I don't even own a .25 Stevens rifle. But I've read about different ways to make brass, including conversion from .17 WSM. So out of curiosity, I decided to see if it was possible. 

First I had to make a simple fixture to hold the case to pull the bullet and expand the case mouth. Then a 3-step mandrel was made from a 1/4" bolt to expand the mouth from .168" to .250".

It took some trial and error, and a few wrecked cases - but I figured it out. It really comes down to annealing the case mouth thoroughly first.

The first couple cases I did, I tried to anneal them, but was concerned about heat getting to the priming compound. I didnt heat them enough and they both split. This time I filled the case with new crushed walnut media to just below the neck. This provided an insulating barrier. Then I held it at the base with a wet, folded paper towel. This helped keep the base and my fingers cool. The case mouth was rotated in the tip of a propane torch flame for 15 seconds. Then quickly the walnut media was dumped out and the case mouth, upside down was dunked into a shallow bowl of water to quench. I was careful not to let water get deep inside. 

After annealing, the 3-step expander was put in the drill press, and the case into the fixture that was clamped in a vise anchored to the table. With Imperial sizing wax applied to the mandrel, it was slowly and repeatedly worked up and down until the mouth was fully expanded. 

The case length came out at 1.175". The original .25 Stevens case was 1.125". So it was a simple matter of trimming it back .050" to make a perfect .25 Stevens case.

Now that I know it is possible, I may keep my eye out for a rifle

As I've posted elsewhere, the common boys' rifles don't produce enough of a hammer blow to fire the .17WSM brass.  Look for a Model 44, or if you're very lucky a Model 83 bolt action.  

If you'll p/m me your email addy, I'll send you a sketch of parts I made to turn the Lee "Universal Expander" (which it's not) die body into a very workable seater.

Could you replace the hammer spring in at least some of the better boy's rifles with a slightly stiffer one and get reliable ignition on .17WSM brass?

Bill Lawrence

I have actually had no problems that I remember with my Favorite. Actually have more with a 44 1/2 but it has to do with firing pin alignment and not getting enough contact with the rim.

It might be the brass. I have had the most success with Hornady. Last batch of 100 converted, I lost zero when necking up. Always a few that have an odd curve to the case and culled for other reasons.

Will have to try a few this weekend and see.

And then, Bang! One shot and you're done. Unless you're into reloading .25 rimfires too, of course.

Better to reconfigure as a centerfire IMO.

gnoahhh wrote on Jul 18^th, 2021 at 6:36pm:


I have converted a few rollers to centerfire. But I'm getting pretting good at  making my own reloadable rimfire cases. It gives my great personal satisfaction to get an old gun shooting that others have given up on. Regarding reloading the .25 rimfires - it is possible. Check out my youtube channel for the video "Repriming an original 38 rimfire cartridge case".

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moodyholler wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2021 at 7:43pm:


Also doubtful, but I don't have a .25 barrel to try so I can't be sure.   

Do you have a 925?   I could send you a few spoiled (split) cases with live primer to try.

As you can see, its quite easy to open them up and trim to length. So its well worth a try.