It was first chambered in Model 1889 lever action Marlins long before Winchester did the same thing and put their name on the .25-20.

[2] While the SAAMI pressure rating is a full 28,000 CUP, modern ammunition is often loaded lighter in deference to the weaker steels used on many of the original guns.

The early black powder cartridges were loaded to about 20,000 psi, but the SAAMI rating is close to that of the high velocity smokeless rounds produced later.

Though the higher velocity loads would be destructive for small game use, the handloader can run heavier cast lead bullets such as the 85 gr.

LRNFP at more sedate velocities around 1,000-1,200 FPS to anchor game with much more authority than the .22 Long Rifle, yet not destroy meat.