22LR/22WMR Revolvers; accuracy?

[berettaprofessor]

For revolvers that are manufactured and sold with two cylinders, 22LR and 22WMR, how does that affect the accuracy of the 22LR component? I don't know how it works and would guess that the 22LR has a farther "jump" into the forcing cone...making them less accurate than a 22LR only revolver. Right or wrong?

 

[CajunBass]

Personally I don't think it makes much difference. Some people say the "compromise" barrel diameter affects accuracy, but I don't think it does for any practical degree. If you're shooting for tiny groups you'd probably be better off with a more specialist gun, but for plinking can, casual target shooting, hunting squirrels and rabbits and such, the dual cylinder guns seem to work just fine. They do for me anyway.

 

[herkyguy]

plinking a hunting small game, my single six is more accurate than i need it to be. it's a great little gun.

 

[45lcshooter]

Used to have ruger single 6 with both cylinders, 6.5 inch barrel, and a pistol scope. Both 22lr and 22mag were bulls eyes at 50 yards. Squirrels hated the gun, when I didn't want to take the 12ga out.

But I needed money and sold it, wish I didn't.

 

[rcmodel]

would guess that the 22LR has a farther "jump" into the forcing cone

Wrong guess.

There is no jump, as the chamber throat in front of the chamber is bullet diameter, and pressure slugs up the bullet to fit it if it isn't. That keeps the bullet perfectly aligned with the bore, and has no impact on accuracy.

Witness the S&W K-22 revolver.
It is based on the .38 Spl model K-38, so the chamber throats in it are longer then they are in a .22 RF/22 WRM cylinder in say a Ruger Single Six Convertable.
Yet the K-22 is noted for accuracy, and has won more NRA Bullseye matches over the years then possibly any other .22 revolver.

If there is any difference at all in accuracy in a convertible?
It would be due to one of two things.

1. The bore on some convertible guns is optimized for the .224" jacketed bullets used in the .22 WMR. Not the .222" lead bullets used in .22 RF.

2. Generally speaking, you can find a more accurate .22 RF load that a gun likes best because there is a much wider variety of brands and loads to try in .22 RF then in .22 WMR.

rc