for .... a good starting point. As far as reloading for 22 mag , well, everything is the same, accept for the priming..and thats what takes the time....
Cheers
Brian

I'm sure! Read a few threads on the topic somewhere, seems like an interesting thing to try. Not this year though, I'm booked into 2023 at this point.