Help! What is a .25-20 cal.?

[Rusty]

I thought I was fairly up-to-date on most modern calibers until I ran into a "stumper" at Link's Sporting Goods in Astoria.

While looking at their ammo selection, I ran across a "new one" for me. It is a .25-20??

I didn't see a rifle, just ammo, but the shell was small, squatty, with a very long neck and a very small bullet. It looked like no other cartridge I had ever seen. I believe a good description would be, it was UGLY!

If anyone knows anything about this round, or anything about the rifle, I would like to hear from you. More out of curiousity than anything else.

"Rusty"
jsb@opusnet.com

[Freakwater]

Didn't have a clue so I googled it (.25-20 WCF):

The 25-20 Winchester Center Fire was developed for the short action of the Winchester Model 1892 lever action rifle. It is the repeating version of the older 25-20 single shot, but is based on the 32-20 necked down. There is a difference in opinion as to when it was actually introduced. Some authorities say 1893, others 1895. In any event, it was quickly adopted by a majority of the gun manufacturers and achieved considerable popularity. Prior to the 22 Hornet and the 218 Bee, the 25-20 WCF was one of the most popular small game and varmint cartridges. It was also advertised as being suitable for deer and similar animals. No doubt it has killed plenty of deer, but it is not a satisfactory big game cartridge by any standard. Today it is universally outlawed for big game hunting. On smaller animals, the 60 grain bullet is quite effective for 100 to 150 yard varmint shooting. The 86 grain soft point or lead bullet does a fine job on rabbit or turkey to 125 yards. A great many rifles were made in this caliber and are still in use by trappers, ranchers and farmers. Under certain conditions, the 25-20 repeater is still a useful small game number. It will probably be around for a good many more years. The 60 grain bullet can't be improved by handloading, but the 86 grain can be stepped up to over 1700 fps.

[Rusty]

Thanks for the great report on this caliber. I figured it was a varmit round, but had never encountered such a strange shaped cartridge. I don't think I'll purchase one as the ammo alone listed for $21.00 for 20!!

Rusty

[Bait O' Eggs]

My dad has a 25-20. Very old gun with a saddle ring on it. I shot a buck with it about 25 years ago :smile: I hope to own that gun some day.

[highdesertdrifter]

I have had a couple 25=20s. Only rifle i have shot off a bench that at 100 yards you could move over to spotting scope and watch bullet hit the target.imo better left hanging on the wall. Very collectible. HD

[Hanapa'a Time]

Just got a Model 92 (25-20) from my Dad, 20" barrel carbine with the saddle ring
Needs some TLC, don't know if I want to keep it or sell it Ammo is not easy to find and sounds a little steep to be "plinking" with :shocked:

[Cohodependent]

I have a Stevens 25-20 that is dated 1894. It has been in the family for ever. I have not looked for rounds for years as I was told that they are no longer made. I have never shot this rifle, but would love to try it. It is a single shot, rolling block. I had some ammo custom made by a guy back east but it would not shoot. At the time I wondered if the firing pin was just not hitting the primer hard enough, but I have never gotten around to taking it to a gun smith to have it looked at. Does any one recommend a good gun smith?

KGS,
If you got it from your dad you should never sell it. Keep it to pass on to your son or daughter.

[Hanapa'a Time]

Keta,

He just bought it from a friend for $300, so I do not have any real ties with it. I am thinking of having a professional restore it who has ties with the cowboy action shooting group.
Then again it might look so good that I want to keep it for my daughter [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

Kurt

[Miss B Haven]

My Dad has a 44-40 Caliber 1892 (is that the right date/model?) Winchester. Same short squatty cartridge cause it was made to go in the rifle and a pistol. Octagonal barrel and heavy as all get out. :shocked: It's an heirloom!

[snit]

What a neat little cal. I believe that the "Jordan Buck" was killed with this caliber, or else a one time world record whitetail was.