Anyone here use the 25-20 WCF in single shot target format? Most of the existing rifles I've heard about are lever or pump models. I'm interested in getting a barrel for that cartridge for a Winchester highwall receiver.

There is a Quarter-bore class in many ASSRA matches and the CBA has a .25 caliber Friday fun match at the CBA Nationals each year. The cartridge is easily formed from .32-20 brass in these days of brass shortages. It also can be formed from .218 Bee brass if desired. 

Many shooters are breech-seating with bullets around 120 grains in 1 in 10" twist barrels. 

The older rifles with 1 in 14" twist barrels will not stabilize bullets above 87 grains.

Jerry - What happens with/to the Winchester brass?  Thanks.

bnice wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2021 at 8:34am:


breech seated or fixed?

JerryH's success with the 25WCF is quite remarkable and he has shot numerous 250's in matches, so many now that I have lost track. Jerry has also shot a 250 in an Iron Sight match and I believe it to be the only one to ever be shot with a 25 caliber. One can also take anything that Jerry has to share to the bank and he is always happy to help. Jerry is a dear friend and he also shoots with our group whenever he can and as honest as the day is long. 

My friend Rich$ had the same problem with WW brass. He uses R-P cases with no problem with separation. Bullets are breech seated, cases never see a sizing die. Annealing made things worse.

I have no idea why this happens with my rifle. It shoots way too good to try to "fix" anything. I have plenty of R-P cases so I'm not worried about loosing one every now and then. I made a tool to remove the neck/shoulder portion of the case that stays in the chamber. Only takes a minute or so to do. Usually I spot the separation starting before it comes off.

JerryH

I can not imagine not breech seating. It seems the accuracy potential is well documented. The bullet being fully and centrally seated in the rifling creates a huge advantage off the starting line. Not to mention - with whatever seating tool may be needed, BS is so quick and easy. Just my $.02.

More of an in-depth answer, I am shooting the Mos 120 grain bullet in 20:1 alloy. Breech-seating, the bullets drop from the mold .258, bore diameter, lubricated with Javelina Schuetzen lube. The powder charge is 8.4 grains AA #9. I've worked up from 7.8 grains and this gives the best accuracy with this alloy and lube. 

In two CPA Stevens 44 1/2, I have a barrel for each chambered with the same reamer. The brass is interchangeable. The brass for one rifle is Starline .32-20 sized down after annealing. The brass for the other rifle is a mixed lot of .218 Bee, .25-20, .32-20 W-W brass given to me as .218 Bee that required sorting and reworking. 

Brass reforming; 1) Note: Use clean brass; 2) Note: Sparingly use Imperial Sizing Die Wax; 3) Form down in stripped seating die; 4) Form in sizing die; 5) Check in chamber; 6) Deburr neck both inside and outside.

Good luck and good shooting. Welcome to the cadre of Quarter-bore shooters.