Help choose new cartridge.

[mlawrence125]

I pieced together a rifle a couple years ago and went with an Origin SA and chambered my first barrel in 25CM. I am using AICS pattern mags which gives me 2.95ish on COAL and I am looking to add something to help cover the opposite end of the spectrum. I originally was looking at doing either the 7mm or 338 Sherman short, but the brass is semi expensive (although good quality). I also considered doing 350 rem mag or 284 Winchester as I have some brass on hand for either of those. Basically I just need help choosing what to do.

Ideally the barrel length would be somewhere between 18-22" as it will eventually be suppressed. Also brass needs to be easy to acquire, whether its factory or the parent case to a wildcat is ok with me.

Current thoughts I've had:

284 Winchester: brass on hand and plenty capable
7mm Sherman short: available components but pricey, requires new bolt head
7prcw: brass is pretty easy to come by and not crazy expensive (PRC brass can be bought at Scheels) only requires a neck up, requires new bolt head
338 Federal, 358 Win, 375 Raptor: neck up only required, and have a steady supply of 308 win available
350 Rem Mag: only have about 120 new cases and nearly impossible to find more, requires new bolt head.
338 RCM: brass is hard to find and expensive

Any help in spending my money on a barrel is appreciated.


Photo of current build

 

[WeiserBucks]

What's it need to do?


Friends don't let friends Sherman.

 

[Choupique]

.35 whelen sir

Neck up .30-06, or factory brass is available as well. Don't get easier than that.

Nevermind, I'm stupid

 

[waspocrew]

.35 whelen sir

Neck up .30-06, or factory brass is available as well. Don't get easier than that.

I think he's trying to stick with the Origin short action....

Will you hunt with this as well? Fun rifle then swap to 25 CM for hunting? 338 Fed would be a thumper and very easy to make brass for. 7 SAUM or 300 SAUM would also work in a SA. ADG released some 300 SAUM a little while ago, so good brass is available.

 

[mlawrence125]

I think he's trying to stick with the Origin short action....

Will you hunt with this as well? Fun rifle then swap to 25 CM for hunting? 338 Fed would be a thumper and very easy to make brass for. 7 SAUM or 300 SAUM would also work in a SA. ADG released some 300 SAUM a little while ago, so good brass is available.

Yes it will be a hunting and range rifle. The 25cm will pull double duty as range and deer/pronghorn sized game. And yes I am sticking with the action I have, I have tools to swap barrels and they are way more affordable then building another rifle. I'm looking for something that would be good for elk/moose if I am ever lucky enough to pull one of those tags here.

 

[mlawrence125]

What's it need to do?


Friends don't let friends Sherman.

Primarily for larger game such as elk/moose. The 25CM covers range and deer/pronghorn.

 

[elkguide]

.284 gets my vote. Great cartridge.

 

[eoperator]

To me the opposite end of the spectrum from 25creed would be 300wsm or 22arc

 

[Choupique]

358 win or 338 federal get my vote, decision based on whichever one you already have the most stuff for (powder and/or bullets)

 

[mlawrence125]

358 win or 338 federal get my vote, decision based on whichever one you already have the most stuff for (powder and/or bullets)

I do have a good amount of .358 bullets that I grabbed when I was set in 350 rem mag and I also have a 35 rem

 

[wind gypsy]

I'd just go on killing whatever with a 25 creed and be happy with the extra $ in your wallet.

The heavy 7mm bullets are going to be a fair bit longer than ideal to stuff in a 2.950" mag. 175 Elite hunter berger for example would have the bearing surface stuffed below the case mouth to fit.

I like the idea of the sherman SS case designs if fitting in a SA mag. Never done one though and would look real close into brass, die, chamber misalignment before doing one and take quoted velocities with a grain of salt unless you want to run pressure high AF.

SAUM, WSM, PRC(6.5) cases all can play nice at short action length with certain bullets though if you must have more snort.

 

[N2TRKYS]

Just buy a Tikka Lite in the chambering of your choosing. Cheaper/more convenient in the long run.

 

[mtnbound]

I pieced together a rifle a couple years ago and went with an Origin SA and chambered my first barrel in 25CM. I am using AICS pattern mags which gives me 2.95ish on COAL and I am looking to add something to help cover the opposite end of the spectrum. I originally was looking at doing either the 7mm or 338 Sherman short, but the brass is semi expensive (although good quality). I also considered doing 350 rem mag or 284 Winchester as I have some brass on hand for either of those. Basically I just need help choosing what to do.

Ideally the barrel length would be somewhere between 18-22" as it will eventually be suppressed. Also brass needs to be easy to acquire, whether its factory or the parent case to a wildcat is ok with me.

Current thoughts I've had:

284 Winchester: brass on hand and plenty capable
7mm Sherman short: available components but pricey, requires new bolt head
7prcw: brass is pretty easy to come by and not crazy expensive (PRC brass can be bought at Scheels) only requires a neck up, requires new bolt head
338 Federal, 358 Win, 375 Raptor: neck up only required, and have a steady supply of 308 win available
350 Rem Mag: only have about 120 new cases and nearly impossible to find more, requires new bolt head.
338 RCM: brass is hard to find and expensive

Any help in spending my money on a barrel is appreciated.


Photo of current build

I would just stay with the 25CM and run the 134gr ELDM'S.

 

[Hill Difficulty]

Hi OP

Check out the link and let me know if you might be interested in the 284 barreled action. If so, I’d be willing to work your Origin SA into a swap.

WTS - Complete rifle assembly or parts - .284 WIN Carbon 6 + XLR Mg 4.0 medium + Zermatt medium

For sale is a complete and new rifle assembly incl receiver, barrel, and chassis. Willing to sell as complete assembly, barreled action or separate (conditional), or chassis only. Sale does not include scope, rings, bipod. Specs: Carbon 6 pre-fit barrel w/Zermatt receiver thread, 22"...

rokslide.com

 

[Hill Difficulty]

Oops: Sorry, failed to see that you’re a lefty.

 

[E.Shell]

I've had three .35 Whelens and went just with the .358 Winchester in a new short action build in deference to my aging shoulder. Give me a chance to use up about a thousand bullets on hand. Just don't expect to find much factory ammo around. If you rely on factory loadings, the .338 Fed is going to be almost the same, but more plentifully supplied.

 

[6mm Remington]

300 WSM. The 284 Winchester is a really great round too, and you already have some brass!

 

[keystone112]

There’s nothing wrong with a 308 Win. Just saying.

 

[ShadowAviator]

375 raptor is kinda fun. I make it out of 358win cases. I do actually have some headstamped brass for it.

Because it's slower, the simple cup and core bullets work fairly well and they aren't expensive. I know guys have used the 270gr speer on giraffe. The bullet mushroomed nicely.

Not a long range cartridge, but useful to around 400yds I would say.

 

[wyosam]

You have 284 win brass on hand and both 338 federal and 338 RCM are on your list. 338-284 lands you between the Federal and the RCM, and works great in a short barrel.


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