.22 mag Meanderings

[stevemb]

A convertable Single-Six was my first handgun. Number three is currently on duty. Its been 30+ yrs now. Got some thoughts I'll throw out there, some entertainment value at least for ya ! We all seem to know how between LR loadings and handguns, there is such a difference as to preference, and how fussy individual guns are. So, if the loads I'm gonna mention, just plain seem to have a mind of their own, outta your favorite .22, I understand, you'll have to look elsewhere. I know many of you have many more bricks of LR behind you, than I. Maybe though, I've gotten more use from my Mag cylinder than some. so here goes. All of my Single-Sixes liked the CCI offerings, the 40gr HP's most. Its absolutely deadly on skunks, feral felines, porkies and similar varmints. But back in during one and two's day, we didn't have coyotes. My concern has been on adding a 30 to 60 lb critter to the threat list. I've been playing with the Federal Game-Shok 50gr HP loading. I haven't got to use it on live critters yet, but am very hopeful. I'm not interested in the ever lighter and faster loads because those speeds ain't gonna happen outta my 6 1/2" barrel. Like with our .44's, I'd rather go heavy for caliber in search of a more lethal loading. Also,seems the 22mag is being more often of lately, being chosen for protection of life and limb from two-legged vermin. Now the threat size has more than doubled. What I'd like to see now is someone work on a 60gr loading. Think this could happen ? Be made to work ? Again, I'm talking handguns. I also have CCI and Winchester WRF ammo here, hmmnnn....opinion not formed yet. How about you ? Better than LR, cheaper than Mag..? Your turn for some thoughts. I'll check back later. Ole weird stevemb

 

[BradB]

It has seemed like with the invention of 17 HMR, the 22 LR/22 WMR world has started evolving to higher speed less weight, rapid expansion. Especially the 22 WMR. It may be farther back than the 1960's when people actually hunted deer with 22mag. Then it was jacketed soft point. I would really like to see "slower heavier" someday available in 22 mag.

With the scarce available nature of rimfire these days its probably the "good luck with whatever you find". Good luck with your coyotes.

 

[Chief 101]

My old single six shoots the mini mags in the solid configuration real well. I am gonna say I would have a tough time getting close enough with the sixgun to shoot a coyote but these solids in a rifle are a deadly combo when coyotes get in the sights...I am an old six gun shoooter and also like the heavy bullets but in considering the competition the 22WMR has nowadays not likely to get other offerings in that cal. Sounds like heavy 22WMR would be perfect for what you want to do with them...might have to make your own..

 

[stevemb]

"Might have to make your own".... ? Hmmnnn....how ? stevemb

 

[mikld]

"Might have to make your own".... ? Hmmnnn....how ? stevemb

I remember several years ago kits were available to reload rimfire cartridges. A labor intensive process, but not real difficult. Can't remember the name of the kit right now, but it consisted of a punch to flatten/open up the rim, some priming compound mix (mixed with water and a drop was placed in the case, making sure it went into the rim gap) and a bullet seating "die". Can't remember much about bullet availability, prolly came from the kit manufacturer (swaged heeled bullets).

 

[Chief 101]

disassemble ammo and find heavier hornet bullets and work up load using powder that was removed from original cases...you can do this using a stout rifle for testing...once you find a combination that leaves the empty cases looking normal try them in revolver and see if it shoots good....time consuming and getting a crimp back on the case will challenge your ingenuity. Forgot about the kit that might still be available mentioned by mikld.

 

[stevemb]

Thanks guys ! I did not know anyone was reloading rimfires or that there ever was a kit. This is one of those, ya learn something new every day kinda things. I do not see myself going that far though. We have coyotes go thru the 'hood just about the time I get home from work. They've gone thru the yard right under the bedroom window. Pets have gone missing. At this time of day I'm still wearing a .44 of some kind. Its more likely the .22mag will be along when we are goofing around at camp, and we have a den within a half mile of the camp buildings, still on our property. Bird dogs, hunting dogs have been attacked in several states. This the most likely scenario. stevemb

 

[GasGuzzler]

WRF is hard enough to find so it's not cheaper than WMR here. I have some 50+ grain somewhere. I haven't seen 60's. Seems perfectly feasible to me....easier on new ones than reloading spent rim fires (which I know some do).

 

[stevemb]

A 60gr WFN .22mag...Ok, I'd settle for a HP if made stouter with heavier varmints in mind. stevemb

 

[Bucks Owin]

My OM "Jim Taylor Special* dotes on PMC 40 gr "Predator" in it's WMR hole. Happily when sighted in dead on with LR ammo at 25 yds, the 40 gr "maggie" prints 1" high at 50 yds. A digger squirrel 75 to 100 yds away will at least get scared witless by firing a Predator at it...(They also exit the 6.5" barrel at over 1300 fps and group 1" at 25 yds)...Great fun! 8)

I'm tempted to put a 9.5" barrel on it but fear it may not group as well and why mess up a fine shooter.... :?


* One hole of LR cyl opened up for WMR... :wink:

 

[DeletedMember275]

Wildcatting rimfires is exactly how the .17 HMR was developed. I have read that it is possible to order primed rimfire brass from the manufacturers, at least from time-to-time, so the idea isn't totally out there. My question is rifling twist: will the standard 1:16" .22 rimfire twist stabilize the longer, heavier bullets, especially out of a handgun?

 

[don44]

Federal makes a 50gr in the 22 magnum ! Shoots good in my Single Sixes !