Heavies in the 25-35

[andym79]

Hi guys I was wondering if anybody has shot heavy cast bullets in the 25-35.

I am thinking between 125-149 grains?

My barrel is a 1:10 so I am pretty sure it could stabilize them and the case would have enough powder capacity, if single loaded the length would not be a problem.

I am curious if anyone has and what sort of loads you have used if you do?

Thanks

[Texas by God]

You would just have to try it. A 10" twist is probably too slow but with CB I don't know.
I sized .264" 140 gr Corelokts to .257" and tried them in my 1-10" 25-06 and they shot horribly @ 100 yds.
Best, Thomas.

[shdwlkr]

Most original winchester mdl 94 in 25-35 in this country are like 1 in 8 twist and if yours is a winchester which you didn't mention what firearm you are using, it would be interesting to see what weight bullet is too much bullet. 25-35 was loaded with 117 grain bullets so going up to 125 wouldn't seem that much of a stretch. But going to 149 I am not sure it would handle it. The real question is how much powder compared to say a 30-30 can the 25-35 hold. if close then 149 grain should work as a 150 and 170 work in a 30-30.
I have looked at taking an old 30-30 and making it into a 25-35 the hardest part was finding a barrel in .257 diameter with a 1 in 8 twist, yes they still make them. Don't have funds or time for the project right now but one day it will happen. let us know your findings and experiences.

[andym79]

The powder capacity of the 25-35 is similar to the 30-30.

I am only considering doing this with cast bullets, I guess it is a case of try it and see, I just want to know if anyone had done it and what sort of loads they used.

[beefyz]

This past Jan. i managed to secure a new Win '94 in 25-35. Made appx 2007, it has a 1:8 twist. I'm still experimenting with it but it appears to be "settling" down. Had no problem with the Hornady 117s, even with the 3 different powders i've tried so far. But like you, i'm more interested finding/using cast loads. I'm not into casting my own, and so far have found only 1 supplier that offers multiple options. One of them is a 125 gr RNFP/GC and that one is the heaviest he offers . This one shows the most promise for me; i've gotten 1-2" grps @ 50 with open sights and my 65 yr old fading eyes. I've done extensive research for 25-35 loads and our peers using this caliber all mention the same advice; that "good' accuracy over 1,600fps with lead is going to be hard to find. I've also tried his 86 & 100gr PB & GC designs with limited success. I'm still experimenting & hoping to develop other cast loads but from what i've read i have little hope of using any of them for anything but plinking. And this is OK as my hunting days are over, i like the "nostalgia" factor of the gun/caliber and i enjoy the challenge of reloading for it. But IF hunting is your ultimate goal, I'd stick with the jacketed 117s.

[Good Cheer]

In the middle 90's I made the mistake of sizing just above groove diameter when it should have been what would fit into a fired case neck. And like a dummy I let the old NEI mold go. Now I want to figger out paper patching for it just 'cause.
Hunting load... if I was still chasing black eared jacks a blunt nosed patched boolit out of gooshy soft lead would just be awesome.
Would a Lee .22 mold drilled into with a 1/4" bit provide the beginnings of a blunt paper patcherooney?
With such a low price tag I'm kind of tempted to try.