I have already touched upon the origins and prowess of this centenarian cartridge when relaying the story of young Bill Potter. While he was tending sheep in the 1930s, he killed a black bear by placing a single bullet through its eye with his .25-20 rifle. While obviously not a cartridge that I would recommend for such giant killing, it certainly is capable of great accuracy and power within its range constraints.

The first experience I ever had with a .25-20 — not to be confused with the .25-20 Single Shot, as they are different cartridges — was when my father acquired a Marlin Model 27 pump-action thusly chambered. Very pleasant report and excellent accuracy out to the 100 or so yards distance that we shot it were virtues quite redeeming. I didn’t buy that little pump-action rifle from Dad but fired it enough to plant a seed in my mind. Some 15 years later when afforded the chance to trade for a Winchester Model 1892 chambered in .25-20, I took the leap.

Originally the .25 WCF (or .25-20 WCF, as it’s more commonly known) case design came from necking down the .32 WCF or .32-20 WCF case to .258 caliber and was loaded with an 86 grain bullet traveling at about 1,460 fps at the muzzle.

Later high-velocity loadings would bump that same 86 grain bullet to 1,730 fps. This has been and maybe will always be the bread and butter factory load for the .25-20. However, as a box of 50 cartridges can run anywhere between $2 and $4 per shot, I highly recommend handloading.

With a lighter bullet, such as the Hornady 60 grain SP, and a miserly charge of powder, one can safely exceed 2,000 fps, making the .25-20 a sort of reloadable .22 WMR by ballistic comparison. The max loads in my Hornady handbook will reach 2,300 fps out of a 24-inch rifle barrel. Speer makes a 75 grain bullet that, although traveling slower than the 60, will still outrun the heavier 86 grain bullets while striking a good balance between them.

My Winchester Model 1892 features a folding tang peep sight and pilots its 60 grain handloads exceptionally well. So far I have only used it on the Belding’s ground squirrels and rockchucks, but given the chance it would easily suffice for all small game even up to coyotes in size. Historically it was favored among trappers and small game hunters alike as the small caliber, slower-moving bullets did not expand violently and resulted in minimum damage to edible meat and hides. I’ve even heard that in states where hunting turkeys with a rifle is allowed, the .25-20 continues to see such service today.

When I think of ideal deer or black bear cartridges, the .25-20 is probably not even in my top 100 choices. Adequate, yes; ideal, no. Is the .25-20 likely to make a comeback? Probably not, but if you have one it’s time to dust it off and take it afield. You may be missing out on the funnest plinking and varmint cartridge that you never knew even existed.

Are you a fan of the .25-20? Write to us at shootingthebreezebme@gmail.com today!