The Quarter-Bore Revival

[Talyn]

Quarter-bores disappeared from the spotlight for a while, but .25-caliber cartridges are now coming back in a big way.​

There are more than a hundred rifle cartridges, but the most popular are in 0.224-, 0.243-, 0.264, 0.284 and 0.308-calibers.

The most popular of those have always been 0.224 and 0.308, and it wasn’t until the late ’50s that 6mm (0.243-caliber) cartridges became relevant.

Although 6.5mm (0.264-caliber) and 7mm (0.284-caliber) cartridges predate the last century and have long been popular in Europe, Americans never really embraced the sevens until the ’60s, and the 6.5s until about 15 years ago.

However, up until the ’80s, 0.25-caliber cartridges were very popular. For a time, they disappeared from the spotlight, but they are beginning to shine again.

SAAMI currently lists 10, 0.25-caliber rifle cartridges, and they all have practical appeal if not a claim to fame.

The Quarter-Bore Revival

Quarter-bores disappeared from the spotlight for a while, but .25-caliber cartridges are now coming back in a big way.

gundigest.com

Here is 134 years of quarter-bores (left to right): Winchester .25-20, Winchester .25-35, .250 Savage, .257 Roberts, .257 Weatherby Magnum, .257 Roberts +P, .25-06 Remington, .25 WSSM, .25 Creedmoor and Weatherby .25 RPM.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

if factory limitations were removed (twist rates changed) not just the 25cal, but 26cal and a few others would make the popularity list. old school diedard shooters will still choose their favorites no matter the factory offerings. i'm this way on the 264wm and needed a custom barrel to make what's needed to happen

 

[Recusant]

The .243 and 6mm REM trace their linages back to the .257 Robert’s.

 

[Talyn]

The new & popular 25's, 22's 6mm's and 6.5s have more appropriate twist rates now than the older cartridges.

 

[trader]

hmmm...noone yet necked down the 6.5 Grendel that I'm aware of.

 

[Belt Fed]

hmmm...noone yet necked down the 6.5 Grendel that I'm aware of.

The 22 ARC, 6mm ARC and 338ARC are on Grendel cases

 

[trader]

The 22 ARC, 6mm ARC and 338ARC are on Grendel cases

ah yes, forgot about the 22 arc.

 

[USMC6094]

I've recently become a fan of 257 Roberts. It has a slew of different weight projectiles, from 90 to 120 grain.
As well as more than a few +P loads.

 

[Retired Bum]

A 257 Ackley is almost as perfect as can be. About as close to the 25-06 without burning excessive powder with little gain. Ackley defined the concept as over bore capacity.

 

[Hertervillian]

.257 WBY is good enough for the girls I run with. I can certainly appreciate what they have done to modernize the .25 though

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

.257 WBY is good enough for the girls I run with. I can certainly appreciate what they have done to modernize the .25 though

what twist does the wby have

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

.257 WBY is good enough for the girls I run with. I can certainly appreciate what they have done to modernize the .25 though

i went lazy and got a 25creed for my 1st 1/4 bore. mainly will use 128-135's, but will try the cx's and some lite monos for some high speed fun.........btw both are for AR's

 

[Hertervillian]

what twist does the wby have

what twist does the wby have

i went lazy and got a 25creed for my 1st 1/4 bore. mainly will use 128-135's, but will try the cx's and some lite monos for some high speed fun.........btw both are for AR's

I can’t tell you, it’s not enough for the new generation of long bullets. I’m not going anywhere with it that shots over 500 are going to happen and I’m not sure I’m the guy to do that anyway.

If I feel like I need a heavier bullet I have other choices. I bought it primarily for a yet to come antelope hunt.