Winchester 25/20

[Redneckly33]

I need some advice on loading for a Win. 25/20. I have loaded up 15 rounds using a Speer 75 Gr Bullets, Hodgen 322, 12.0 Grs. Brass length, 1.225, OAL is 1.990. I have a box of someone reloads that I bought at a local Gun Show. I broke 1 of them down. They used an 86 Gr. Bullet, with about 7.5 grs of some type of Sperical powder. The Bullet they used had 2 cannellures The bullet was longer by .007. The OAL was 1.882. What I'm worried about is my OAL. The rounds I made chamber ok. The Hodgen data calls for an OAL of 1.600. Could some of you Ole Shooters give me some input on this. This is an Ole Rifle. I got it on a Friendship deal a little cheaper than what I've seen them sell for. I'd like to shoot it but I am worried about the loads I made for it. I went by the Speer Manual, but seated on the Cannellure 1.990 is no where near 1.600, Nor is the box of reloads I bought. I guess I need my nerves to be sooth a little. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Robert

 

[kelbro]

What rifle?

Which bullet? The 75gr Speers SPFN is what I use the most.

What is the length of your brass?

My 75s load at 1.5815"

Factory (old) Western 86gr is also 1.5815

Factory (new) Winchester 86gr is 1.5855

Couldn't find the factory Remington that I know is around here somewhere.

1.990 must be on the second cannelure that the 86gr Remington bullets have.

 

[rcmodel]

MAX OAL for the 25-20 WCF is 1.592" if you want it to feed in a lever-action..

Assuming you have the Speer #1237 75 grain 25-20 Flat Point bullet they make for the 25-20, the correct OAL would be seated to the cannulure.
Hodgdon says 1.575", and Speer says 1.545".
Which one is right I don't know.

12.0 grains H-322 is the starting load and should be perfectly safe at either length..

rc

 

[sugarmaker]

For an old gun I would suggest using a gas checked lead bullet, sized .001 over bore and a fairly light load of single base powder. Barrel steel wasn't the best before 1900, jacketed bullets will wear them fairly quickly. Winchester extra steel erodes quickly and is common on model 92's from the turn of the century. Proof steel was developed in the late 20's and is very durable. Nickel steel was common 1900-1925 but max loads of double base powders and jacketed bullets will erode it fairly quickly.

 

[Redneckly33]

Thanks for the info,bout decided to put this Ole Rifle up and forget about firing it.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

,bout decided to put this Ole Rifle up and forget about firing it.

Don't give up too fast. If the gun is in decent shape finding a load shouldn't be too tough. I have an old Marlin 94 in 32-20 that I shoot on occasion. I load with 100 gr. lead for it. Keep the loads on the light side and hold them to 1.592, assuming it's a lever gun. The brass is thin, so go easy when loading. I've dented my share of cases, but love shooting these old guns and rounds.

 

[Redneckly33]

It is a lever gun. That's why I am so upset over the OAL. I bought Rem. Cartridges, Speer Bullets, 75 Gr. FP. Loaded to the Cannelure, 1.990. The reloads I bought at Gun Show. 1.882. Hodgen load data, 1.600 OAL. I'm going to take this Rifle to Gunsmith and find out whats,What.

 

[Redneckly33]

You are right about the Brass. Out of a bag of 100, I have ruined 11 of them on the press. If it hangs on any thing, Brass is ruined.

 

[rcmodel]

I bought Rem. Cartridges,

It seems unlikely the bullets have the cannulure in the wrong place.

Did you happen to run them through the sizing die and then measure the OAL case length??
1.330" = MAX - Trim too = 1.320"

They very likely need trimming to the correct length.

rc

 

[Redneckly33]

I was like Henny Penny. I thought the sky was falling. All of the confusion was caused by being Old and Diabetic. I was reading caliper at 1.990 when it was actually reading 1.690. I set rounds deeper. Chambered round and fired it. All is well in Dixie. I needed to look- a- way and then look- again. I apoligize to all of you fine Gentleman. Dang it!!!
I need better lighting in my Building.

Robert

 

[Jesse Heywood]

To compensate for the old & diabetic part I got one of the magnifier lamps on my bench. Use it all the time, even for when I'm not loading.

 

[Redneckly33]

Thanks Jesse, thats a good suggestion. I'll Look for one. I'm sure it will help alot. RCMODEL, I can't leave you out. Your right about the trimming. I would have had a little more room to play if I had trimmed them to spec. All of you guys were helpful. I appreciate your input. I do seem to get frustrated alittle quicker than I used to. Now can anyone tell me how to close this thread?