Have an ancient Marlin levermatic .25-20 Win originally chambered for the .25-20 Marlin and a Stevens 44 in .25-20 SS. Both shoot an Ideal 257283 quite well. Something around 200 rds loaded for the Marlin and another 600 empty cases. Pretty much do what Gnoahhh said and neither would be a first choice for deer.
That said, I know a fella that whacked a magnificent bull elk with a Colt Woodsman. No tracking required.
