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25.20 single shot ammo

nyforester
I just picked up an old Stevens Ideal 44 chambered in 25.20 Single Shot. (This is different than 25-20 WCF). Does anyone know where to find a few boxes and what the cost might be ???

"GOD created Q-tips for cleaning GUNS...not EARS."
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6 comments

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  • Bert H.
    Hello Pete,

    25-20 S.S. is definitely different than 25-20 WCF. Unfortunately, unlike the 25-20 WCF, it has been extinct since about 1930.

    Loaded ammo, especially a complete box (which I have three of) is purely collector material, and it is not cheap... $100 - $150 for a 50 round box. At least 50% of what you will find is black powder loaded. Even old used brass is extremely difficut to find, as much of it was bought up over the years by the folks who liked wildcat cartridges back in the 1930s - 1950s. The 25-20 S.S. cartridge was used to make both the .22 Lovell and the improved R2 Lovell. Fortunately, Bertram does make new brass (which is not cheap either), but it is only of marginal quality. Shooting the 25-20 S.S. is purely a reloaders game. On the bright side though, it is a superbly accurate cartridge. I own an original Winchester Model 1885 single shot (a low-wall that was made in 1900), that will lay them all inside 1.5 inches @100 yards if I do my part[^].

    I have found most of my 25-20 S.S. by attending some of the larger gun shows (Reno, Las Vegas, etc.). Be prepared to pay for it though.

    Good luck in your search.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a WINCHESTER Single-Shot!
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  • shooter93
    Try Buffalo Arms and Huntington's...they may have brass other than Bertrams.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by shooter93
    Try Buffalo Arms and Huntington's...they may have brass other than Bertrams.


    Nope, Bertram is it... the only game in town[:(]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a WINCHESTER Single-Shot!
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  • nyforester
    Thanks for the info - it gives me a starting point. Buffalo does sell loaded ammo, both black powder and smokeless...and yes Bert it seems to be very expensive at $54.00 / 20 rounds. Do you think my ideal rifle would be better off shooting black powder or smokeless, or does it not matter ?
    Pete

    "GOD created Q-tips for cleaning GUNS...not EARS."
    GooleyClub0501812.jpg
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  • Bert H.
    Pete,

    For what it is worth, the Buffalo Arms loaded ammo was made using Bertram brass. It is probably a little bet better brass than buying the empty cases yourself. The cost of their ammo is why I hunted down my own stuff, and reload my own[^].

    Your Stevens No. 44 Ideal will shoot either the black powder ammo, or the smokeless. Both are loaded to equal pressure and velocity. If you intend to reload for it, stick to factory load specifications, as the Stevens No. 44 is not an overly strong action (unlike the Winchester Model 1885). I have loads for my Winchester that zip right along, but they would be dangerous in your Stevens. If you are interested in reload data (factory specs), send me a message through the GB contact system, and I will send you a copy of what I have.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a WINCHESTER Single-Shot!
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    midwayusa.com lists .25/20 s.s. brass (bertram) for $21.81/20 (#226-899). I've used bertram brass in .50/70 and .43 spanish with good results.
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