.25-20 Winchester
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| .25-20 Winchester | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | |
| Place of origin |  United States |
|
| Production history | ||
| Manufacturer | Winchester | |
| Produced | 1895 | |
| Specifications | ||
| Parent case | .32-20 Winchester | |
| Bullet diameter | .258 in (6.6 mm) | |
| Neck diameter | .274 in (7.0 mm) | |
| Shoulder diameter | .333 in (8.5 mm) | |
| Base diameter | .349 in (8.9 mm) | |
| Rim diameter | .408 in (10.4 mm) | |
| Rim thickness | .065 in (1.7 mm) | |
| Case length | 1.330 in (33.8 mm) | |
| Overall length | 1.592 in (40.4 mm) | |
| Ballistic performance | ||
| Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
| 60 gr (3.9 g) FP | 2,101 ft/s (640 m/s) | 588 ft·lbf (797 J) |
| 75 gr (4.9 g) FP | 1,877 ft/s (572 m/s) | 587 ft·lbf (796 J) |
| 86 gr (5.6 g) SP | 1,673 ft/s (510 m/s) | 535 ft·lbf (725 J) |
| Source: Hodgdon [1] | ||
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.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Cartridge Dimensions at Steve's Pages
- (2000) Accurate Smokeless Powders Loading Guide, Number Two (Revised), Prescott, AZ: Wolfe Publishing. Barcode 94794 00200.
