25-20 ?

[dirtdobber47]

I want to load cast bullets for Md 92 winchester, I've only loaded cast in pistols. Do ya'll use a gas check for the 25-20, do you flair the mouth and where do you get your bullets? Any other help on the 25-20 would be very welcome. Thanks

[CyberSniper]

http://www.meisterbullets.com

I see an 85 grain bullet listed there, it is a plain base, no gas check.
Being a bottle necked case, I'm pretty sure you'd have to buy
a Lyman "M" die to flare the case mouths before seating the
lead bullets. Unless you can seat them without shaving lead
by simply inside chamfering the mouths with a hand tool for that purpose.
Dies for bottle necked cases don't usually come with an expander die
for the mouth like straight cased die sets do.
You'll have to look around on line for a source of gas checked bullets,
unless somebody else has more info on that.
Don't forget to use a light crimp also, since the rounds will be
used in a tubular magazine.
According to the #48 Lyman manual, several pistol powders might work
ok for you in the .25-20 also.

[Lone Star]

I've only used GC bullets in my .25-20s, so I don't know if PB will work well or not.  Accurate lists cast loads but they are all GC.  The cast loads I used were low velocity plinking loads around 1200-1400 fps with BlueDot and AA#5, very accurate.

http://www.accuratepowder.com/loaddata_caliber_rifle_standard_257cal.htm

[CyberSniper]

Most of the loads I've seen don't exceed 1,600 feet per second.
In theory, plain base bullets should do ok at or below that velocity.

By the way dobber, Speer makes a 75 grain jacketed bullet, and Hornady
has a  60 grain bullet. These are flat points, and are made for use
in the .25-20.You might have already known that, but I thought I'd
mention it.

[Lone Star]

Most of the loads I've seen don't exceed 1,600 feet per second.

All of Accurate's top cast loads exceed that, doubtless the reason for the use of the GCs.  The Speer 75 is highly accurate in my M1894CL, and can be driven quite fast.  It is the superior jacketed bullet for all uses IMO, being almost a wadcutter the huge flat point kills small game exceedingly well even at low speeds, yet can exceed 2000 fps.  It also holds together better than the 86-grain Remington bullets so it would be superior on larger game - for those intent on using not enough gun....

[CyberSniper]

All I can say is the Lyman #48 and the 2006 Hodgdon manuals do not
show any loads for 86 grain bullets over 1,600 feet per second, with but
two exceptions. ( 1,751 fps with an 86 grain jacketed bullet tops. )
So, all I can say is that's why the more load data you have, the better.
Still and all, no law says you have to push those plain base bullets
over 1,600 fps.

[gazz]

Lee make a universal flaring die that works well.
I would recomend that you slug your barrel and start with a cast bullet one thou over groove diameter. Don't try to drive them too fast! If they keyhole, put a bit more antimony in your mix, and / or get a larger mold.
My 92 likes .260 plain base flat nosed 80 grainers. I use a .258 mold and cast pure wheel weights. They will expand up to .260.
Smaller diameter cast bullets will keyhole, but .257 jackets shoot well.
The 25-20 is my favorite plinker I.M.H.O. it is best suited to cast bullets at low velocity.
gazz.