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Very Hot Topic (More than 25 Replies) Reloading the .25-25 Stevens (Read 7677 times)
ndnchf
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Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
May 21st, 2023 at 6:06am
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It seems that very few people these days load and shoot the .25-25 Stevens. I recently joined the ranks with acquisition of the Stevens model 44 discussed here:

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I posted some initial loading tests in that thread. But rather than muddy the waters, I thought it a good idea to start a discussion here in the reloading forum focusing on loading and shooting it. This should make it easier for others to find this discussion in a future search.

To recap and kick it off, here are my first loads:

I tested a few loads, all with the same 72.5gr, 30-1 plain base bullet from an Arsenal mold and CCI 450 primers.

16.0gr of Blackhorn 209 - 1846fps avg.

22.0gr of APP 2F - 1932fps avg.

Duplex load 2.3gr if 2400 under 22.0gr Schuetzen 2F - 1645fps avg.

A single round of 11.0gr of Reloader 7 - 1556fps.

I think this bullet is too soft and light, but its all I had. I have since ordered some 85gr bullets from the Bullshop to try out. I'm using old UMC brass, but also ordered 40 pieces of brass from RMC. To my surprise, they had it on the shelf ready to ship  Smiley

More to follow!
  
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ndnchf
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #1 - May 21st, 2023 at 10:14am
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Geez, this is spooky. I just got a notification from Buffalo Arms that loaded .25-25 ammunition is back in stock  Cheesy

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bullshop
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #2 - May 21st, 2023 at 4:09pm
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I have had your bullets cast for a couple days. I am waiting on the note with your payment so I know at what diameter you want them sized otherwise they would have been ready to ship.
Look like a long one there.  I will be interested to hear how they did with black horn powder.  That brings up another point of weather you want your bullets lubed for black powder or for smokeless powder.
  
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ndnchf
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #3 - May 21st, 2023 at 4:22pm
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bullshop wrote on May 21st, 2023 at 4:09pm:
I have had your bullets cast for a couple days. I am waiting on the note with your payment so I know at what diameter you want them sized otherwise they would have been ready to ship.
Look like a long one there.  I will be interested to hear how they did with black horn powder.  That brings up another point of weather you want your bullets lubed for black powder or for smokeless powder.


As they say "Check's in the mail"  Smiley  This rifle has a tight bore, so .257" will be fine. I'll mostly be shooting smokeless, so maybe half smokeless lube, half for black powder. If that is too much trouble, then all smokeless lube is fine. Thanks.
  
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uscra112
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #4 - May 21st, 2023 at 8:37pm
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Ping for later.
  

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ndnchf
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #5 - May 22nd, 2023 at 3:53pm
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40 pieces of brass just arrived from RMC 😀
  
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uscra112
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #6 - May 22nd, 2023 at 4:13pm
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You must live right.  Or you ordered before I did.

Check your neck wall thickness.  In the past I've found a couple of RMC .25-20 cases that were paper-thin on one side.
  

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ndnchf
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #7 - May 22nd, 2023 at 5:20pm
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I just checked them. The wall thickness look consistent and a sample chambers fine. The case mouths need a little attention, but nothing serious. Just clean up and chamfering. Overall they look great.
  
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Sure shot
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #8 - May 22nd, 2023 at 5:44pm
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Your new brass looks good. I’m most curious as to what you come up with for smokeless loads.
While I don’t have a .25-25, I do have a.25-21.
  
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uscra112
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #9 - May 22nd, 2023 at 5:45pm
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Click-n-Ship reports that mine are out in the mailbox.  Will take the 4-wheeler down there later.  Want to load and fire one ASAP to see how the neck expands, and how the expanded neck responds to my .257 Roberts muzzle resizer.
  

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ndnchf
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #10 - May 22nd, 2023 at 5:49pm
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FWIW, I checked case mouth expansion on one of the UMC cases I fired and it was minimal, maybe .003" at most. Very pleased with that.
  
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uscra112
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #11 - May 22nd, 2023 at 5:55pm
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Well, .003 would necessitate using the muzzle resizer.  I'm hoping I can get away without needing to expand after sizing.
  

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bullshop
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #12 - May 23rd, 2023 at 12:44pm
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I was expecting your payment today but it has not arrived yet.  To expedite this to your project please let me know the mailing address for the bullets and I will get them shipped.  If the payment is lost in the USPS void we will work that out later. I want to get these to you because I am anxious to follow your progress.
  
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #13 - May 23rd, 2023 at 1:15pm
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bullshop wrote on May 23rd, 2023 at 12:44pm:
I was expecting your payment today but it has not arrived yet.  To expedite this to your project please let me know the mailing address for the bullets and I will get them shipped.  If the payment is lost in the USPS void we will work that out later. I want to get these to you because I am anxious to follow your progress.


I appreciate that. The pony express seems to be slow  Undecided  I just replied to your email.

Steve
  
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Re: Reloading the .25-25 Stevens
Reply #14 - May 23rd, 2023 at 1:43pm
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The Missus got them labeled and is headed for the PO with them no
  
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