Exploring the Potential: Shooting the 25 GT in PRS

Anyone who knows me knows one thing: I love tinkering around with different calibers. While the 6 Dasher has been my go-to for PRS matches for nearly four years now, I’ve also experimented with many other cartridges over time. My PRS journey began about 5 or 6 years ago with a 6.5 Creedmoor which was a stock Remington Magpul 700 at what was then called Conway Lead Distributors range near Conway Spring, KS. That range is now known as Severance Training Center (STC) and is home to the Punisher Positional.

Since venturing into PRS with my 6.5, I’ve tried several calibers in PRS matches over the years: 6 BR, 6 BRA, 6 GT, 22 GT, 25 Creedmoor, and 6 Creedmoor. While I enjoyed each of these calibers, I eventually settled on the 6 Dasher as my preferred choice for most PRS matches.

However, in 2023, due to personal and professional commitments, I found myself with less time for shooting matches. Consequently, I only participated in three club matches and one national match throughout the 2023 PRS season. Since I wasn’t heavily involved in PRS during this time, I also took a break from experimenting with different calibers.

So, how did I end up with a 25 GT?

Fast forward to 2024, and here we are. I’m back in action, participating in PRS matches, and recently found myself in Georgia for the MPA Spring Showdown. I packed my trusty Dasher load (31 grains of Varget, 109-grain Berger seated at 0.050 off, Alpha Brass, and CCI 450 primers) and made the 17-hour journey to Cool Acres Sporting Camp. I won’t delve into the details of the match, but it went well enough for me to snag a free pre-fit barrel certificate from Impact Precision, cut by Stuteville Precision, off the prize table.

After the match, I headed to Florida for a short vacation. While relaxing in an Airbnb, I browsed through barrel options online and noticed they had a 25 GT barrel in stock. Intrigued by the popularity of 25 calibers in PRS, I decided to give it a try.

Why a 25 caliber?

In my years of shooting PRS, I’ve learned that while ballistics are crucial, it’s equally important to clearly see where each shot lands on target. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed a slight decline in my eyesight. Transitioning from a 109-grain bullet to a 135-grain bullet, albeit slightly slower, provides similar ballistics but produces a larger impact “splash” on target or in the dirt, making it easier to observe, especially in challenging conditions like heavy vegetation or mirage.

Why didn’t I stick with the 25 Creedmoor?

Firstly, the 25 Creedmoor performed admirably. Using mostly the 134 ELD-M’s, it produced some of the best groups I’ve achieved with a Creedmoor at 800-900 yards. However, the significant amount of powder required to achieve the desired velocity resulted in more recoil than I preferred. In PRS, the ability to spot every shot downrange and make rapid adjustments is crucial. Excessive recoil hampers this process, prompting me to explore other options.

How’s it going?

Before the barrel arrived, I researched the 25 GT and consulted with shooters who had experience with it in PRS matches. It became clear that many were achieving success with a load using the 135 Berger bullets in the 2700-2750 feet per second range, utilizing either necked-up Alpha 6 GT brass or the newer Alpha 25 GT brass. Opting for the 6 GT brass, as the 25 GT brass was scarce, and choosing CCI 450 primers, a common choice among 25 GT users, I prepared to experiment with the new caliber.

Regarding powder selection, Varget and H4350 emerged as the most popular choices. Based on recommendations, I decided to start with 37 grains of H4350, a powder I had readily available.

Although I had both Hornady 134 ELD-M’s and 135 Berger Long Range Hybrids on hand, given my positive experience with Berger 109’s, I opted for the 135’s for my initial load development.

Upon receiving the barrel, I conducted a quick break-in procedure and sighted in my Leupold Mark 5 scope during a brief range visit. Armed with 50 rounds through the barrel, I prepared for the next PRS club match. Unfortunately, heavy mirage prevented me from accurately truing my ballistic calculator during the range session, so I deferred this task to a later date, but due to a busy schedule I was not able to accomplish this before the match.

Initial velocity results from the barrel were promising:

  • First 5 Rounds (0-5):
    • AVG: 2695 fps
    • Standard Deviation: 8.6
    • Extreme Spread: 26.7
  • Final Five Rounds (46-50):
    • AVG: 2723 fps
    • Standard Deviation: 2.2
    • Extreme Spread: 5.8

At the club match, armed with 50 rounds through the barrel and a rifle untested beyond 400 yards, I faced the challenge of managing barrel speed and truing my ballistic calculator. Despite a challenging start, I managed to adapt and began to appreciate the capabilities of the 25 GT.

The shifting winds presented additional challenges throughout the match. Despite this, the 25 GT, averaging 2723-2740 feet per second, demonstrated comparable ballistics to my Dasher shooting a 109 Berger at 2850 feet per second. Transitioning to the 25 GT felt seamless, and I didn’t feel disadvantaged compared to running my Dasher.

One crucial aspect I wanted to evaluate was whether the increased recoil affected my ability to spot impacts downrange. Fortunately, this wasn’t the case. I could observe as many, if not more, impacts downrange, even in heavy mirage conditions where spotting a 109 would have been challenging.

Although the stock I used with the 25 GT was approximately two pounds lighter than my Dasher setup, I still maintained visibility of impacts. However, I’ve ordered a weight kit for the new Foundation Stock to match the weight of my Dasher setup, allowing for a direct comparison of recoil between the two calibers in future matches.

Rifle Setup:

Despite a challenging start, I finished the match in 14th place, showcasing the 25 GT’s performance in variable wind conditions. Once I trued my ballistics calculator I maintained an average of 7.75 points per stage, I’m satisfied with the outcome, considering the tricky wind conditions.

  • Last ten rounds fired at the match:
    • AVG: 2742 fps
    • Standard Deviation: 6.1
    • Extreme Spread: 18.6

Early Verdict?

As I mentioned at the outset, I’ve experimented with numerous calibers in the past, and while they’ve all been enjoyable, none have ever compelled me to even remotely consider straying from my reliable 6 Dasher. With only about 160 rounds downrange with the 25 GT, I’m beginning to sense something different about it. Whether it’s the ease of spotting impact points downrange or the mild recoil, there’s an allure to this caliber that intrigues me. I intend to delve deeper into its capabilities and put it through its paces in a few more matches.

Have I stumbled upon a caliber that could potentially dethrone my trusted 6 Dasher? It’s too early to say definitively, but for the first time in four years, I find myself seriously contemplating the possibility.

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