Rifle · Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardizedObsolete
.25-20 Single Shot
Long, narrow American single-shot cartridge; parent case for early high-velocity .22 wildcats (R2 Lovell)..
- Caliber
- 0.258″ · 6.553 mm
- Introduced
- 1882
- Case
- Rimmed
- Parent
- .32 Extra Long
- Primary use
- Target, Small game
- Status
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1882
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- J. Francis Rabbeth
- Manufacturer
- Maynard / J. Stevens (early makers)
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Obsolete
- Availability
- Collector
- Case capacity
- 21.5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:10
- Primer
- Small Rifle
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 18,000 CUP, SAAMI crusher
- Eff. range
- 150 yd
- Max range
- 3100 yd
- Recoil
- 1.5–2 ft·lb
Ballistics
Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for .25-20 Single Shot, so this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.
Open in Ballistic Compare- Parent case
- .32 Extra Long
Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
mixed/other · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 6.55 | 0.258 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | 7.09 | 0.279 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 7.44 | 0.293 | |
| Shoulder angle | 15° | — | |
| Base ⌀ | 8.10 | 0.319 | ~ |
| Rim ⌀ | 9.60 | 0.378 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.27 | 0.050 | ~ |
| Neck length | 6.74 | 0.265 | |
| Case length | 41.53 | 1.635 | · |
| Overall length | 48.26 | 1.900 | · |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .25-20 Single Shot is highlighted below.
Missing a dimension for .25-20 Single Shot? Some case measurements aren't in a published SAAMI/CIP drawing yet. Have a factory or reamer print? Send it → — verified hard-to-find data earns a free Lindcott sticker.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Designed by J. Francis Rabbeth, 1882; first chambered by Maynard, then Stevens/Winchester. Distinct from the bottlenecked .25-20 Winchester.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .25-20 Single Shot use?
- .25-20 Single Shot typically uses a 1:10 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .25-20 Single Shot?
- .25-20 Single Shot uses a 0.258″ (6.553 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .25-20 Single Shot still in production?
- .25-20 Single Shot is obsolete; typical availability is collector.
- What is .25-20 Single Shot used for?
- .25-20 Single Shot is primarily used for target, small game.
- What is .25-20 Single Shot based on?
- .25-20 Single Shot is derived from the .32 Extra Long case.
Sources & provenance
- Reference Frank C. Barnes / Gun Digest — Cartridges of the World · velocity, bullet ⌀, grain weights
- Secondary Black Powder Cartridge News — The 25-20 Single Shot · year, velocity, bullet ⌀, grain weights archived
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
