PDA

View Full Version : Model 25: Things that make me go Hmmm....



J.Baker
10-18-2012, 01:22 AM
So having finished up my range testing of the Model 25 Walking Varminter in .17 Hornady Hornet, I couldn't help but try to find a reason to buy and keep this particular rifle. I really don't need it. I really don't care for the Hornet cartridges as they don't do anything or offer any benefit that my rifles in .17 HMR and .223 Rem don't do. In fact, I really don't even care all that much for the action design of the Model 25's - but that's just me.

Then an idea struck me...

- Savage doesn't offer anything chambered for the .17 Remington Fireball
- This Model 25 already has a .17cal barrel screwed onto it that could be rechambered
- I already have a laminate stock to replace the junk synthetic one
- A .204/.223 magazine should feed the shorter Fireball case since the short Hornet's feed without issues

Hmmm....I may just see an el-cheapo winter project brewing. :nod:

M.O.A.
10-18-2012, 01:48 AM
Sounds like a plan from the man ;-)

Big Old Boy
10-18-2012, 01:57 PM
how did the testing go with the laminet stock I must have missed it. as for me I want to get my wife into shooting she hates recoil and loud noise so for me the 17 hornet is the way to go.

J.Baker
10-18-2012, 04:12 PM
Read the full review on the homepage, I posted it this morning. And to be honest, I didn't find the 17 hornet to be any quieter than a 223.

Big Old Boy
10-18-2012, 04:56 PM
thanks for the review I think I am going with the 223 I know it works and the wind won't bother near as bad, thanks again.

Appleseed
10-29-2012, 10:52 AM
Don't load for hornet cases, but from friends that do, was steered to the .221fb/.20vt/.17fb "modern brass." I read many comments about Remmington's poor quality brass, I've never had one split or crimp the neck, and have shot some pretty tight groups in both a savage .20vt and cz .221fb. The model 10 action cycled the short cases just fine with a feed cone, problem was the magazine didn't. That could easily be re-designed on the cheap.

I too wonder why savage would build a .17 hornet or 5.7 X 28 and not offer .17fb or .221fb, in either the model 25 or the 10 series. Just put a .221fb barrel on a striker and it is a fun gun! Look forward to hearing more of Jim's .17fb project. Maybe the model 25 mag won't have the feeding problem the 10 series actions do.