The 425 Express - an overlooked caliber - 2 rifles added

[buckstix]

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

 

[ZG47]

Good find. I have never actually seen a Leupold CPC reticle with a dot but it looks like a perfect option for use with that chambering.

 

[Ericedwinbates]

I own one on a interarms x action. Fine round for sure but mine has horrible recoil.

 

[buckstix]

I own one on a interarms x action. Fine round for sure but mine has horrible recoil.

Well, recoil on these 2 is relatively mild compared to some of my other rifles, like my 475 A&M, or my 700 NE double.

 

[Ericedwinbates]

I have an extensive collection on big bores from 500 NE on down to 9.3's. My 425 really kicks, have the same rifle in 450 Watts, 375 HH, 400 HH, 458 win, 375 IMP, all are much more pleasant. My 2 cents. Still a fine round for sure.

 

[Tam Dl]

It had that reputation for recoil. Is it because case size requires the use of certain powders? It needs to hit out of it's shoes? Here is a case of looking for 404 performance out of lighter loaded 416 Rem. That maintains some case options that are relatively available.

Tia's D'Arcy Echols Custom 416 Remington — Ron Spomer Outdoors

Alaska guide Tia Shoemaker describes the D'Arcy Echols 416 Remington custom M70 rifle she ordered and carries during her work in Alaska bear country. She uses the rifle for everything from hunting sheep to fending off charging brown bears to protect herself and her clients.

www.ronspomeroutdoors.com

 

[Jack Stevens]

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

View attachment 680517

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

View attachment 680514


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

View attachment 680516

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

View attachment 680515

What diameter bullet does this Express cartridge use? .425”, .423”?

 

[buckstix]

What diameter bullet does this Express cartridge use? .425”, .423”?

The 425 Express uses the same .423 dia bullet as the 404 Jeffery.

 

[Jack Stevens]

Well, recoil on these 2 is relatively mild compared to some of my other rifles, like my 475 A&M, or my 700 NE double.

What’s the weight on the A-Square rifle?

 

[buckstix]

What’s the weight on the A-Square rifle?

The A-Square weighs 9 pounds 9 ounces, and the Winchester weighs 8 pounds 15 ounces. The additional weight of the A-Square, and its recoil-check stock, makes its felt recoil about 3/4 of that of the Winchester. Art Alphin really knew what he was was doing when it came to his stock design.