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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Big Bore Rifles
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buckstix
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The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles
      #391283 - 23/04/25 06:23 AM

The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles added

I just acquired 2 rifles in 425 Express caliber. A custom Winchester Model 70, and an Original A-Square Hannibal.

The .425 Express cartridge was designed in 1987 by Cameron Hopkins and Whit Collins, for African hunts. Ballistically it is equally efficient as the 404 Jeffery with a shorter length. Although the cartridge was originally based on a slightly shortened .300 Winchester Magnum case, A-Square standardized the case length as the same as the 458 Win Mag. (The A-Square Company was the only Company that offered Factory ammo.) As such, making brass is an easy task. One pass in a 425 full length sizing die is all that's required.

This cartridge fits standard-length bolt actions such as the Winchester Model 70, (my new rifle) the 1917 Enfield, (my other new rifle) and Mauser 98 or other similar-length actions.

Both rifles were field tested with a moderate load, although A-Square Factory ammo was loaded to 2400 fps with a 400g bullet.

The Custom Winchester Model 70 is shown first, the A-Square second. The description above the pictures tells most of the features. However, what is most interesting is the Leupold Scope that came mounted on the Winchester. It has crosshairs that taper to the center, with a DOT at the intersection. This really offers quick target acquisition and fine shot placement.

and as always, comments are most welcome.

http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/WIN-70-425-000.jpg



http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/425-TARG-2-SM.jpg





http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/A-SQUARE-425-000.jpg



http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/425-TARG-SM.jpg



--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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DarylS
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391284 - 23/04/25 12:03 PM

Such a short neck - I had forgotten about that trait.
Both shoot just fine!
The model 1917 is my buddy Keith's favourite action for both his 8x68S and 6.5x68.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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Rule303
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: DarylS]
      #391285 - 23/04/25 04:31 PM

I like the P14/M17 Enfield actions. If I was to have another large bore it would most likely be on one of these actions in the 425. If I could find a gunsmith that can make the rebated rim work well then, a 425WR if not, then the 425 Express. What's not to like.

Edited by Rule303 (23/04/25 04:35 PM)

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DarylS
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: Rule303]
      #391286 - 23/04/25 11:44 PM

Looks to me to be just enough shoulder that the belt in unnecessary.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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buckstix
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: DarylS]
      #391289 - 24/04/25 02:02 AM

Quote:

Looks to me to be just enough shoulder that the belt in unnecessary.

Perhaps, but then what parent cartridge would you use to form brass? Decades have shown the 458 WM has reliable feeding, as does the 425 Express.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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DarylS
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391291 - 24/04/25 06:13 AM

If I had a choice, I'd have chambered he round without the belt. Same case.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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buckstix
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Reged: 07/11/12
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: DarylS]
      #391292 - 24/04/25 07:07 AM

Quote:

If I had a choice, I'd have chambered he round without the belt. Same case.

Again, what parent cartridge would you then use to form brass?

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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Claydog
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391295 - 24/04/25 12:08 PM

That Leopold on the Model 70 would be up there with one of the lowest mounted scopes I have seen. Must just clear the action cycling. Have never had anything to do with the 425 Express but looks like it would be a pretty handy chambering.

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bwanabobftw
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: Claydog]
      #391299 - 24/04/25 11:35 PM

What a great find !!!!!!! I can remember visiting with Art and his wife at the Dallas Safari Show in early 90’s !!!!!!!! Super nice folks , too bad they are no longer in business, they had a huge selection of brass and bullets !!!!!!!!
Congrats on your new rifles

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buckstix
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: bwanabobftw]
      #391300 - 25/04/25 12:02 AM

Yes, I sure wish Art was still in business. I have had several A-Square rifles over the years, from 338 to 577 T-Rex. I still have 2 left. A-Square rifles are so robust you could throw them out of an airplane over your hunting ground, with no ill effects.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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DarylS
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391301 - 25/04/25 12:05 AM

Same as you used but with the belt turned off, .300 Win, Mag.
Would be a new reamer or old one with belt cutter ground off.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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buckstix
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: DarylS]
      #391304 - 25/04/25 01:06 AM

Quote:

Quote:

If I had a choice, I'd have chambered he round without the belt. Same case.

Again, what parent cartridge would you then use to form brass?

Quote:

Same as you used but with the belt turned off, .300 Win, Mag.
Would be a new reamer or old one with belt cutter ground off.



Well, there is much history of successful belted cartridges over the years. Those for dangerous game include: 375 H&H, 375 Weatherby Mag, 378 Weatherby Mag, 416 Taylor, 416 Rem Mag, 416 Weatherby Mag, 450 Ackley Mag, 458 Win Mag, 458 Lott, 460 Weatherby Mag, 475 A&M, etc. etc. etc.

So, why would you want to add an extra step in case preparation, by having to turn-off a belt?

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DarylS
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391307 - 25/04/25 08:22 AM

I know there are lots of belted "magnum ctgs' and almost all of them do not need the belt for anything - but high powered advertising. Only the straight cases needed them, ie: .458 Win mag. and .458 Lott for headspacing.
I may not be as old as you, but have been playing in this "reloading" game since 1966 at 16 yrs old.
Another reason I don't like the belts & the sloppy machining it allows in the body of reamers that the American gun makers get away with. Mind you, this is mostly in the 7mm Mag and .300 Win. Mag. ctgs. I don't know personally about sloppy Weatherby chambers.
Turning off that stupid belt is no problem & only takes seconds, once per case.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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buckstix
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: DarylS]
      #391312 - 26/04/25 04:07 AM

Well, to each his own ... I hold an NRA MASTER SHOOTER Classification and have won many 600yd and 1000yd Long Range Matches with my "belted" 338 WM. I also have shot over 300 whitetail deer with my "belted" 7mm Mag in the last 58 years of hunting. I find NO advantage in removing the belt on a cartridge.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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93x64mm
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391314 - 26/04/25 08:57 PM

Lovely rifles Buckstix!
Yes I prefer the P14/M17 Enfield for the 'bigger' capacity cartridges like Rule303!
The 425WR could be made out of 404J brass - albeit without the rebated rim, Jack Lott actually suggested this by having a second bolt opened up for the Jeffery brass!
It would be a more easily adaptable proposition & be a lower pressure cartridge than the 300WM case, providing you can get the Jeffery brass easier - well in my opinion anyway!
Mind you the 425 Express is no slouch & I'm splitting hairs here

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buckstix
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: 93x64mm]
      #391317 - 26/04/25 10:02 PM

Quote:

Lovely rifles Buckstix! .... The 425WR could be made out of 404J brass - albeit without the rebated rim, Jack Lott actually suggested this by having a second bolt opened up for the Jeffery brass! .... easily adaptable proposition & be a lower pressure cartridge than the 300WM case, providing you can get the Jeffery brass easier....


A-Square standardized the case length as the same as the 458 Win Mag. case length, and A-Square was the only Company that offered Factory ammo. 458 WM brass is less expensive than 404J brass, and much more readily available. Therefore making brass for the 425 Express only requires a simple one stroke in a 425 full length sizing die.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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DarylS
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391319 - 26/04/25 11:44 PM

Quote:

Well, to each his own ... I hold an NRA MASTER SHOOTER Classification and have won many 600yd and 1000yd Long Range Matches with my "belted" 338 WM. I also have shot over 300 whitetail deer with my "belted" 7mm Mag in the last 58 years of hunting. I find NO advantage in removing the belt on a cartridge.



Yes - each to his own. I simply made a comment that due to the design, the belt was not necessary. I realize at the time, belted MAGNUMS were the "thing", just as nowadays they are not.
Perhaps I overstepped into your thread. For that, please accept my apology.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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brett20mm
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391321 - 27/04/25 12:12 AM

Great rifles watched them both sale. I bought a 460Short A-Square a year ago and got all geared up to re barrel in 500 A-S even ordered a barrel but started thinking and reading "Any Shot You Want" it's staying the same and still can be used in North America.

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buckstix
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: brett20mm]
      #391323 - 27/04/25 12:26 AM

Quote:

Great rifles watched them both sale. I bought a 460Short A-Square a year ago and got all geared up to re barrel in 500 A-S even ordered a barrel but started thinking and reading "Any Shot You Want" it's staying the same and still can be used in North America.


It was interesting to watch the custom Win 70 up for auction for several weeks and not get a single bid at a starting price of $850. Then they added 4 boxes of Original A-Square ammo, and the bidding went nuts. And then I couldn't resist owning an Original A-Square 425 Express for less than "half price" of the one still listed for auction. Now I'm looking to buy a Savage 116SE Safari rifle in 425 Express - Savage was the only maker, other than A-Square, that offered a rifle in 425 Express caliber. If you hear of one, please PM me at once.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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Rule303
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391331 - 27/04/25 03:10 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Great rifles watched them both sale. I bought a 460Short A-Square a year ago and got all geared up to re barrel in 500 A-S even ordered a barrel but started thinking and reading "Any Shot You Want" it's staying the same and still can be used in North America.


It was interesting to watch the custom Win 70 up for auction for several weeks and not get a single bid at a starting price of $850. Then they added 4 boxes of Original A-Square ammo, and the bidding went nuts. And then I couldn't resist owning an Original A-Square 425 Express for less than "half price" of the one still listed for auction. Now I'm looking to buy a Savage 116SE Safari rifle in 425 Express - Savage was the only maker, other than A-Square, that offered a rifle in 425 Express caliber. If you hear of one, please PM me at once.



Thats interesting to know about Savage. I think they did a run of all the RUM cartridges as well.

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buckstix
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: Rule303]
      #391341 - 28/04/25 03:40 AM

Savage made about 100 425 Express rifles in 1995 only. I WANT ONE. SEE MY REWARD OFFER IN THE CLASSIFIED SECTION

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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buckstix
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391413 - 01/05/25 11:38 PM

I added another 425 Express to the family ... an Interarms Mark-X Custom .. that makes 3 ... pictures below

Now I need to add a 4th ... a Savage 116SE in 425 Express ....help me find one

http://www.buckstix.com/buckpics/425inter-000.jpg



--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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93x64mm
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: buckstix]
      #391414 - 02/05/25 05:57 AM

Surprising velocity difference between Solid & softs!
Not so point of aim - marvellous work there mate & certainly up to the task in Africa.
You have a great action there with the Mark X, mine was a bit stiff initially, slowly coming good.

Edited by 93x64mm (02/05/25 05:59 AM)

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DarylS
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: 93x64mm]
      #391427 - 03/05/25 12:58 AM

Certainly have a good load already.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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buckstix
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Re: The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles [Re: 93x64mm]
      #391443 - 04/05/25 07:26 AM

Quote:

"... You have a great action there with the Mark X, mine was a bit stiff initially, slowly coming good.

I use RED jeweler's rouge smeared all over the bolt and action and I work the bolt a few hundred times while watching TV. Then I thoroughly clean everything with brake cleaner and apply lithium grease. The results is a slippery smooth action.

--------------------
"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."

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