Modern Reloads in a 1892 Winchester

[Corey3]

I just got a Winchester model 1892 in .25-20 that was made in 1910. It's a pretty slick rifle and in good condition, I was wondering if it is safe to fire modern ammunition in them, or if I should reload lighter rounds for it. Thanks for your help guys, I'm looking forward to shooting this thing.

 

[Winnipeg Toymaker]

If you can find factory loads then buy them up. The factory loads are loaded low to be safe for the old girls. I have a 1905 Marlin in 25-20 that I reloaded for and it performs great at a heavier powder load. Also have a 1911 Winny in 25-20 and it uses the same load. great caliber for gophers.

 

[jethunter]

Get your reloading data from a reputable source and you will be fine.

 

[Corey3]

Is it easy to find brass to reload this round? I have one hundred pieces of brass already, how many uses do they usually last?

 

[kevin.303]

Brass life depends on how hot your load is. Brass it's self isn't too hard to find, both remington and winchester still offer it. All factory ammo will be fine, it is loaded with the original guns in mind.

 

[Win 38-55]

Factory loads for the 25-20 are not only safe, they are considerably underpowered in comparison to the original High Velocity 25-20 cartridges designed in the early 1900's for the Winchester Model 1892. I reload for the 25-20 and put my 85 grain cast bullets out the barrel at around 1,600 fps using Unique.

 

[kevin.303]

Are you casting your own or buying them pre cast? I would like to find a Canadian source for pre cast bullets suitable for the .25-20.

 

[ben hunchak]

The '92 if in good shape is a very strong action and can take fairly stout reloads, don't forget that years ago, before their value went way up, many were converted to .357 mag. and .44 mag.

 

[jed]

I use cast bullets from the bullet barn in South West BC with imr 4198

 

[Corey3]

Are you casting your own or buying them pre cast? I would like to find a Canadian source for pre cast bullets suitable for the .25-20.

Pre cast from Bullet Barn, here is a link:

http://www.thebulletbarn.com/pricelist.html

I use cast bullets from the bullet barn in South West BC with imr 4198

This would be great, I already use Hodgdon 4198 for .223 reloads.

Thanks for your help guys, have a great day.

 

[PileBuck]

Pre cast from Bullet Barn, here is a link:

http://www.thebulletbarn.com/pricelist.html



This would be great, I already use Hodgdon 4198 for .223 reloads.

Thanks for your help guys, have a great day.

IMR 4198 and H 4198 are not the same powder. While they are very close in burn rates I wouldn't use them interchangeably. Start low and work up

 

[c1a1]

Pre cast from Bullet Barn, here is a link:

http://www.thebulletbarn.com/pricelist.html



This would be great, I already use Hodgdon 4198 for .223 reloads.

Thanks for your help guys, have a great day.

Good news for reloaders on the Lower Mainland. There is a Bullet Barn distributer in Mission. This will save expensive shipping! Check out www.rustywood.ca.

 

[kevin.303]

Sweet, I'm gonna order some, do they need to be gas checked?

 

[ben hunchak]

25/20 - 85gr. fp avail. from M.T. Chambers supply, done up soft or med. hard, like it was meant to be.

 

[jethunter]

25/20 - 85gr. fp avail. from M.T. Chambers supply, done up soft or med. hard, like it was meant to be.

Good point. Hard alloy cast bullets aren't needed at 25-20 velocity. Accuracy potential is better with a slightly softer bullet, and they are not as hard on 100 year old rifling.

 

[Corey3]

25/20 - 85gr. fp avail. from M.T. Chambers supply, done up soft or med. hard, like it was meant to be.

I tried to find a website for M.T. Chambers but it doesn't appear to be up right now. Softer bullets would probably be a better choice for this rifle, it belonged to my great grandfather who died in World War 2 so I would like to keep it in good shape.

 

[Win 38-55]

The cast bullets that should best in my 25-20, I did not cast. They have a gas check. I'd recommend a GC cast bullet for the 25-20.