Wincacher said
Interesting observations tim tomlinson but:

The 25-20 cartridge is actually more powerful than the 32-20.

1)  The 32-20 is really a .31 caliber and the 25-20 is really a .26 caliber.

2)  The 32-20 factory load fires a 100 grain bullet @ 1210 fps with a muzzle energy of 325 ft. lbs.

3)  The 25-20 factory load fires an 86 grain bullet @ 1460 fps with a muzzle energy of 407 ft. lbs.

So, whether one is hunting a large Midwestern white tail deer, or a Southwestern mule ear deer or a Southeastern scrubby white tail, the ballistics indicate that a 25-20 is a better choice over a 32-20, if those are the only two choices available.  

The standard Winchester load for the 32 Winchester was a 115-gr bullet, @1222 fps, and 381.5 ft. lbs.

The WHV (Winchester High Velocity) load in the 1911 catalog was a 115-gr bullet @1640 fps, and 690 ft. lbs. of energy.

All Model 1885 single shot rifles chambered for the 32 WCF are safe to shoot with the WHV load.  I own a late production high-wall in 32 WCF that has a 28-inch #3 Nickel Steel (for smokeless powder) full octagon barrel.  Shooting jacketed 115-gr bullets, I have reloads that are just shy of 2000 fps.  I would not hesitate to shoot a deer with it out to 150 yards… it shoots 1.25″ groups @100 yards.

Bert