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25-20s (Read 1755 times)
Jamey
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25-20s
Mar 29
th
, 2025 at 8:13pm
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I know this has probably been discussed before, but I’m having no luck at all using the search function.
Besides the “cool” factor, any advantages, one way or the other, between 25-20WCF and 25-20SS?
If I go with wcf, and don’t like it, can I just rechamber to ss?
Is inherent accuracy better with either, and if so, why?
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jimmy
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #1 -
Mar 29
th
, 2025 at 8:32pm
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WCF is shorter and fatter. So the barrel will need set back either way you go first. SS brass is harder to find.
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bnice
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #2 -
Mar 29
th
, 2025 at 9:48pm
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as said 2520wcf much easier and cheaper to find. I have both and they both shoot really well. finding 25-20SS can be a challenge.
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JHand
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #3 -
Mar 30
th
, 2025 at 11:15am
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I have been advised against the SS to use in matches to be competitive. Rifles chambered in SS had a slower twist the man the WIN, so you have to use a lighter bullet going slower.
I suppose on a custom rifle, you could get the SS with any twist you want, but brass is next to impossible from what I hear
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Jamey
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #4 -
Mar 30
th
, 2025 at 12:30pm
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Ok, thanks, sounds like wcf makes more sense for me.
Second question:
I know the Stevens 44 1/2 is preferable and stronger, but, how suitable/safe is the 44 action for 25/20 wcf?
44 1/2s are like hen’s teeth around here…
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Sure shot
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #5 -
Mar 30
th
, 2025 at 12:42pm
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Stevens rifles chambered in 25-20 ss have a 1-13 twist.
Both cartridges are fine chamberings. While brass for the single shot might be a little harder to find, once you aquire some you are all set. I have a 44,a 44 1/2,and a 044 1/2 in .25-20 ss. A Stevens model 44 wouldn't be my first choice to chamber it in .25-20 win, if you kept the loads on the mild side it would likely handle the cartridge okay.
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marlinguy
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #6 -
Mar 30
th
, 2025 at 1:11pm
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Everything from brass, to dies, to reamers, is cheaper and easier to find in .25-20wcf. And considering the results some shooters are getting with their .25-20wcf rifles in competition there's no question in my mind it can be extremely accurate.
The choice for me would always be the .25-20wcf.
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art_ruggiero
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #7 -
Mar 30
th
, 2025 at 1:35pm
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25/20 ss is original to stevens 44 and safe art
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marlinguy
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #8 -
Mar 30
th
, 2025 at 5:45pm
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art_ruggiero wrote
on Mar 30
th
, 2025 at 1:35pm:
25/20 ss is original to stevens 44 and safe art
I think the 44's were also offered in .25-20 Art. And even .44-40, .32-40, and .38-55 also.
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oneatatime
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #9 -
Mar 30
th
, 2025 at 7:35pm
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I have a 25-20 SS and a 44-40. I'm kind to the 44-40 - there was a reason why Stevens dropped the chambering. They came up with a special hammer that added support to the breech block of the 32-40 and the 38-55 rifles.
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Jamey
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #10 -
Oct 2
nd
, 2025 at 6:48am
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If I hadn’t said it before, thanks for all the info and advice.
As a result of this thread, I have purchased a 44 1/2 in 25-20ss from another member, (thanks Chris) I’ll be buying some of the Jamison brass for it. It was a fun road trip. On the way home, I stopped by a gun shop to see what components they might have, and found another 44 1/2 in 32-40; nowhere near as nice, but a platform for future projects. The 25-20ss will stay in its original condition as long as I own it, a perfectly shootable gun.
Thanks again to everyone.
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Just Jim
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #11 -
Oct 2
nd
, 2025 at 12:31pm
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I recently purchased a Maynard No. 16 which was billed as being chambered in .25 long rimfire. I was looking forward to creating cases and working with this, but when it arrived, I found it had been rechambered to .25-20 WCF.
I'm pretty happy with it now. I solved the other mechanical issues the rifle had, ordered a new NOE 63 grain mold, and have been enjoying it!
I think these days, you are adding to your woes to pursue the SS cartridge. The Winchester cartridge is just considerably easier to get comp[onents for.
SORRY- Just saw you purchased a rifle chambered for the SS cartridge. I have a couple of those, and know you will enjoy it. Just be kind to your brass!
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JHand
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #12 -
Oct 2
nd
, 2025 at 1:44pm
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To throw another similar caliber in the mix, have you looked at 25-35? They guys I shoot with suggest that over the wcf. The larger case is easier to get in the chamber when breech seating, the small one can spill powder in the action. Brass is easy to get, but is based off the 30-30 so you'll always be able to make it
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Oldbee
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #13 -
Oct 7
th
, 2025 at 6:00pm
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Jamey,
Are you going to bring that new 32-40 to the crew get together?
Seabee's, Danang, Chu Lai, Khe Sanh, 1966 -1968
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waterman
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Re: 25-20s
Reply #14 -
Oct 7
th
, 2025 at 9:09pm
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Sure shot wrote
on Mar 30
th
, 2025 at 12:42pm:
Stevens rifles chambered in 25-20 ss have a 1-13 twist.
Both cartridges are fine chamberings. While brass for the single shot might be a little harder to find, once you aquire some you are all set. I have a 44,a 44 1/2,and a 044 1/2 in .25-20 ss. A Stevens model 44 wouldn't be my first choice to chamber it in .25-20 win, if you kept the loads on the mild side it would likely handle the cartridge okay.
I just saw this. I have an ordinary Stevens 44 with a barrel marked 25-20 in the usual way, but the groove diameter is .251 and the twist is 17". Chamber is cut for 25-20 SS.
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