The Winchester Model 1892 in 25-20 caliber saw a new cartridge developed in 1895 that would be used in conjunction with the lever-action rifle. This was the 25-20 Winchester, one of Winchester’s most notable centerfires, also dubbed the WCF (Winchester Center Fire).
The 25-20 Win has its parent case in the 32-20 Winchester, necked down to fit a 0.258 caliber round onto the cartridge. Designed to be a varmints cartridge it stole the show from a similar cartridge that was around at the time of its arrival, the 25-20 Marlin.
The cartridge became reputable amongst the farmers, trappers, and small game hunters. This was because of the ability to retain salvageable meat from small games like turkeys that have been shot by the round.
The WCF has a factory-loaded grain of 60, 75, and 86 grains that can clock up to 1700 fps on average. Using the cartridge over a distance of 150 yards would still guarantee you an accurate hit on your varmint target. However, due to its light bullet, and sedated ballistics with heavier bullets, it is rarely used for big game hunting. A precise placement shot is required for a humane kill in this instance.
Using the WCF in a single shot or bolt action rifle delivers better accuracy for hunting small games at distances of 125 yards. The 25-20 has all but gone extinct, with the 85-grain bullet being the only cartridge type offered on the commercial market to date, yet it would still be hard to find this 20th century period piece.
