25-20 help

[StevenDale]

25-20 help

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I have the urge to start shooting a 92 Winchester in 25-20 I have had sitting around for a few years. I need brass, dies, bullets, loads. Would greatly appreciate advice from any and all on the correct paths to take in pursuit of getting this thing up and running. I am also contemplating buying a Marbles tang sight to help my old eyes shoot irons better. Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide. Personal opinions much appreciated

 

[rcmodel]

My best luck has been with Win or Rem 86 grain FP bullets and 8.0 to 8.5 grains 2400.

I tried the lighter Hornady 60 grain bullets loaded hotter, but mine scattering them all over the target with any load I tried. Even key-holing them.

My rifles both had cleaning rod muzzle wear, and did much better with the heavier longer bullets.

rc

 

[kelbro]

I would suggest getting the Lee dies or NEW RCBS dies. I tried a couple of sets of the older RCBS dies and they frequently crushed the paper thin necks of the 25-20 brass.

I had great luck with the 60gr and 75gr bullets in two of my Savages.

 

[rcmodel]

Duplicate post here:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9345937#post9345937

rc

 

[witchhunter]

I like 2400 too, I use 11 grains behind a 60 grain flat point. 8 grains behind an 86 grainer. Be extra careful with this fun old round, it could lead to purchases of a .32/20 or a 38/40. Then a .218 Bee is the modern alternative!!!

 

[rcmodel]

Yep, got a 32-20 and a .218 Bee myself, too!

BTW: I load them all with older RCBS dies.
The dies don't crush the 'paper thin' necks.
Heavy handed reloading practices, and not lining the cases up with the die in the shell holder cause crushed necks.

rc

 

[kelbro]

RCBS had a couple of runs of off spec dies. Not enough tolerance. They would crush the necks on the upstroke due to the minimal gap between the expander and the shoulder of the die. RCBS acknowledged it and replaced them with newer dies. They knew about it when I called them and gave them the dates.

Mine were e-Bay purchases that were manufactured in the 70s. Looked brand new. No wonder, the previous users probably had the same experience and shelved them.

I started loading 25-20 40 yrs ago with a Lee Loader. My first foray into handloading. It's been a great trip!

 

[witchhunter]

Watch where your 92 pitches those empties, they are getting fairly hard to come by.....

 

[StevenDale]

I am finding out about those hard to come by 25-20 brass. Does anyone know where any is available?

 

[witchhunter]

Good luck on finding brass. Winchester only makes a seasonal run, as you might guess there are lots more people wanting .223 and 9mm these days. hang in there, it will come again......