Rifle · Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardizedObsolete
.25-21 Stevens
Stevens single-shot target and small game cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.257″ · 6.528 mm
- Introduced
- 1897
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- target, hunting
- Status
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1897
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Stevens Arms
- Manufacturer
- Stevens Arms
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Obsolete
- Availability
- Antique
- Case capacity
- 27.5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:14
- Primer
- Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 18,000 CUP, SAAMI crusher
- Eff. range
- 200 yd
- Max range
- 2800 yd
- Recoil
- 0.89–1 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Introduced by Stevens Arms
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .25-21 Stevens — an obsolete/collector cartridge.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
Wikipedia · secondary source| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 6.53 | 0.257 | · |
| Neck ⌀ | 7.11 | 0.280 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 7.62 | 0.300 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 9.55 | 0.376 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.12 | 0.044 | |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 52.07 | 2.050 | · |
| Overall length | 58.42 | 2.300 | · |
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. .25-21 Stevens is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
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.
Firearms chambered in .25-21 Stevens
History
Stevens Arms' small gallery cartridge for single-shot rifles, circa 1880s. Used for indoor target practice and small pest control. The .25-21 designation indicated .25 caliber with 21 grains of black powder. Superseded by rimfire cartridges for gallery use.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .25-21 Stevens use?
- .25-21 Stevens typically uses a 1:14 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .25-21 Stevens?
- .25-21 Stevens uses a 0.257″ (6.528 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .25-21 Stevens still in production?
- .25-21 Stevens is obsolete; typical availability is antique.
- What is .25-21 Stevens used for?
- .25-21 Stevens is primarily used for target, hunting.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 4 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
