Is the 25/20 becoming obsolete

[Big Looey]

I've got a model 92 (1917)with a 24" octagonal barrel and a model 53 (1925) in  20" barrel  both in 25/20. I asked about ammo for them in a local gunshop and got a blank look from the owner who said he didn't have any then looked them up online and found a box of Winchester for $275 for 50 rounds so I soon realised why the barrels on my two rifles looked like new. It didn't take long to track down several hundred brass cases and dies and cast up some loads.
It's a shame this calibre is slipping into obscurity because it's such a fun round to shoot and a versatile round for hunting thin skinned game or plinking. I know there are other calibres that are more capable, shoot flatter and hit harder but those high powered gramophone needles don't have the character of these old rounds. I know I'd rather shoot the 25/20 around the farm than a .223.  I wonder how many others still enjoy shooting them as much as me.

[Abilene]

I think it has gotten overshadowed by the 32-20, which isn't much different,  but 32wcf guns and ammo are still being made. And even that owes some of its availability to the CAS market.  The 25-20, not being SASS legral, does not have that advantage.

[Big Looey]

Yes I think you're right, the 32/20 seems to pop up everywhere. I know a few people that shoot them. But never see the 25/20 around.  It's going the same way as the hornet which is another good round, but like they say you can load a .223 down to .22 hornet so why bother with it but I have no interest in .223 but I'd love a hornet.

[Abilene]

Oops, I must correct myself.  The 25-20 IS legal for SASS, for rifle.  But again, the lack of any new guns made in that caliber, plus the small bullet being harder to hear hit the target, have limited its popularity (not to mention brass is much harder to find than 32-20, which is scarce itself these days though not in more normal times).

[Lucky R. K.]

You should try finding ammunition or components for the 25-21 Stevens.
Lucky 

[RoyceP]

I sure would like to hear who has 32 WCF brass available. It's been out of stock everywhere for years. 25 WCF is the same - none available. Starline won't accept orders for either one.

[Big Looey]

My only gripe with the model 92 in 25/20 is those precious ejected cases fling up and out so fast you spend more time recovering the empties in the grass and leaves than looking at what you shot.

[Major 2]

I was fortunate enough to buy 32/20 brass a few years ago.
I keep hearing Starline will make a run, but I blame the 3 yearlong shortages and the demand in more common and mainstreamed calibers for the hold up.

I feed 5 - 32/20's

[Abilene]

My only gripe with the model 94 in 25/20 is those precious ejected cases fling up and out so fast you spend more time recovering the empties in the grass and leaves than looking at what you shot.

That would be a model '92.  They all have that problem, including the reproductions, due to an overly strong ejector spring (the coil spring inside the bolt).  Replace that with one from https://stevesgunz.com and your brass won't fling as far - also lessens the force necessary to close the lever on a cartridge.

[Big Looey]

Good tip, I'll investigate this option

[cactus joe]

My only gripe with the model 92 in 25/20 is those precious ejected cases fling up and out so fast you spend more time recovering the empties in the grass and leaves than looking at what you shot.

So true! I also have to look for them in the snow at my range. Found one in my hoodie hood after looking for it for about 15 minutes!

[Story]

I'm in SE PA, for anyone with the gumption to meet FTF.

[treebeard]

I would think the 32-20 brass can be used to make up 25-20. I never tried it because i stocked up on 25-20 when i had a chance a few yers ago. I also love the 32-20. Never met a WCF dash cartridge i did not like! i plan on introducing my grandkids to Winchesters using the 25-20 when they get old enough.
I have also noticed that the price of 92's in 25-20 do not seem to be affected by the cost of loaded rounds and brass shortage.

[cactus joe]

I would think the 32-20 brass can be used to make up 25-20.


Yep you can. I had a friend take a few of my .32-20 cs and sized them into .25-20s. Just got to make sure i don't get my down sized .32-20 cs mixed up with my regular .32-20 cs.

[RoyceP]

I would think the 32-20 brass can be used to make up 25-20. I never tried it because i stocked up on 25-20 when i had a chance a few yers ago. I also love the 32-20. Never met a WCF dash cartridge i did not like! i plan on introducing my grandkids to Winchesters using the 25-20 when they get old enough.
I have also noticed that the price of 92's in 25-20 do not seem to be affected by the cost of loaded rounds and brass shortage.

All fine and dandy except there is no source of 32 WCF brass and has not been available for years.

[cactus joe]

There is some .32-20 for sale on Gunbroker now. Expensive but they have it. Also Optics planet has some. Maybe others that's as far as i checked. So .32-20 brass is out there. >25-20 is hard to find.

[RoyceP]

There is some .32-20 for sale on Gunbroker now. Expensive but they have it. Also Optics planet has some. Maybe others that's as far as i checked. So .32-20 brass is out there. >25-20 is hard to find.

Right we are all going to pay GB $4.00 per round right? Not.

The Optics Planet sight has some really bad reviews and they also have no stock of 32 WCF brass. They will run your credit card though.

"OpticsPlanet has a rating of 1.31 stars from 220 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about OpticsPlanet most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and next day problems. OpticsPlanet ranks 147th among Outdoor Equipment sites."

https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/opticsplanet.com#:~:text=OpticsPlanet%20has%20a%20consumer%20rating%20of%201.34%20stars,problems.%20OpticsPlanet%20ranks%20115th%20among%20Outdoor%20Equipment%20sites.