What do you think about the 25-20...

Big Yac · January 4, 2006, 02:42 AM

... for squirrel hunting? I have a Savage bolt action rifle in 25-20. I have recently began to reload ammo for it. I'm wondering is anyone has used this particular round on squirrels and if so how does it work? Ofcourse I'd try for a headshot.

Polydorus · January 4, 2006, 06:52 AM

35 years ago I knew a guy who hunted whitetails with a .25-20, a little small for that. Maybe a little large for squirrels but you won't know for sure unless you try it!

Long Path · January 4, 2006, 10:08 AM

It's a bit hotter than is necessary for squirrels, unless you download it a lot and use the lightest (60 gr.) bullets. It'd be a fine coyote rifle, though, especially with the 87 grain bullets.

It's kind of an in-between varmint cartridge, IMHO. Well above the .22 WMRF and .22 Hornet, but well below a .223 or one of the 6mms.

HankL · January 4, 2006, 10:37 AM

Shooting UP into trees with a 25-20 ?

Big Yac · January 4, 2006, 11:13 PM

no, I'd be shooting down on them. I built an enclosed tree stand, 10ft off the ground. I get up in there and wait for a while until the squirrels start running around below me. I know it may sound like cheating but I get alot of them that way

I just figured I could use the 25-20 for shots alittle longer than my shotgun.

January 4, 2006, 02:42 AM	#1
Big Yac Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 422	What do you think about the 25-20... ... for squirrel hunting? I have a Savage bolt action rifle in 25-20. I have recently began to reload ammo for it. I'm wondering is anyone has used this particular round on squirrels and if so how does it work? Ofcourse I'd try for a headshot. __________________ "...and that's the bottom line, because Big Yac said so."

January 4, 2006, 10:08 AM	#3
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	It's a bit hotter than is necessary for squirrels, unless you download it a lot and use the lightest (60 gr.) bullets. It'd be a fine coyote rifle, though, especially with the 87 grain bullets. It's kind of an in-between varmint cartridge, IMHO. Well above the .22 WMRF and .22 Hornet, but well below a .223 or one of the 6mms. __________________ "Welcome to The Firing Line, a virtual community dedicated to the discussion and advancement of responsible firearms ownership."T.F.L. Policy Page Will you, too, be one who stands in the gap? ____________

January 4, 2006, 10:37 AM	#4
HankL Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 1999 Location: The Sunny South Posts: 2,174	Shooting UP into trees with a 25-20 ? __________________ Check 6

January 4, 2006, 11:13 PM	#5
Big Yac Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 422	no, I'd be shooting down on them. I built an enclosed tree stand, 10ft off the ground. I get up in there and wait for a while until the squirrels start running around below me. I know it may sound like cheating but I get alot of them that way I just figured I could use the 25-20 for shots alittle longer than my shotgun. __________________ "...and that's the bottom line, because Big Yac said so."

January 4, 2006, 06:52 AM	#2
Polydorus Senior Member Join Date: October 5, 2005 Posts: 144	35 years ago I knew a guy who hunted whitetails with a .25-20, a little small for that. Maybe a little large for squirrels but you won't know for sure unless you try it!