25 Creedmoor 18" velocity?

[Brandon_SPC]

Ever since the 25 creedmoor release I have been thinking about building an 18" with a carbon fiber barrel to supplement my 16.5" 6mm ARC. This ideally will be my 0-500 yard back county hunting rifle. The question is, assuming I am reloading and using something like Alpha Small Rifle Primer brass, do you think it is feasible to hit 2700-2750 fps with a 134 ELDM using temp stable powder? I know alot of variables. I would prefer an 18" due to is being suppressed but if I have to, I'll go the 20" route.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

A 134 grain ELDM leaving the muzzle at 2,500 FPS maintains 1,800 FPS impact velocity out past 650 yards at mid DA.

1,800 FPS with ELDMs has been well documented here on Rokslide as a good “minimum” impact velocity to use for reliable upset and maintaining good killing wounds.

I’m not sure what velocities you will achieve but I would imagine that 2,500 FPS would be well within the wheel house of a properly twisted 18” barrel; taking you 100-200+ yards past your desired kill range of 500 yards depending on hunting DA.

 

[Brandon_SPC]

A 134 grain ELDM leaving the muzzle at 2,500 FPS maintains 1,800 FPS impact velocity out past 650 yards at mid DA.

1,800 FPS with ELDMs has been well documented here on Rokslide as a good “minimum” impact velocity to use for reliable upset and maintaining good killing wounds.

I’m not sure what velocities you will achieve but I would imagine that 2,500 FPS would be well within the wheel house of a properly twisted 18” barrel; taking you 100-200+ yards past your desired kill range of 500 yards depending on hunting DA.

Yeah I've used the eldms a lot from the 6.5 Grendel. Granted I'm not fretting it but it would be nice to stay at the 2,000 fps but you are correct, it does work m at the 1800 fps. I just try to stay around that 2,000 fps for minimum expansion due to the difference in terminal performance reliability. That 2700 fps would get me out to 500 yards with the 2000 fps minimum here at sea level. Which is the furthest I ever plan to shoot animals.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Yeah I've used the eldms a lot from the 6.5 Grendel. Granted I'm not fretting it but it would be nice to stay at the 2,000 fps but you are correct, it does work m at the 1800 fps. I just try to stay around that 2,000 fps for minimum expansion due to the difference in terminal performance reliability. That 2700 fps would get me out to 500 yards with the 2000 fps minimum here at sea level. Which is the furthest I ever plan to shoot animals.

Yes sir. Sea level and the desire to stay above 2,000 is a recipe for a bit more speed then.

I would imagine a 20” barrel and hand loads could get you to 2,700. Not so sure on a 18”.

@willfrye027 may be able to comment.

 

[willfrye027]

Yes sir. Sea level and the desire to stay above 2,000 is a recipe for a bit more speed then.

I would imagine a 20” barrel and hand loads could get you to 2,700. Not so sure on a 18”.

@willfrye027 may be able to comment.

Sample size of two barrels, both are 26” so may need to do some math/guestimating.

Both are very comfortable mid 2800s with the 134s and 135s. Both can be pushed mid 2950s with the occasional ejector mark or sticky extraction with hot temps and such. That includes long strings of fire, 100F days, and some moisture. Either h4350 or N555 have been money..didn’t try anything else or really shoot for a specific velocity. Going on 10ish firings of lapua brass in the first barrel have not lost any pockets and running that barrel at 2930fps with the 135s, 1200 or so rounds down the tube. Gave that barrel to my uncle who is still shooting it.

Second barrel is alpha brass with 134s and H4350 at 2850fps only about 800 rounds down the tube no sign of losing any brass yet.

IIRC Berger would send out some data and my loads were essentially max or a touch more than max.

 

[Pickettpuncher]

I have a 20” and I’m at 2740fps. 134eldm and h4350.

 

[Brandon_SPC]

Appreciate it. So I probably need to go the 20" route.