Texas Colt
Member
Earlier this year I added a .25-35 to my humble Winchester 94 collection. It is one of the guns built shortly before the New Haven plant closed. I spent early fall developing a handload for it using the Hornady 117 gr. jacketed RN bullet at 2300 fps (factory ammo, when you can fund it, is good for about 2100 fps).
While there is not a ton of info on the web about the old .25-35, there is enough to make you doubt its effectiveness. Comments of too light, too underpowered for deer are common. In all fairness, there are positive comments too.
Last week was my first opportunity to try the Winchester on a Texas whitetail. I connected with a doe at 60 yards. At the shot, the deer dropped in its tracks - DRT. I was thrilled. The Hornady bullet had obliterated both lungs and the wound channel was impressive.
Today I was back in the woods with the Winchester. At first light I had a good sized buck with a dorky 5 point rack feeding at 50 yards - a good cull buck. Since I use open sights, I waited what seemed like an eternity until it was light enough to get a clear sight picture. The buck turned broadside, the hammer on the Winchester fell, and the buck went down like it was hit with a hammer. Another DRT for the .25-35!
Needless to say, I am thrilled with the performance of this 116 year old cartridge. I'm sure it will see more action in the years to come.
While there is not a ton of info on the web about the old .25-35, there is enough to make you doubt its effectiveness. Comments of too light, too underpowered for deer are common. In all fairness, there are positive comments too.
Last week was my first opportunity to try the Winchester on a Texas whitetail. I connected with a doe at 60 yards. At the shot, the deer dropped in its tracks - DRT. I was thrilled. The Hornady bullet had obliterated both lungs and the wound channel was impressive.
Today I was back in the woods with the Winchester. At first light I had a good sized buck with a dorky 5 point rack feeding at 50 yards - a good cull buck. Since I use open sights, I waited what seemed like an eternity until it was light enough to get a clear sight picture. The buck turned broadside, the hammer on the Winchester fell, and the buck went down like it was hit with a hammer. Another DRT for the .25-35!
Needless to say, I am thrilled with the performance of this 116 year old cartridge. I'm sure it will see more action in the years to come.