.22 Magnum Trivia

[Gordon]

Here's a recycled message I posted on another forum, hope it spices up your day:Here's an update on some trivia about .22 magnum: I needed something a little more than a .22lr pistol,didn't want my .32's or 9mm Maks as it had to hit squirrels to 50 yards and they don't cut it for accuracy at that level. I didn't want my 1976 Ruger single six as I wanted quick load and status check for a gun that sits in one of those quick access wall safes near the deck. So I dragged out my 4".22mag Colt Trooper mk III that safe queens as it is pristine, I must admit I've only fired it 50 rounds 15 years ago but remember it's accurate. So I tested in paper half gallon milk jugs and across a chrono (I've got sky screen semi permanently mounted in my airplane tire 50ft shooting tunnel) a few loads I thought I might use. I wanted none of the light hyper stuff as I have a .17HMR Ruger Hunter for that ! So I tested Wincheser 40 grain JHP which produced 1475fps velocity and fragmented and blew 3 jugs. I tested 50 grain Federal JHP and it only produced 1210FPS and blew 2 jugs, penetrated 5 total and the recovered slug was expanded to .324" (moderate) and lopsided like it may have tumbled,it did according to side ways holes in jug 4. Last load was Win chester 45grain Dyna-point. A dimpled (slight cup nose) plated soft lead bullet. I liked this load! It was quiet like a .22WRF only with a sonic crack as it went 1275fps BUT it expanded to .386" and straight on penetrated 4 1/2 gallon containers blowing the first 2. The Federal load produces 2" 50ft groups but the Dyna point puts them all in one hole about an inch across if I do my part!Nothing like a 42oz Colt .22mag. ! The DA is a little heavy but very smooth and the SA is 3lb and like glass! I have shot 3 noisey Roosters and half a dozen big ass ground squirrels in the last 2 days when I took it when I fed the stock.I think the Win Dyna point will kill anything to 50-70lbs real well I have an old Safariland Green elk suede lined thumbbreak high ride for it. Being 'only' a MkIII I guess I'll use it this fall. I like a bigger gun when it gets dark early in the winter. My wife LOVES this gun, she is PO I never showed it to her before!

 

[Preacherman]

Where's that "green with envy" smiley when I need it?

Congratulations on rediscovering an old friend!

 

[Gordon]

Well you should be jealous about that gun! It is Royal Blue as it was made in 1971, and looks new. The real thrill was I chrono'd my 1976 Colorado Centenial Ruger Single Six with 6 1/2" barrel and it was 60FPS slower than the Colt.! The Colt has 4.5" of barrel by my ruler and at least .5" of freebore in that looong cylinder. Any way I think this is a 'fast' gun as I've heard elsewhere of much lower velocities for those two loads! I can't see how they could as low as I've seen reported being they operate at 34000cup !

 

[Hand_Rifle_Guy]

What is the color of jealousy?...

...That I too may bask in it's unflattering light.

It is green, like a frog. It's radiance withers my soul...

Now THAT is a prize. I was not aware that Colt had ever produced a .22 Mag on the Mk. III frame. Talk about a superb field gun for small game! The Troopers's solid heft would be like hauling around a shooting rest for every shot.


Sure, color me green with envy. Makes the room look like it's lit by swamp gas.

What're the odds of seeing a picture of this unknown treasure?