.25-20 Winchester

The .25-20 Winchester, or WCF (Winchester center fire) was developed about 1895 for the Winchester Model 1892 lever action rifle. It was based on necking down the .32-20 Winchester. In the early 20th century, it was a premier small game and varmint round, developing around 1,460ft/s with 86 grain bullets. Like many cartridges developed during the late 19th century and early 20th century most of the firearms chambered for them were developed at that time as well. This is why most modern ammunition made for this caliber and others developed during that era are loaded lightly so as not to damage older firearms.

It was easy and economical to reload, and was once a favorite with farmers, ranchers, pot hunters and trappers. Though the .25-20 was undoubtedly used on deer and the like with some success, this is not an advisable practice due to the sedate ballistics and light bullet construction associated with this cartridge.

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Cartridge:rifles