25-20 Ammo For Sale Online At Smoky Mountains Guns And Ammo

You’re here for 25-20 ammo for sale, and I get it.
I’m a hunter who loves classic cartridges that still work hard.
The 25-20 Winchester ammo story mixes tradition, accuracy, and real-world results.
At SmokyMountainsGunsAndAmmo.com, we stock 25-20 WCF ammo in bulk when we can.
We also guide you with honest specs, use cases, and buying tips.

What is 25-20 ammunition?

25-20 Winchester (often written 25/20 ammo, 25-20 WCF ammo, or 25-20 Winchester ammo) is a small-bore, centerfire rifle cartridge.
It started life by necking down the .32-20 case.
It uses .257–.258″ bullets and a mild powder charge.
Typical factory loads send an 86-grain soft point about 1,460–1,700 fps.

Emotionally, this round feels like a handshake from an old friend.
It is gentle to shoot.
It is easy to place shots well.
That builds trust, which is exactly what you want in the field.

History

Winchester developed the 25-20 WCF in the 1890s and released it in 1895 for the Model 1892 lever-action.
It came from the .32-20 family and quickly became a ranch and trap line favorite.
Early loads ran about 1,460 fps with 86-grain bullets.
Handloaders later pushed “high-velocity” variants faster.

These facts matter because history signals reliability.
A cartridge that has worked for 130+ years still works today.

Types of 25-20 ammunition

You’ll see a few common styles:

• Soft Point (SP) 86-gr: classic small-game and varmint choice.
  Factory listings often show ~1,460 fps and ~400–540 ft-lb.

• 60–75-gr bullets: lighter varmint bullets with higher speed potential.

• Cast lead loads: great for meat-friendly small-game work at 1,000–1,200 fps.
  They hit harder than .22 LR yet save meat.

Because many rifles are vintage, modern factory ammo is often kept mild for safety.
That protects older steel and actions.

Specifications of the 25-20 ammo

Key specs buyers ask for:

• Bullet diameter: ~.258 in

• Case type: rimmed, bottleneck

• Parent case: .32-20 Winchester

• Max average pressure: ~28,000 CUP (SAAMI)

• Case length: ~1.330 in

• Overall length: ~1.592 in

These numbers show why recoil feels light and control stays high.
That builds user confidence and faster follow-ups.

Design of the 25-20 WCF ammo

The rimmed design gives positive extraction in lever guns.
The bottleneck improves feeding and supports consistent ignition.
The .32-20 parent case keeps capacity modest, which helps with low recoil and low noise.

From a hunter’s seat, that design helps you relax behind the trigger.
Calm shooters make clean shots.
Clean shots build trust in your gear and your ammo.

What is 25-20 ammo used for?

Traditionally, the 25-20 rifle shines on small game and varmints.
Think fox, raccoon, coyote, and farm pests.
With cast loads, it is excellent for edible game like rabbit and squirrel.

You’ll find stories of the 25-20 taking deer long ago.
However, it is not a modern deer cartridge by today’s standards.
Energy and bullet construction limit humane range on large game.

Vintage 25-20 ammo

Vintage boxes exist and draw collectors.
If you shoot a vintage 25-20 rifle, always match ammo to the gun’s era.
Stick with mild factory loads for older actions unless a competent gunsmith says otherwise.
SAAMI notes ~28,000 CUP, but many modern loads are kept lighter for safety in old rifles.

25-20 vs .22 Hornet

Both are classic varmint rounds.
Here’s the simple take:

• 25-20 WCF: heavier bullets (60–86 gr). Typical factory velocities ~1,460–1,700 fps.
  Recoil is very mild. Meat damage can be low with cast loads.

• .22 Hornet: lighter bullets (34–46 gr). Typical factory velocities are around 2,500–3,100 fps with ~700 ft-lb energy.
  Flatter trajectory and longer useful range.

In short, the Hornet reaches further and hits faster.
The 25-20 is quieter, softer, and kinder to small-game meat.
Pick based on range, terrain, and what you hunt.

25-20 rifle options

Most rifles chambered in 25-20 are classic lever guns.
The Winchester 1892 and Marlin lever actions are common on the used market.
You will mostly shop for pre-war to mid-century guns.

Check bore and headspace before you buy.
Old barrels vary, with many slugging near .258″.

Is 25-20 ammo hard to find?

Yes, supply is spotty.
Runs appear then vanish.
Price per box can be higher than common calibers.
Aggregators show listings, but stock changes fast.

Because of that, we post real availability at SmokyMountainsGunsAndAmmo.com.
When we list 25-20 ammo in stock, it is actually on the shelf.
When we say 25-20 ammo for sale, we ship quickly.

Community boards also confirm scarcity.
Many shooters form 25-20 from .32-20 brass or reload to stay supplied.

Where can I buy 25-20 Ammo online?

Buy from stores that state real inventory and ship fast.
At SmokyMountainsGunsAndAmmo.com, we work hard to stock 25-20 ammo in bulk.
We also help you choose the right load for your rifle and your hunt.
When shelves are tight, join our alerts.
You’ll get the first shot at fresh stock.

For cross-checking market prices, you can also watch large aggregators.

FAQs (people also ask)

Is the 25-20 cartridge still made?
Yes, but in small runs.
Brands release batches, then shelves go quiet.
That’s why stock trackers and store alerts help.

What is 25-20 best for?
Small game and varmints at modest ranges.
Think 50–125 yards with the right load and rifle.

Is 25-20 good for deer?
It has taken deer in the distant past.
Modern hunters should use larger cartridges for humane margins.

What rifles are chambered in 25-20?
You’ll mainly find older Winchester 1892 and Marlin lever guns.
Inspect the condition and bore before shooting.

How does 25-20 compare to .22 Hornet?
Hornet shoots lighter bullets much faster and farther.
The 25-20 is quieter, softer, and kinder to meat.

What are safe loads for old rifles?
Most factory ammo is mild to protect vintage steels and actions.
When in doubt, have a gunsmith check your rifle first.

Final buying advice

1. Know your rifle and its era.

2. Match bullet weight to your game.

3. Grab bulk 25-20 ammunition when it appears.

4. Keep a box or two for zero checks and season prep.

5. Set a price alert at SmokyMountainsGunsAndAmmo.com so you don’t miss restocks.

Ready to order?
Check our live 25-20 ammo for sale listings at SmokyMountainsGunsAndAmmo.com and look for 25-20 ammunition in stock today.
We ship fast.
We stand behind every box.