Weatherby 25 WBY RPM 117gr Barnes LRX – Superb 20 Round Box

Description

Weatherby 25 WBY RPM 117gr Barnes LRX pairs the rebated precision magnum case with Barnes long range X bullet, a solid copper monolithic projectile with a polymer tip and a long boat tail. Muzzle velocity is 3150 fps for 2577 ft-lbs, and the G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.530 is the highest of the three factory 25 RPM loads. Twenty rounds to the box.

• What the LRX Bullet Does Differently
• Weatherby 25 WBY RPM 117gr Barnes LRX Specifications
• Honest Notes on Solid Copper

What the LRX Bullet Does Differently

The LRX is machined from solid copper with a deep hollow nose under a polymer tip. On impact the tip drives back and the nose peels into four petals that stay attached to the shank, so the bullet opens to roughly twice calibre and then keeps penetrating at near full weight. Recovered LRX bullets routinely retain over ninety five percent of their mass, which is the whole argument for the design.

Compared with the Hornady SST in the same weight, this trades a little immediate energy dump for a great deal more penetration and a much better ballistic coefficient. At 0.530 G1 it holds velocity noticeably better past 400 yards, which makes it the pick of the 25 Weatherby RPM ammo range for open country where shots stretch out.

Being lead free matters practically, not just legally. Solid copper is mandatory in California condor zones and an increasing number of public properties, and it removes the question of lead fragments in meat for anyone who cares about that. There is no performance penalty here, which was not always true of early copper bullets.

Weatherby 25 WBY RPM 117gr Barnes LRX Specifications

Weatherby loads this on brass cases. Copper bullets are longer than lead core bullets of the same weight, so seating depth and throat geometry matter more; the factory load is set up for standard 25 RPM chambers.

• Manufacturer part number: B25RPM117LRX
• Line: Weatherby Select Plus
• Caliber: 25 Weatherby RPM
• Bullet weight: 117 grains
• Bullet type: Barnes LRX, solid copper monolithic, polymer tipped
• Muzzle velocity: 3150 fps
• Muzzle energy: 2577 ft-lbs
• Ballistic coefficient G1: 0.530
• Case material: brass
• Lead free: yes
• Bullet diameter: 0.257 inches
• Ballistic coefficient G7: 0.259
• Quantity: 20 rounds per box
• UPC: 747115463428

Honest Notes on Solid Copper

Solid copper needs impact velocity to open. That is the one real caveat with Weatherby 25 WBY RPM 117gr Barnes LRX. Barnes designed the LRX to expand at lower velocities than the older TSX, but there is still a floor, and at extreme range or out of a short barrel the bullet can behave like a solid. Know your velocity at the distance you actually shoot rather than assuming.

Copper fouls differently from lead core bullets. It builds up in the throat and behind the muzzle rather than streaking the bore, and it needs a copper solvent rather than a standard powder solvent to shift. If accuracy walks off after a few dozen rounds, that is usually the reason and not the ammunition.

Availability is the same story as the rest of the cartridge. The 25 RPM is proprietary and young, factory ammunition comes from one source, and specific bullet options come and go. If this load groups well in your rifle, buy more than one box.

Barrel life is shorter than a milder quarter bore. Running 3150 fps erodes a throat faster than a 25-06 does. Let the barrel cool between strings, keep an honest round count and plan on rebarrelling sooner than you otherwise would.

The same cartridge is loaded with a 117 grain Hornady SST for faster energy transfer and a 107 grain Hammer HBC for the flattest trajectory. Full published ballistics are on the Weatherby 25 RPM page.

Weatherby 25 WBY RPM 117gr Barnes LRX suits western hunters taking deer, antelope and black bear at distance with a Mark V or 307 in 25 RPM, and anyone required to use lead free ammunition. MAG5 Firearms is a family owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Boxes ship where state and local law allows.