.25-20 Win. loads, T/C Contender rifle

[Somerled]

I have ordered a 24 in., .25-20 Win. barrel for my Contender rifle from the T/C custom shop at Fox Ridge Outfitters. I am interested hearing from anyone who has experimented with either Hornady or Sierra 75 grain hollow points. I can only find data for the Speer 75 grain FP.

I'm wondering if the Hornady or Sierra HPs will expand enough at .25-20 velocities. I plan to work up some groundhog loads.

[Nobade]

Yep, those 75gr. Sierras will work well in your new barrel. You should be able to get about the same speed out of that 24" tube as my 10 inch .256, and it will drop groundhogs nicely to 200 yards or so. Try a hefty charge of Lil' Gun with a mag primer and see what you think. In the TC you're only limited by the brass, not the gun so you can get some pretty serious performance out of that 25-20.

[Somerled]

Thanks. The 25-20 data I have found is usually for Win. 1892 lever actions, which was mostly developed in 20-inch barrels.