.25-20 bullet size question

[LarryLee]

I am effectively confusing myself and would appreciate your advise. I have a Stevens 44 in .25-20 SS and am trying to load for it. I have 37 original factory loads to go by. They chamber fine and eject with a clean jump - not too tight and not loose. The barrel slugs at .254 - .251 and the nominal bullet size is .258. When the barrel was slugged it eased up about mid barrel from the muzzle and basically dropped out the last 1/4 of the barrel and chamber.

Can I assume that the rifle will act as it effectively has a 14" forcing cone? I am uncomfortable with the .004 oversize.

Also, I can't seem to find an expander that will open the cases to accept the .258. My once fired cases and the new Bertram both measure .254 ID Market seems to jump from .257 to .261?

Appreciate your thoughts. Wayne

[Char-Gar]

I would not be uncomfortable.

[John Boy]

The bullet diameter for the 25-20 and 25-20 SS are the same ... 0.258
Order this Lee 25-20 die set that has the "Long Guided Expander" or call Lee if they sell the Expander separately
https://www.titanreloading.com/25-20-3-die-set

[Nueces]

Buffalo Arms carries custom made neck expanders that I've found very useful.

[LarryLee]

Thanks Char-Gar

[LarryLee]

John, the reference is MUCH appreciated

[LarryLee]

And Nueces, that will no doubt help - thank you

[Chev. William]

Reminder: do not over-expand the case necks or you will loose the Tension needed to retain the Bullet in travel.
a slight bell on the case mouth may be all you need to allow seating of the .257"-.258" diameter bullets.

Over-expanding and then resizing wil shorten case reloading life.

Chev. William