Hunters Keep Asking About This Cartridge... So We Tested It

Published on May 4, 2026
Duration: 17:36

This video provides an in-depth review and testing of the new .25 Weatherby RPM cartridge, fired from a Weatherby Model 307 action. The presenter, with clear expertise, discusses its performance in ballistics gel, compares it to other cartridges like the 6.5 PRC, and analyzes its suitability for hunting applications, particularly for western mule deer and antelope. The review also touches on the rifle's features and the cartridge's technical advantages.

Quick Summary

The .25 Weatherby RPM cartridge offers a compelling blend of reduced recoil, flatter trajectory, and excellent wind-cutting ability compared to cartridges like the 6.5 PRC. Tested with Hammer 107gr HCB and Hornady 117gr SST bullets, it demonstrated impressive terminal ballistics in gel, making it an ideal choice for western mule deer and antelope hunting.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to the Mint Mansion
  2. 00:09Excitement for a New Cartridge
  3. 00:17Building a .25 Caliber Wildcat
  4. 00:34Introducing the Weatherby .257 RPM
  5. 00:50Initial Thoughts and Recoil Feel
  6. 01:01Ballistics Gel Testing Plan
  7. 01:18Ammunition Loads: Hammer & Hornady SST
  8. 01:27Hammer Bullet Design and Performance
  9. 02:00Hornady SST Bullet
  10. 02:06Recoil and Gel Testing Setup
  11. 02:24First Shot Recoil Impression
  12. 02:38Weatherby Model 307 Action Review
  13. 03:16Hammer Bullet Ballistics Gel Test
  14. 04:02Hammer Bullet Gel Impact Analysis
  15. 05:04Hornady SST Ballistics Gel Test
  16. 05:07RPM Cartridge Design: Rebated Rim
  17. 05:47Sponsor: Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI)
  18. 06:07Hornady SST Gel Impact Analysis
  19. 06:30SST Bullet Performance Summary
  20. 07:08Getting Nerdy: Cartridge Numbers
  21. 07:13Why a .25 Caliber Magnum is Compelling
  22. 07:26Cartridge Evolution: Beyond Old Designs
  23. 08:14.25 RPM vs. 6.5 PRC Comparison
  24. 09:26Comparison to Other Quarter Bore Cartridges
  25. 10:08Advantages: Recoil, Bullet Weight, Wind
  26. 10:18.25 RPM vs. .25 Creedmoor
  27. 10:32Bullet Drop and Rangefinders
  28. 11:27Margin for Error in Range Estimation
  29. 11:30Who Should Get the .25 Weatherby RPM?
  30. 14:41The Microwave Analogy for Cartridge Choice
  31. 15:12.25 RPM for Elk Hunting Considerations
  32. 16:10Perfection for Western Mule Deer & Antelope
  33. 16:44The .25 Weatherby RPM's Worthy Advancement
  34. 16:58Final Thoughts and Favorites List
  35. 17:01Testing Steel Ball with .257 Weatherby RPM
  36. 17:09Steel Ball Impact Observation
  37. 17:27Future Testing: .416 Ruger vs. Steel Ball

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key advantages of the .25 Weatherby RPM cartridge?

The .25 Weatherby RPM offers significantly less recoil energy and flatter trajectory compared to the 6.5 PRC. It excels at cutting the wind and dropping less at longer ranges, making it highly effective for hunting applications like western mule deer and antelope.

How does the .25 Weatherby RPM perform in ballistics gel tests?

Both the Hammer 107gr HCB and Hornady 117gr SST bullets showed excellent terminal performance. The Hammer bullet expanded effectively while maintaining deep penetration, and the SST created a substantial wound channel, demonstrating the cartridge's capability for ethical game harvesting.

What is the Weatherby Model 307 action like?

The Weatherby Model 307 action is described as smooth and premium-feeling, built on the Remington 700 pattern. It's available as a component and is praised for its reliability and comfortable ergonomics, making it a solid platform for various builds.

Is the .25 Weatherby RPM suitable for elk hunting?

While the .25 Weatherby RPM is faster than a 6.5 PRC, it uses a lighter bullet. The presenter suggests it's dominant for deer but might be on the lighter side for elk, though it's still a capable cartridge, especially when compared to older designs. The 6.5 PRC is considered more definitively elk-capable.

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