The .25-20 Winchester Center Fire (.25-20 WCF) was introduced in 1895 for the Winchester Model 1892 lever-action rifle. A necked-down .32-20 Winchester, it was designed for varmint and small game hunting, offering excellent accuracy and mild recoil. The cartridge was also offered in revolvers (Colt Single Action Army) and some Marlin lever guns. It dominated the varmint and small game market before being supplanted by the .22 Hornet and later the .222 Remington.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1895, United States
Parent case: .32-20 Winchester
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.257" (6.53 mm)
Case length: 1.33" (33.78 mm)
Overall length: 1.592" (40.44 mm)
Max pressure: 38,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Small Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:12
Muzzle velocity: 1460–2100 fps
Muzzle energy: 284–841 ft-lbs
Effective range: 200 yd
Common bullet weights: 60, 86 gr
Primary use: hunting_small_game, varmint_hunting, target_shooting
Production status: Limited
Also known as: .25-20 WCF · 25-20 · 6.5x33R
History: The .25-20 WCF was the varmint cartridge of the early 20th century, widely used for rabbits, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and foxes. Its mild report, low recoil, and good accuracy made it popular for farm use and small game shooting. Double rifle sets (rifle + revolver in the same caliber) were marketed by Winchester. The cartridge gradually lost ground as high-velocity .22 centerfires arrived…
Notable firearms: Winchester Model 1892, Marlin Model 1894, Colt Single Action Army