The best 225 gr. bullet is the Barnes XPB. I load it with a stiff charge of Power Pistol and easily get over 1000 FPS out of my 3" 625. I ignore the crimp groove and load this bullet long. Also, to get proper bullet pull I do not bell the case before I seat the bullet. Being .451" it gives a good tight fit and then I apply heavy taper crimp. It doesn't move under recoil.

I also use the 255 gr. SWC cast from the RCBS mold with a stiff charge of Power Pistol. I can get 915 FPS in the same 3" 625 and this would be my choice for bear country.

And I have the Hornady 250 gr. XTP loaded with the same charge of Power Pistol that the 255 gr. cast bullet gets. It's the most accurate and consistent heavy bullet I have used in a 625. I just obtained a box of the 240 gr. version XTP with the thicker jacket but I haven't tried it yet.

I case you haven't noticed I like heavy bullets in my 625s.

Dave Sinko