PA, You ask about how the 222 shoots in the Model 25. I have the same rifle the original poster has. Mine was bought in 2013. It is the high gloss version. It's action was slick out of the box as opposed to the rough mat finished one I have in 22 hornet. The 222 seems to be more forgiving as to what it will shoot than the 223 I have in a model 11. This is what the 222 has always been. I haven't found a load it doesn't shoot well. Some are better though. Sub 1/2" five shot groups at 100yd with many groups in the .3's. With the 1:14 barrel I limit my bullets to 50gr. Have not seen a need to go heavier or longer. It really likes 40gr Varmegeddons or 40gr v-maxes but will shoot 34/35gr or 50gr Hornady sps. I don't know if I would call it a competition level rifle, depends on what the other shooters call "Factory". I use mine for "gopher shoot'n" and it shines.